*If you have a favorite book to add to the list, please let me know! I would love to build our book collection!

Jacob’s New Dress

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Jacob’s New Dress by Sarah and Ian Hoffman is a wonderful story showing how something as simple as a towel can be made into the most amazing dress. Jacob loves the dress-up corner in his classroom. He loves the dresses most of all. But one little boy doesn’t like that Jacob wears a dress. So Jacob decides, with the help of his mom to make his own dress so that he doesn’t have to use the dress-up dress anymore. The same boy taunts Jacob at school the next day and even tries to pull Jacob’s new dress off of him. The teacher has a conversation about how at one point girls weren’t even allowed to wear pants at school and that Jacob should wear what he is most happy in. This is a heartwarming story to read with your own little boy in a dress; especially to help him overcome the taunting comments fellow classmates may say. I love reading this book with my own son and hope you will enjoy it as well!

Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress

Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress by Christine Baldacchino is another favorite in our house! Morris loves to play dress-up at school. His favorite dress is the tangerine dress that reminds him of tigers and his mother’s hair. Unfortunately, not everyone at school things Morris should wear a dress. This makes him very sad and he ends up staying home from school with an upset stomach. Morris ends up feeling better after he spends some time with mom and draws an amazing picture of a boy in a tangerine dress riding on an elephant. Once he returns to school, Morris doesn’t let the other kids bother him. When they won’t let him play, Morris creates his own spaceship game and soon the other boys are following him on his space ship to a new planet. By the end, Morris is confident enough to tell everyone that this boy can wear a dress! I hope you will love this book as much as my son does!

The Prince and the Dressmaker

If you’re looking for a great book for your upper elementary or middle school child, then this is the perfect book for you! The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang is a book the students in my classroom absolutely loved. It was one of those books that never stayed on my classroom bookshelf; it was constantly passed from one student to the next. It was also a very popular book in our school library. The relationship between the prince and his family, especially his father is wonderful. Prince Sebastian struggles with following the traditional route of finding a bride and being true to himself.

Julian Is A Mermaid

Julian Is A Mermaid by Jessica Love is a beautiful picture book depicting the relationship Julian has with his Abuela. Julian loves mermaids and imagines himself as one. He even decides to create his own mermaid costume out of items he finds in Abuela’s house. When Abuela sees Julian dressed up as a mermaid, he becomes nervous that she might be angry with him or not want him to be a mermaid. But she simply gives him a necklace to make his mermaid outfit even better. They then get to go off to join a large gathering of mermaids together. Abuela’s encouragement for Julian to be himself is told beautifully through the pictures in the story. My family absolutely loves how the pictures show the amazing bond Julian has with his grandmother. This is another great book to add to your collection!

I Like Myself

I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont is the perfect story about embracing everything about yourself. Everyone is different and we may all like different things, but that is okay. We should embrace ourselves. We should love who we are. In a time where our world is so full of judgment, this is the perfect book to read. I Like Myself encourages you to love yourself no matter what.

Raising My Rainbow

Raising My Rainbow, adventures in raising a fabulous, gender creative son by Lori Duron is a must-read for all parents of a gender-nonconforming child. Lori takes us on a journey of her son C.J.’s early years, where he decides he wants to dress like a girl and play with only girl things. This book had me laughing and crying along with Lori and C.J’s day to day life struggles. I could relate to each one of her experiences and felt like I was reading about my own life. Lori includes resources for parents, educators, and a list of websites and contacts for anyone part of or interested in learning more about the LGBTQ community. I couldn’t put this book down and wish I had put on my hands on this book sooner. Bonus: It includes a forward by Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka! You can find more out on her blog.

Be Kind

Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller is a great children’s book about how important it is to be kind. We were lucky enough to borrow this from our local library! I highly recommend reading this book with your children! I read Pink Is For Boys

Pink Is For Boys by Robb Pearlman is a wonderful book showing how all colors are for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you are a boy or a girl, you can like any color. A boy can love pink, or blue, or green. A girl can love pink, or blue, or green. All of the colors of the rainbow are for everyone to enjoy!

10,000 Dresses

10,000 Dresses by Marcus Ewert is a fantastic picture book about a boy who feels like a girl. Bailey has some wonderful dreams about these incredible dresses and asks her family members if they would buy one of the dresses for her. Each time she is told dresses are for girls and she is a boy. She lets her family know she doesn’t feel like a boy, but they dismiss her saying that she is a boy. Finally, Bailey meets Laurel who likes to make dresses but they all come out the same. Laurel wants to make something different. Bailey offers to help Laurel and shares with her one of the dream dresses. Together, they create a beautiful mirror dress. Laurel accepts Bailey for who she really is and Bailey offers to help Laurel come up with more amazing dresses. We absolutely love this book in our house!

Sparkle Boy

Sparkle Boy by by Leslea Newman and illustrated by Maria Mola is a fantastic story about the relationship between siblings. Casey loves everything that is sparkly. He wants to wear a sparkly skirt, have his nails painted sparkly, wear sparkly bracelets. But, his sister Jessie has a very hard time with this. In her eyes, boys should not be wearing sparkly things. She really struggles with her brother’s non-traditional gender traits, until a trip to the library. At the library Casey is mistaken for a girl. When the other kids at the library figure out that Casey is really a boy, he is made fun of. They start laughing at him and Casey gets very upset. Jessie stands up for her brother and realizes that clothing is not about typical gender norms. Clothing is about what makes people happy. And if sparkly things make Casey happy, then that makes Jessie happy. I highly recommend this amazing story and wonderfully illustrated book!

The Sissy Duckling

Don’t let the title turn you away. I’m not a big fan of the word sissy either, but I really like the message of this story. And you can have a lot of great conversations with children about word origins and word meanings while reading this book. The sissy Duckling by Harvey Fierstein is about a duck named Elmer who is made fun of for being a “sissy”. Elmer does not enjoy the things most of the other ducks do. He likes to cook, he does not like rough sports, he dresses up and is much more gentle than the other ducks his age. He is called a “sissy” because of this. Even his father becomes frustrated with Elmer and calls him a “sissy”. Elmer decides to run away and is the only duck who stays when winter comes around. Unfortunately, as all the ducks are leaving for winter a bunch of hunters come. Elmer ends up saving his father and nursing him back to health all winter long. Elmer does all the things everyone calls “sissy” in order to help his father. When the ducks return in the spring, Elmer is no longer thought of as a “sissy”. Instead of trying to change himself to fit in with others, Elmer remains true to himself and proves that being yourself is better than trying to follow the crowd.

My Princess Boy

My Princess Boy Cheryl Kilodavis centers around a boy who loves all things pretty. He prefers to wear dresses and tiaras. He loves to dance with his brother. He prefers to wear princess items when he is out in public. Sometimes he gets looks, sometimes people question him, but he is not willing to give up what makes him happy. He is supported by his family for doing what makes him most comfortable and happy. As all children should be.

Ballerino Nate

Ballerino Nate by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is a lovely story about a boy who wants to be a dancer. Nate takes a field trip to see a Ballet and falls in love with dancing. His mom signs him up for ballet and he is so excited to be able to learn how to dance. But, his brother Ben does not think boys should dance. He tells Nate everything bad he can think of about dancing. He even tells Nate he will have to wear pink, a tutu and a leotard, which are not Nate’s favorite things. He loves dancing, but he also likes blue and sweatpants and t-shirts. Mom decides to bring Nate to a professional ballet so he can see male dancers. Nate even gets to meet a real male dancer and all his fears about dancing go away. This is a great story to encourage boys that they can dance as well. Dancing is not just for girls. Dancing is for everyone.

I Am Jazz by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings is a picture book about how Jazz Jennings became Jazz Jennings. Jazz is transgender and she tells her story in a simple way for children to understand what it means to be transgender. Jazz knew she had a girls brain in a boy’s body from a young age. It was confusing for her friends and family. It even confused her teachers. But with the help of a doctor and her family, Jazz was able to become her true self. She is able to be happy with who she is. Jazz is an honorary co-founder of TKPRF (TransKids Purple Rainbow Foundation) and she loves to tell her to story to help other children who are transgender. I loved the conversations we had as we read this book. The encouragement to just be yourself is such a powerful message. I highly recommend checking it out!

It Feels Good To Be Yourself

It Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity by Theresa Thorn and Illustrated by Noah Grigni is a fantastic children’s book explaining gender in an easy to follow way. There are so many different ways to be a boy or a girl. This book covers some of the big ones (non-binary, transgender, cisgender). I love how this book explains to children that your gender identity is how you feel. Adults make a guess about your gender when you are born. Sometimes they get it right, and sometimes they get it wrong. And that is okay. It is okay to let people know if they got it wrong. It is also okay to let people know if they got it right. We need to listen to our hearts so that we can feel good about being ourselves. I also love that the back of the book has some important terms to know, information about pronouns and a bunch of helpful resources for both adults and children. I highly recommend It Feels Good To Be Yourself!

Introducing Teddy

Introducing Teddy: a gently story about gender and friendship by Jessica Walton is a very cute story about a boy and his teddy bear. Errol does everything with his teddy bear Thomas. They play together every day. But one day, Thomas is sad and he is afraid if he tells Errol why, Errol will not want to play with him anymore. Errol lets Thomas know that he will always be his friend. Thomas tells Errol that he is actually a she. And her name is Tilly. Errol does not care if his bear is called Teddy or Tilly. He loves Tilly for being herself and doing what makes her happy. This is another great book that I highly recommend.

Jack Not Jackie

Jack Not Jackie is another fantastic children’s book. Erica Silverman writes a lovely story about two sisters. Susan was so excited to have a little sister. She imagined all of the fun they would have together. But her little sister Jackie does not like the same things Susan does. Jackie enjoys getting messy, being a super hero and dressing up like Daddy. When it is time for haircuts, Susan only wants a trim because she loves when her hair is swingy. Jackie wants short hair and is excited that the short hair makes her look like a boy. She even declares, “I am a boy!” and to call him Jack. Susan always wanted a sister, not a brother. This news is very hard on Susan. She decides to draw a picture of Jack and Jackie. She realizes that they both have the same round eyes and that a brother is just as good as a sister. In the back of this book are also some amazing resources for both adults and children.

Be Who You Are

Be Who You Are by Todd Parr is a great picture book encouraging children to be proud of who they are.  It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what color you are, what language you speak, or what you like to wear.  You should be proud of yourself.  You should be confident in being who you are.  This is a great book to introduce young children that every family is different.  Every person is different.  And that is okay.  We should embrace ourselves for who we are. 

Strictly No Elephants

Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev and illustrated by Taeeun Yoo is a wonderful children’s book about acceptance.  An elephant is sometimes a hard pet to have because an elephant doesn’t always fit in.  Most people don’t have an elephant as a pet.  It is Pet Club Day, but elephants are not allowed. There are so many children, with so many pets at Pet Club Day, but no elephants.  Pets, like friends, come in all shapes and sizes.  But the Pet Club does not understand this.  They think a pet must be a cat, a dog or a fish.  Other children with different pets end up getting turned away from Pet Club Day too.  All the pets that were turned away decide to start their own club.  A club where everyone is allowed.  Because that’s what friends do.  They accept you for who you are.  No matter what differences you have. 

Red: A Crayon’s Story

Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall is a beautiful story about embracing your true self.  Red is a crayon whose label says he is red.  But no matter how hard Red tries to be red, everything comes out blue.  His teacher, his parents, his friends all try to help him be red.  They give him tips and tricks and lots of encouragement.  But, Red still makes everything blue.  Until one day he met a new friend who asked for blue water.  Red was red and so he didn’t think he could draw blue water.  But, he did.  And he continued to draw everything blue.  Even though his label said red, he was truly blue on the inside.  And once Red realized who he truly was, everyone he loved embraced his true self as well. 

Who Are You?

Who Are You? The Kid’s Guide To Gender Identity by Brook Pessin-Whedbee is a must have children’s book!  Not only does the book do an amazing job explaining gender, but it encourages children to remember that they know themselves the best.  People often get confused with gender and think it’s the sex assigned to us at birth.  But gender is so much more than that.  I love that the book includes a page by page guide, a list of other books to read with children, an Interactive Gender Wheel and a number of other resources.  This is such a great book to read and discuss with children about gender.  I think even adults will learn a few things from this book.  I highly recommend Who Are You?  Visit the website kidsguidetogender.com to learn more.

Dazzling Travis

Dazzling Travis (A Story About Being Confident & Original) by Hannah Dias and Illustrated by Brenda Figueroa is a wonderful story about being yourself. Travis loves dancing, playing with all toys, and choosing his own style. But some of the things he enjoys are thought of as girl things. Kids make fun of Travis for liking girl things. But Travis doesn’t let the mean words from the other kids bother him. He let’s everyone know that he is who is is and that’s okay. We can all learn from Travis’s strength. We are all different and we all like different things. And most importantly, we should always be ourselves. This book comes with discussion questions and a list of people who just like Travis, struggled against the opinion of others. We absolutely loved this book in our house!

Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too)

Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too) by Keith Negley is a great book about feelings.  I like this book because so often as a society we tell boys to “toughen” up.  Boys are told they must act tough.  But that doesn’t mean boys don’t have feelings.  As humans, we all have feelings.  And don’t we want our sons to grow up to have empathy, compassion and sympathy for others?  Don’t we want our sons to be nurturing parents.  Don’t we want them to be caring to their partners?  Showing our feelings and emotions should not be considered as a sign of weakness.  I strongly feel, as a society, we need to rid the stigma of “tough” boys and this book is definitely helping with that. 

Stories for Boys Who Dare To Be Different, Stories For Kids Who Dare To Be Different & 50 Real Heroes For Boys

I feel these three books go hand in hand.  Ben Brooks wrote Stories For Foys Who Dare To Be Different and Stories for Kids Who Dare To Be Different.  Both were illustrated by Quinton Winter.  I love these books because they show kids that you don’t have to be a superhero to do amazing things.  Real people do amazing things every day.  And Ben Brooks tells you about a ton of amazing people.  Patch Adams, Steve Irwin, John Lennon, Jim Henson, Joan of Arc, and Greta Gerwig are just a few of the ones mentioned in these books.  50 Real Heroes for Boys by Christy Monson similar in how it shows that real people do amazing things.  I like that it lists superpowers as compassion, confidence, integrity, sacrifice and so much more.  These are traits we all have.  The people in the book are heroes because they have done amazing things for others in order to try and change the world.  So if your child is looking to find a hero, they should check out one of these books.  Because the world is full of heroes who do amazing things every day. 

The Gender Creative Child

The Gender Creative Child by Diane Ehrensaft, Phd is a must read for all adults with gender creative children.  As a parent of a gender nonconforming child, this book was extremely helpful.  Diane Ehrensaft takes you on a journey explaining terminology, the interconnected effects of biology and culture in relation to gender.  Gender is fluid, not just binary.  This book is a great book to help schools, educators and communities become more aware of gender creative children.  She encourages adults to listen to their children.  They often know who they are before their parents do.  This is definitely a book I highly recommend to anyone who knows a gender creative kid. 

When Grandpa Gives You A Toolbox

When Grandpa Gives You A Toolbox by Jamie L. B. Deenihan and illustrated by Lorraine Rocha is a wonderful story about the relationship of a boy and his grandpa.  When you want a dollhouse for your dolls, but Grandpa gives you a toolbox instead, what do you do?  Should you hide it?  Get rid of it?  Maybe the little bird who fell out of its nest needs some help.  Maybe that toolbox will help?  And maybe once you make one thing, you can make other things.  Maybe even a dollhouse.  I like this book because both Grandpa and the boy work together to learn what they both love.  Grandpa loves tools, the boy loves his dolls.  And together they build a dollhouse.  Because the stuff we like isn’t based on gender.  It’s for everyone.    

American Ballet Theatre Presents Boys Dance!

The American Ballet Theatre presents Boys Dance! By John Robert Allman and illustrated by Luciano Lozano.  This is an amazing book for all those who love to dance.  And it is a great reminder that dance is for everyone.  I love that it includes bios from some of the men who dance for The American Ballet Theatre.  This rhyming book is beautifully done and shows boys that being you is most important.  No matter what your passions are, you should never let anyone tell you that you can’t pursue them.  Always be you! 

Mary Wears What She Wants

Mary Wears What She Wants by Keith Negley is a fictional book based on Mary Edwards Walker.  Mary Edwards Walker was one of the first known women to wear pants.  She was arrested many times for wearing “men’s” clothes.  She would defend herself by saying, “I don’t wear men’s clothes, I wear my own clothes.”  Everyone should be able to wear what they want and wear what makes them most comfortable.  We absolutely loved this book! 

Why Am I Me?

Why Am I Me? By Paige Britt and pictures by Sean Qualls & Selina Alko.  This picture book is not only beautiful but has a wonderful message.  Two young children are traveling home at the end of the day wondering who they are.  Why am I me?  Why are you, you? They discover that their city is full of extraordinary people.  And they discover that the world would not be the same without them. 

Speak Up

Speak Up by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Ebony Glenn is all about finding your voice.  “One voice can make a difference.”  Sometimes it’s hard or scary to speak up.  Sometimes a smile is all you need to speak up.  Other times a shout is what you need.  Whether it is someone saying your name wrong or witnessing an injustice, it is important to speak up.  I love that this book gives examples of real kids who spoke up and it also gives some strategies for speaking up.  This is definitely a must have! 

A New Kind of Wild

A New Kind of Wild by Zara Gonzalez Hoang is a great book about friendship.  Ren loves his life in the wild. Every day was an adventure whether he is chasing unicorns or feasting with fairies.  But then he has to move to a city.  The city is not at all like his wild.  And he is lonely.  Until Ava shows him her wild.  She showed him creatures that lived in the most unlikeliest of places and the beautiful colors of her wild.   Ren just needed a friend who could show him the potential of his new place and that every place has something special to see and explore.   This is a must read! 

Bling Blaine, Throw Glitter, Not Shade

Bling Blaine Throw Glitter, Not Shade by Rob Sanders and illustrated by Letizia Rizzo is such a great book!  My boys absolutely loved it!  Blaine loves to sparkle.  He is always finding ways to glitz up his school uniform.  His classmates know this is just how Blaine is.  He loves glitter just like some of his classmates love high tops or hoodies.  But not everyone feels that Blaine should sparkle the way he does.  His classmates work together as allies to show everyone that they should have the freedom to be who they are.  They should all throw glitter, not shade. 

Cemetery Boys

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas is a fantastic YA book about a trans Latinx boy who is trying to figure out where he fits into his community.  This novel combines not only the supernatural but cultural and social experiences that many youth face.  Yadriel wants to prove himself as a real brujo.  But while trying to do this, he summons a ghost that leads him on a mystery about the ghost’s death and his connection to some other missing people.  Will Yadriel be able to help the ghost and prove himself as a real brujo to his family?  Definitely a must read novel!

Except When They Don’t

Except When They Don’t by Laura Gehl and illustrated by Joshua Heinsz is another wonderful children’s book.  This book encourages children to be themselves.  Sometimes girls like fairies and dolls and ballet.  And sometimes boys do.  Sometimes boys like football and mud and trucks.  And sometimes girls do.  Children should be able to play with whatever they want and be themselves.  Toys and activities are not just for one gender.  They are for everyone. 

A Family is a Family is a Family

A Family is a Family is a Family by Sara O’Leary and illustrated by Qin Leng is a wonderful children’s book about how different all families are.  Every family is unique.  Some families have two moms, some have two dads, some children split time between their parents, some children are raised by their grandparents.  But as long as there is love, the family is perfect. 

 

Wonder

Wonder by R.J. Placio is one of my all time favorite books to read aloud with my students.  It’s about a 10 year old boy who is going to school for the first time because of medical issues.  August Pullman was born with a facial deformity and spent much of his early life going through surgery.  This book is amazing, because Auggie struggles with what most 10 year olds struggle with; friends and school.  The overarching theme of kindness is prevalent throughout the entire book.  Just be kind.  Everyone has their own personal struggles and being kind could really turn one person’s day around.   If you’re looking for a feel good novel to read, this is the one to get. 

Auggie & Me

Auggie & Me by R.J. Palacio is a companion book to Wonder.  This book tells the story from three different characters perspectives (Charlotte, Christopher and Julian).  The Julian Chapter is my favorite because seeing things through the eyes of the bully completely changes your view about him.  Granted, he was horrible to Auggie in Wonder, but when you are able to take his perspective on things, there’s a better understanding about why he is the way he is.  I definitely recommend this one to read about reading Wonder. 

The World Needs Who You Were Made To Be

The World Needs Who You Were Made To Be By Joanna Gaines is a wonderful children’s book about being yourself.  Every person is unique and special.  You were meant to be here and the world needs you to be who you are.  I love how this book encourages us all to be different and not to change our true selves.  We were all born differently and that is okay.  We are all here for a reason and we should celebrate our differences. 

You Matter

You Matter by Christian Robinson is a beautiful children’s book about being yourself.  It doesn’t matter how small you are.  It doesn’t matter what you look like.  It doesn’t matter if you are different from everyone else.  You matter.  You are you.  And you matter.  This is such a great book to snuggle up with your little one and share together. 

Be Amazing

Be Amazing: A history of pride by Desmond is Amazing and illustrated by Dylan Glynn.  This book is great if you want to learn about the history of pride.  It discusses some amazingly courageous people like Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia River and RuPaul.  It also explains some important pride events in terms children can understand.  Everyone is unique and deserves to be themselves.  Society may still have a long way to go, but some amazing people have paved the way to make sure society is more inclusive today than it used to be.  I love that terms are explained in the back as well as some other great sources to visit for more information.

This Is How It Always Is

This is How it Always Is by Laurie Frankel is such a great novel!  It follows the story of Penn and Rosie’s relationship through five children.  Five boys.  Or what they thought at first was five boys based on their anatomy.  But Claude (their youngest) quickly started showing them that he was not a he.  He was in fact a she.  She was Poppy.  I love how both the struggles Poppy faces and the struggles Poppy’s parents have been told in the novel.  They are fears we all have as parents.  Are we doing what’s right by our children?  Are you favoring one child over the other?  Is one child’s problems more severe than another child’s?  But no matter what happens, they love all of their children unconditionally and encourage them to be their true selves.  This is a definite must read!  

Knock Knock

Knock Knock: My Dad’s Dream For Me  by Daniel Beaty and illustrated by Bryan Collier  is such a bittersweet story with the most beautiful pictures.  “This powerful and inspiring book shows the love that an absent parent can leave behind and the strength that children find in themselves as they grow up and follow their dreams.” 

The Vanishing Half

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett is an amazing novel!  It follows the decade long story between twin sisters Stella and Desiree.  The sisters grew up in the deep south but the two end up leading very different lives in very different worlds: one black and one white.  The sisters are separated by thousands of miles, yet somehow their own daughter stories intersect.  This is a “riveting, emotional family story and a brilliant exploration of race, gender, and identity, and the lasting influence of the past as it shapes a person’s desires and expectations.”  A definite must read!

My Shadow Is Pink

My Shadow is Pink by Scott Stuart is about a boy whose shadow is pink.  His dad has a blue shadow.  But his shadow is very different.  At first, his father lets him know not to worry.  His shadow will turn blue soon.  But the boy doesn’t want his shadow to turn blue.  He likes it pink.  After the boy has a rough day, the dad realizes that the pink shadow is his son’s true shadow.  “Your shadow is you and pink it will be.  So stand up with your shadow and yell THIS IS ME!  And some they will love you…and some they will not.  But those that do love you, they’ll love you a lot.”  A definite must read!  This isn’t available in the US until April.  

Julian At The Wedding

Julian At The Wedding by Jessica Love is the follow up to Julian Is A Mermaid.  The pictures are amazing and show the lovely friendship between Julian and Marisol.  Julian and his Abuela are going to a wedding and Julian and Marisol are in the wedding.  Julian and Marisol have a wonderfully mischievous time at the wedding and realize that everything is easier with a good friend by your side.

I’m Not A Girl

I’m not a girl by Maddoz Lyons and Jessica Verdi and Illustrated by Dana Simpson.  Hannah is not a girl.  But no one seems to understand this.  His parents don’t understand why he won’t wear the pretty dresses they give him.  His friends think he’s a tomboy.  But on his birthday he wishes people could see him for who he is.  He learns he is transgender and should be proud of who he is.  He is a boy.  This book comes with a beautiful author’s note.  This story is based on the author’s child.  It is also filled with some great resources about some amazing transgender people in history, some other great books for both adults and children and important organizations. 

Harbor Me

Harbor Me by Jaqueline Woodson is a fantastic children’s novel.  Six students in New York City meet every week for a chat.  They can talk about anything they want.  There are no adults to listen in.  It’s a free space.  The six students learn so much about each other; race, immigration, death, prison, white privilege.  They realize that each of them has their own battles they have to deal with.  The world is not always fair.  Things don’t always go right.  But they have each other.  And they understand each other.  They would harbor each other if they had to.  I highly recommend this novel!

Not Quite Narwhal

Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima is a beautiful picture book.  Kelp was born in the ocean but knew early on that he was different from the other narwhals.  But his friends didn’t mind so he didn’t either.  One day he was swept away by a strong current and found land narwhals, which he learned were unicorns.  Kelp realized he was actually a unicorn, but he missed all his narwhal friends.  He wasn’t sure they would accept him as a unicorn, but they all loved him anyway.  Kelp even found a way that they could all be together, unicorns and narwhals.  I love the message of acceptance.  Accept everyone for who they are!

*We love to check out books from our local library. Most can be found on Amazon or at your local book store. Our favorite is to visit our local bookstore Battenkill Books to add to our collection!