Published by Anne Schwartz Books

Summary:  The book starts off with a series of questions: Are some things more for girls and some for boys?  Who made those rules?  What happens if we don’t follow them?  The text and pictures then show differences in sex and explain what gender identity is.  Different families and gender roles are portrayed, with an emphasis on treating others with respect and love, no matter how they identify or choose to raise a family.  A few people are profiled, like the Army’s first male nurse (Edward T. Lyon), the first openly transgender state senator (Sarah McBride of Delaware), and the first woman in space (Valentina Tereshokova).  The final page asks, “Won’t it be nice to live in a world where we can all just be ourselves?”.  Includes two pages of fun facts about gender and clothing.  40 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros:  The authors do an excellent job of presenting a complicated subject in a way that young children will understand.  Elise Gravel’s illustrations are fun and help to further illuminate the topics covered.  An outstanding resource all around (although I wish it had a list of additional resources).

Cons:  I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before the cultural warriors get this into their book-banning crosshairs.

April 6, 2022 at 03:52PM Janet Dawson