Embracing Gender Identity Booklist

Embracing Gender Identities is an ALSC booklist created to help support conversations about gender identity and EMBRACING expression. This list, which is divided into books for 0-5 year-olds, elementary school students and middle schoolers, includes recommended informational picture books, GENDER as well as works of fiction and non-fiction that challenge gender norms and explore the wide spectrum of gender identity. It IDENTITIES includes additional resources for parents.

Birth–Preschool (Ages 0–5)

Clive and His Babies Julián Is a Mermaid Red: A Crayon’s Story by Jessica Spanyol by Jessica Love by Michael Hall Child’s Play International, 2016, ISBN: 9781846438820 Candlewick Press, 2018, ISBN: 9780763690458 Greenwillow Books, 2015, ISBN: 9780062252074 First in a series of board books about a boy Julián LOVES mermaids! A summer afternoon This heartwarming picture book follows the whose love for imaginative play includes of dress-up fantasy is only improved by a story of a blue crayon who is mistakenly dolls, hats, glitter, art, and a diverse group of surprise from Abuela. labeled as “red,” until he discovers his true friends. identity as a blue crayon and celebrates the strength he finds in being his true self. Neither I Am Jazz! by Airlie Anderson by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings, illustrated by Little, Brown, 2018, ISBN: 9780316547697 Teddy’s Favorite Toy Shelagh McNicholas The Land of This and That is too restrictive for by Christian Trimmer, illustrated by Madeline Valentine Dial Books, 2014, ISBN: 9780803741072 the individualistic Neither. But a more colorful Atheneum Books, 2018, ISBN: 9781481480796 This is the real-life story of Jazz Jennings, a and open-minded home is waiting to embrace Teddy’s mom accidentally throws out his transgender child who knew from a very early Neither. favorite toy, a doll named Bren-Da, but then age that she had a girl’s brain in a boy’s body. manages to rescue her through some epic moves. A great story that normalizes boys Phoenix Goes to School playing with dolls. Introducing Teddy A Story to Support Transgender and A Gentle Story about Gender and Gender Diverse Children They, She, He, Me: Free to Be! Friendship by Michelle Finch and Phoenix Finch, illustrated by Sharon by Maya Christina Gonzalez and Matthew Smith-Gonzalez, by Jessica Walton, illustrated by Dougal MacPherson Davey illustrated by Maya Christina Gonzalez Bloomsbury, 2016, ISBN: 9781681192109 Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2018, ISBN: 9781785928215 Reflection Press, 2017, ISBN: 9781945289064 Tilly the teddy bear is nervous to tell her Phoenix, a transgender girl, is feeling In this simple picture book, illustrations of a human friend Errol that she doesn’t want to be nervous about her first day of school. With variety of people show the range of what the called Thomas anymore, the name that Errol encouragement from her mom to be brave, pronouns me, she, he, and they can mean as has always called her. But all that matters to Phoenix makes new friends and stands up for they pertain to gender identity. An author’s Errol is that Tilly is Errol’s friend. herself. note at the end explores using and claiming pronouns to express who you are. Jacob’s New Dress Pride Colors by Sarah Hoffman and Ian Hoffman, illustrated by Chris by Robin Stevenson Want to Play Trucks? Case Orca Book Publishers, 2019, ISBN: 9781459820708 Albert Whitman & Company, 2014, ISBN: 9780807563731 by Ann Stott, illustrated by Bob Graham A sweet board book for the youngest readers Candlewick Press, 2018, ISBN: 9780763681739 When Jacob wears a dress to school, his that celebrates inclusivity, acceptance, and Jack likes trucks, but Alex likes dolls; the classmates challenge his choice. When he love through all the colors of the rainbow flag. solution to their play dilemma offers a persists, his family and friends begin to accept positive message about inclusiveness and his gender nonconformity. compromise.

This booklist was created by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). Titles on this list were selected by members of ALSC’s Quicklists Consulting Committee. For more booklists, please visit www.ala.org/alsc/booklists. © 2019 American Library Association EMBRACING GENDER IDENTITIES

K–Grade 5 (Ages 5–10)

Eleanor Wyatt, Princess and Ogilvy Pirate by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by T. L. McBeth Henry Holt, 2019, ISBN: 9781250151766 by Rachael MacFarlane, illustrated by Spencer Laudiero Imprint, 2018, ISBN: 9781250138576 Cheerful Ogilvy the bunny challenges Whether they’re sword fighting, sailing, or stereotypes after moving to a town where dancing, Eleanor and her friends know there’s there are strict rules about what clothes you more than just one way to play! wear and what you can do while wearing them. It Feels Good to Be Yourself A Book about Gender Identity One of a Kind like Me / Único by Theresa Thorn, illustrated by Noah Grigni como yo Henry Holt, 2019, ISBN: 9781250302953 by Laurin Mayeno, illustrated by Robert Liu-Trujillo Blood Orange Press, 2016, ISBN: 9780985351410 Vibrant and cheerful illustrations introduce young readers to the concept of gender Danny and his mama visit a thrift store identity through straightforward vocabulary, hoping to find the perfect purple dress for his child-friendly and intentional language, and princess costume. lots of love. Pink Is for Boys Jack (not Jackie) by Robb Pearlman, illustrated by Eda Kaban Running Press Kids, 2018, ISBN: 9780762462476 by Erica Silverman, illustrated by Holly Hatam little bee books, 2018, ISBN: 9781499807318 This beautiful picture book rethinks and Big sister Susan loves her transgender brother reframes stereotypical gender roles and just as he is; Jack’s bright eyes and silly giggle empowers children and their grown-ups to will always make her smile. express acceptance in every color of the rainbow. Jacob’s Room to Choose by Sarah Hoffman and Ian Hoffman, illustrated by Chris Sparkle Boy Case by Lesléa Newman, illustrated by Maria Mola Magination Press, 2019, ISBN: 9781433830730 Lee & Low, 2017, ISBN: 9781620142851 After Jacob and Sophie’s classmates object to Though his big sister has a hard time their bathroom choices, their teacher helps understanding, Casey’s parents and his her students write new rules about who can abuelita support him in his desire to wear use which bathroom. a shimmery skirt, glittery nails, and sparkly bracelets. Jamie Is Jamie A Book about Being Yourself and When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita Playing Your Way Lee & Low, 2019, ISBN: 9781620148372 by Afsaneh Moradian, illustrated by Maria Bogade Aidan, a transgender boy whose parents have Free Spirit Publishing, 2018, ISBN: 9781631981395 helped him build a life and identity that fits Is Jamie a boy or a girl? This book challenges his true self, is expecting a new baby sibling. gender stereotypes and shows readers that He sets out to discover the best ways to make playing is fundamental to growing up and the new baby feel welcome and loved. learning. Who Are You? Morris Micklewhite and the The Kid’s Guide to Gender Identity Tangerine Dress by Brook Pessin-Whedbee, illustrated by Naomi Bardoff by Christine Baldacchino, illustrated by Isabelle Malenfant Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2017, ISBN: 9781785927287 Groundwood Books, 2014, ISBN: 9781554983476 This informational picture book illuminates Morris is bullied at school because he loves distinctions of sex, gender, and identity, to wear a tangerine dress during playtime. providing grown-ups with guidance in talking Eventually, Morris teaches the bullies that it about and allowing children to embrace and doesn’t matter what he wears; all that matters express themselves as they are. is they can have fun playing together. EMBRACING GENDER IDENTITIES

Grade 6–8 (Ages 11–14)

Being Jazz dad thinks he should play football, and his A Quick & Easy Guide to They/ freestyle crew, the Dizzee Freekz, say dance My Life as a (Transgender) Teen studios are for sellouts. This hilarious novel Them Pronouns by Jazz Jennings celebrates following your dreams, while also by Archie Bongiovanni and Tristan Jimerson, illustrated by Crown, 2016, ISBN: 9780399554643 confronting gender stereotypes. Archie Bongiovanni Much more than the autobiography of a girl Limerence Press, 2018, ISBN: 9781620104996 who transitioned at age 5, it’s an uplifting A fun and educational comic guide to gender- story of acceptance, tolerance, and social The Pants Project neutral pronouns and how to use them. justice. by Cat Clarke Sourcebooks Young Readers, 2017, ISBN: 9781492638094 Liv, a transgender boy, is on a mission to The Witch Boy George by Molly Knox Ostertag challenge his new school’s dress code that Graphix, 2017, ISBN: 9781338089523 by Alex Gino requires him to wear a skirt. He just might Scholastic, 2017, ISBN: 9780545812573 change his life along the way. Aster knows that he is meant to be a witch, George is a girl. When people see her, they but he is forbidden. In his family only girls see a boy, but George knows she’s a girl. This are allowed to be witches, and the boys novel deftly shares George’s journey to find a The Prince and the Dressmaker are supposed to be shapeshifters. When a place where she can confidently express her by Jen Wang vengeful force threatens his family, Aster must gender identity. First Second, 2018, ISBN: 9781626723634 use his ability as a witch to help protect them. Prince Sebastian leads a secret life—at night, he puts on daring dresses and takes Paris by Gracefully Grayson storm as the fabulous Lady Crystallia. His best Zenobia July by Ami Polonsky by Lisa Bunker friend and dressmaker, Frances, keeps his Viking, 2019, ISBN: 9780451479402 Disney-Hyperion, 2016, ISBN: 9781484723654 secrets, but she’s ready for the world to know Grayson has a secret. Grayson is a girl on whose talent lies behind Lady Crystallia’s haute Zenobia July, middle-school hacker and the inside, stuck in the wrong gender’s body. couture gowns. amateur detective, is out to solve the mystery Can she set her true self free? In this moving of who is posting hateful memes on her story, Grayson finds strength in unexpected school’s website, all while wrestling with the friendships and mentors who help her on her A Quick & Easy Guide to Queer & challenges of a new school, a new family, journey. Trans Identities and coming to grips with presenting her true by Mady G and J. R. Zuckerberg gender for the first time. I Am Malala Limerence Press, 2019, ISBN: 9781620105863 A winsome group of slugs, observing humans How One Girl Stood Up for Education on a camping trip, have an entertaining and and Changed the World (Young informative discussion of queer identities, Readers Edition) gender identity and expression, asexuality, by Malala Yousafzai relationship basics, coming out, and more. Little, Brown, 2016, ISBN: 9780316327916 This is a young readers adaptation of the autobiography of Malala Yousafzai, the girl who stood up to the Taliban when they said girls couldn’t go to school. Malala defied gender norms in her country, becoming an outspoken, international activist for gender equality and girls’ right to an education.

Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart Yearling, 2018, ISBN: 9780553536775 Eighth grade is tough for Lily, who is transgender, and Dunkin, who has bipolar disorder, but together, they just might survive the year.

My Seventh-Grade Life in Tights by Brooks Benjamin Yearling, 2017, ISBN: 9780553512533 All Dillon wants is to be a real dancer, taking lessons at an actual dance studio. But his EMBRACING GENDER IDENTITIES Resources for Parents and Caregivers Articles Books

Transitioning in Elementary School students, as well as procedures for working The Gender Creative Child Parent Advocacy and Teacher Allyship closely with families to understand their Pathways for Nurturing and Supporting needs. By Tara Goldstein, Auesten Koecher, Pamela Baer, and Children Who Live Outside Gender Boxes Benjamin Lee Hicks by Diane Ehrensaft Teaching Education 29, no. 2 (2018): 165–77. More than a Safe Space The Experiment, 2016, ISBN: 9781615193066 How Schools Can Enable LGBTQ This academic journal article discusses how Ehrensaft explains the interconnected effects parents and elementary school teachers Students to Thrive of biology, nurture, and culture to explore why worked together to support the gender Michael Sadowski gender can be fluid, rather than binary. She transition of a six-year-old Ontario child. American Educator 40, no. 4 (Winter 2016–17): 4–9. encourages caregivers to listen to each child, Drawn from his book Safe Is Not Enough: learn their particular needs, and support their Supporting Transgender and Better Schools for LGBTQ Students (Harvard quest for a true gender self. Gender-Expansive Children in Education Press, 2016), Sadowski explores School tools and techniques educators can use to Rainbow Relatives By Melinda Mangin support trans and nonbinary children and Real-World Stories and Advice on How to Phi Delta Kappan 100, no. 2 (Oct. 2018): 16–21 their families to create truly inclusive school Talk to Kids about LGBTQ+ Families and communities. Educators share success stories of revising Friends school policies to be more welcoming to all by Sudi Karatas Skyhorse, 2018, ISBN: 9781510731738 Using a variety of real-life stories and interviews, this book helps families prepare for conversations with children about the Websites issues and topics surrounding the LGBTQ+ community. The Family Acceptance Project PFLAG familyproject.sfsu.edu pflag.org Raising the Transgender Child The Family Acceptance Project is a PFLAG is the nation’s largest family and ally A Complete Guide for Parents, Families, research, intervention, education, and organization. Their mission is to build on a and Caregivers policy initiative that works to prevent foundation of loving families united with by Michele Angello and Ali Bowman physical and mental health risks for LGBTQ LGBTQ people and allies who support one Seal Press, 2016, ISBN: 9781580056359 children and youth. another. Written by experts in the field, this book offers much-needed answers to all the Gender Spectrum Trans Lifeline questions parents and other adults ask www.genderspectrum.org www.translifeline.org about raising and caring for transgender and Gender Spectrum’s mission is to create Trans Lifeline is a national trans-led gender-diverse children. a gender-inclusive world for all children organization dedicated to improving the and youth. To accomplish this, they help quality of trans lives by responding to the Transgender Children and Youth families, organizations, and institutions critical needs of the community with direct Cultivating Pride and Joy with Families in increase understanding of gender and service, material support, advocacy, and Transition consider the implications that evolving education. by Elijah C. Nealy views have for each of us. W.W. Norton, 2017, ISBN: 9780393711394 The Trans Youth Equality Author Nealy, a therapist and himself a Lambda Legal Foundation transgender man, provides physical, social, www.lambdalegal.org www.transyouthequality.org and emotional best practices for supporting Lambda Legal is a national organization The Trans Youth Equality Foundation transgender kids. committed to achieving full recognition provides education, advocacy, and support of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, for transgender and gender-nonconforming The Transgender Teen bisexuals, transgender people, and children and youth and their families. A Handbook for Parents and everyone living with HIV, through impact Professionals Supporting Transgender litigation, education, and public policy work. Welcoming Schools www.welcomingschools.org and Non-Binary Teens National Center for Transgender by Stephanie A. Brill and Lisa Kenney The Human Rights Campaign’s Welcoming Cleis Press, 2016, ISBN: 9781627781749 Equality Schools website provides training and https://transequality.org resources to elementary-school educators This readable, comprehensive handbook helps The National Center for Transgender to embrace family diversity, create LGBTQ bridge the divide in gender misunderstanding Equality advocates to change policies and and gender-inclusive schools, prevent bias- by exploring the unique challenges families society to increase understanding and based bullying, and support transgender face as they raise a teenager who may be acceptance of transgender people. and nonbinary students. transgender, nonbinary, gender-fluid, or otherwise gender-expansive.