Booklist: Empowering Books That Explore Gender Identity
The Children’s Book Review
Breaking through the binary view of gender is no easy task, especially when the pressure to conform to gender roles is so deeply ingrained in our society. If you’re searching for gender-expansive books that explore and challenge the binary gender spectrum and embrace the full scope of gender identity and the complex challenges that come with it, we highly recommend the following books.
It can be challenging for people who don’t fit into traditional gender categories to find suitable representation. Living an authentic, fulfilling life no matter who you are includes those who don’t identify with traditional gender norms. These books are focused on gender identity and provide a vital voice to these individuals, underscoring the importance of embracing difference and honoring our authentic selves.
Here Are Four Books That Teach and Explain Gender Identity in a Kid-Friendly Way:
Gender Identity for Kids: A Book About Finding Yourself, Understanding Others, and Respecting Everybody!
Written by Andy Passchier
Ages 7+ | 96 Pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers | ISBN-13: 9780316411226
This new illustrated guide provides kids with a resource to understand better and answer questions about gender identity. It explores the concept of gender expression and helps children make sense of who they are and how they feel. As children grow up, they receive various messages about gender, but not all these messages resonate with them. Children may have different likes and preferences that don’t match the gender assigned to them.
This chapter book, Gender Identity for Kids, is an informative and fun resource for all kids, irrespective of their gender identity. It helps them understand what gender is and how to support themselves and others.
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My Own Way: Celebrating Gender Freedom For Kids
Written by Joana Estrela
Translated by Jay Hulme
Ages 3+ | 40 Pages
Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions | ISBN-13: 9780711265844
This engaging picture book challenges gender stereotypes and encourages individual expression. With beautiful illustrations and language that is succinct yet impactful, young readers are reminded that they can choose their own path. Rather than limiting themselves to traditional gender stereotypes, they are encouraged to ask themselves what brings them joy and to embrace their uniqueness. The book is a valuable resource for parents and educators seeking to promote diversity and inclusivity. It has also been expertly translated from Portuguese by award-winning transgender poet Jay Hulme, emphasizing the importance of respect for identity and difference at a time when these values are crucial.
My Own Way is a timely celebration of empowerment and individuality, combining aesthetic and literary appeal to create a memorable reading experience.
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It Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity
Written by Theresa Thorn
Illustrated by Noah Grigni
Ages 3+ | 40 Pages
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. | ISBN-13: 9781250302953
It Feels Good to Be Yourself is a picture book that introduces the concept of gender identity gently to children. Theresa Thorn and Noah Grigni have created a book that explains that some people identify as boys, others as girls, and some as a combination of both or neither. This touching exploration of gender is designed to help young readers understand themselves and those around them. The authors use clear, child-friendly language and stunning artwork to facilitate a thoughtful conversation about this important topic.
It Feels Good to Be Yourself offers parents and caregivers an excellent starting point for initiating a sensitive dialogue with their children.
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What Are Your Words?
Written by Katherine Locke
Illustrated by Anne Passchier
Ages 4+ | 40 Pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers | ISBN-13: 9780316542067
Accompany Ari on a journey through their neighborhood as they search for the right words in this gentle and inclusive introduction to gender-neutral pronouns. Regardless of age, readers will find this book both engaging and informative.
During Uncle Lior’s visit, Ari is asked one key question “What are your words?” There are days when Ari prefers she/her pronouns and other days when they opt for he/him. However, on the day of the community’s big summer bash, Ari is unsure which pronouns to use. Along the way to the party, Ari and Lior encounter several neighbors and discover the words they use to describe themselves, ranging from she/her and he/him to they/them and ze/zir. As Ari explores different pronouns, they realize it is alright not to have all the answers at once and that sometimes, your words will find you.
The colorful illustrations of What Are Your Words? beautifully complement this touching and straightforward narrative, making it an excellent primer on gender-inclusive pronouns.
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Looking for more kids’ books on the topic of gender identity?
Check out our article: Powerful Books and Tips to Smash Gender Stereotypes.
The Best Books About Gender Identity For Kids booklist was curated by Bianca Schulze. Discover more books like these titles by following along with our reviews and articles tagged with Books About Identity, Gender Equality Books, Gender Identity, and LGBTQ Books.
