Title: It Feels Good to Be Yourself, A Book about Gender Identity
Author: Theresa Thorn
Illustrator: Noah Grigni
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company, 2019
Ages: 5-8
Format/Genre: nonfiction
Themes: gender identity, being yourself, lgbtqia+, transgender, nonbinary
Opening:
This is Ruthie. She’s a transgender girl.
That means when she was born, everyone thought she was a boy. Until she grew a little older — old enough to tell everyone that she was actually a girl.
Synopsis:
A picture book that introduces the concept of gender identity to the youngest reader from writer Theresa Thorn and illustrator Noah Grigni.
Some people are boys. Some people are girls. Some people are both, neither, or somewhere in between.
This sweet, straightforward exploration of gender identity will give children a fuller understanding of themselves and others. With child-friendly language and vibrant art, It Feels Good to Be Yourself provides young readers and parents alike with the vocabulary to discuss this important topic with sensitivity.
Why I like this book:
This is a very well done primer of acceptance on the words listed in the appendix: Sex assigned at birth; Intersex; Gender Identity; Gender Expression; Cisgender; Transgender; Non-Binary. These sort of books are not just essential for those with gender nonconforming children in their lives, they are also a critical tools for discussing issues of gender identity and expression in a way that is empathetic, respectful, and affirming. Noah Grigni’s colorful illustrations are wonderful, and they explore further elements, such as diversity, intersectionality and non-gendered clothing and play, giving kids and parents even more avenues to discuss all the wonderful ways we can be different. Great book for kids AND adults.
Resources/Activities:
More very helpful concise list of resources in the appendix.
Great read for individual and group discussions.
Each week a group of bloggers reviews picture books we feel would make great educational reads. To help teachers, caregivers and parents, we have included resources and/or activities with each of our reviews. A complete list of the thousands of books we have reviewed can be found sorted alphabetically and by topics, here on Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.
It does feel good to be yourself and I love that there is a picture book that explains
gender identity in such an engaging way! Thanks for the review!!
Great pick, Joanna! So important to help kids feel comfortable in whatever skin they want to be in.
This sounds like a great choice. There are some big words in there for kids. I like the emphasis on non-gender clothing, toys etc. I have two great grandsons who who dress in whatever they like and both where there hair down to their shoulders. I love how our granddaughter is allowing them to just be without any pressure. Even dad wears a pony tail and beard.