It Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book about Gender Identity
by Theresa Thorn (Author) Noah Grigni (Illustrator)
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.
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Publishers Weekly
Thorn offers an inclusive primer about gender that integrates vocabulary words and definitions into the text ("Non-binary is a helpful word that can describe a kid who doesn't feel exactly like a boy or a girl"). Illustrations feature gender-expansive individuals going to school, making art, and spending time with family, normalizing the expressions. With heavy lines and textured forms, the images by #OwnVoices illustrator Grigni are a blend of jewel-toned shapes with textured lines reminiscent of block prints. The spirit of free expression and creativity infuses every spread of this inclusive exploration. Ages 4-8. (May)
Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.School Library Journal
K-Gr 2-This elegant picture book is a welcome addition to the world of LGBTQ+ publications for young readers. Thorn explains the concepts of cisgender, transgender, and non-binary in simple, accessible language. Thorn depicts each of these gender identities with realistically diverse examples, including a non-binary child who identifies as both a boy and a girl and a non-binary child who identifies as neither. When Ruthie, a transgender girl, tells her family that she is really a girl, they hug her. The text below the heartwarming illustration says: "Oops! Ruthie was a girl all along--they just didn't know it at first." The well-written story is enhanced by illustrations rendered in watercolor, gouache, and ink. Grigni seizes every opportunity for detail and uses colors that are vibrant and summery with jewel-toned greens, teals, magentas, and purples. A glossary expands on some of the terms explained throughout the book and brings in new ones, such as sex assigned at birth and intersex. The author includes a note about pronouns and resources for kids and adults. VERDICT With its captivating illustrations and simple language with word repetition, this book would be an exceptional read-aloud for classrooms or storytime, or for an adult reading one-on-one with a child. A must-have for all libraries serving children.-Shira Pilarski, Farmington Community Library, MI
Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
"This expansive, straightforward framing of gender emphasizes curiosity, joy, and positive self-expression . . . . Exceptional." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"The spirit of free expression and creativity infuses every spread of this inclusive exploration." —Publishers Weekly, starred review
"As the song has it, we're living in a big, wide wonderful world. And this book is a welcome addition to it." —Booklist, starred review
Theresa Thorn is the cohost of the parenting humor podcast One Bad Mother and the coauthor of You're
Doing a Great Job! 100 Ways You're Winning at Parenting. She lives in Los Angeles, California, and It Feels Good to Be Yourself is her first book for children.
JNF053000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Social Topics | General
JNF053080 - Juvenile Nonfiction | LGBT
Gender nonconformity
