Review by Booklist Review
Rather than focusing on definitions, this cheerful offering celebrates gender as one of many ways people may identify themselves. Clear, simple language defines the term sex assigned at birth, explains that gender is "how you feel on the inside," and then dives into two-page spreads exploring different aspects of gender expression. Pronouns, clothing, hobbies, and more are described in a few sentences, always reinforcing that everyone can choose what is right for them, with a recurring cheer: "My gender! My rules!" Notably, feelings are included as something that should not be artificially restricted by gender--a welcome point that does not always get as much attention as more visible traits. The text also gives ample space to the individual experience of exploring gender, recognizing that it may not be a one-and-done discovery. Through illustrations and speech bubbles, we see people of all ages, skin tones, abilities, body types, and faith traditions thinking about and sharing their gender in ways that are comfortable for them. A glossary (seemingly aimed at adults) defines terms like genderqueer and nonbinary, which appear in the illustrations but are not defined in the main text. Where some texts about gender focus on informing or reassuring, this one joyfully empowers readers to embrace that, whatever your gender journey may be, it is, above all, yours!
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Passchier offers an exploration of gender for the youngest of readers. Each spread in this colorful picture book explores a different aspect of gender before ending with the titular refrain, sending the message that kids should feel unconstrained by gender norms. On a page discussing common terms, a group of kids and adults paint a mural with words such asnonbinary andtrans while sharing their own thoughts: "I feel like a boy." "I call myself genderqueer." "None of these words feel right just yet." The ensemble discuss pronouns at a Drag Queen Story Hour, learn about gender expression while visiting a salon ("I love my hair short"; "My bright lipstick highlights smile"), and emphasize that there's no set timeline for figuring out one's gender: "I changed [my pronouns] a few years ago," says one elder to another. Laudably, Passchier notes that all feelings and emotional expressions, even those stereotypically associated with a particular gender, are natural--something not often seen in similar books on this topic. "I feel sad today," says a weepy male-presenting child. "I'm mad!" says a female-presenting, ponytailed youngster. Passchier's chipper cartoon art depicts a cast diverse in skin tone, hair texture, ability, body type, age, religion, and gender expression. A thoughtful and accessible introduction. (glossary)(Informational picture book. 3-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
