My Rainbow

PreS-Gr 2--A lively #OwnVoices picture book tribute to a family's unwavering support of their transgender daughter, written by a mother-daughter advocate duo and based on their experiences. Trinity, who is a Black transgender girl, liked to play with her siblings, her dolls, and her pet pig, Peter Porker. One day, Trinity expressed frustration that she couldn't be a girl because she didn't have long hair. She needed long hair to feel like herself. When Trinity's mother pointed out her own short hair, Trinity explained, "People don't care if cisgender girls like you have short hair. But it's different for transgender girls. I need long hair!" The family took a trip to the beauty store. None of the wigs seemed to be the best choice for Trinity. Mom took matters into her own hands and crafted a one-of-a-kind rainbow wig just for her daughter. Trinity loved it: "It's me, Mom. My hair has finally come!" The text's frank and refreshing usage of terms such as cisgender will spark necessary conversations between children and caregivers. Twink's digital illustrations are vibrant and colorful just like Trinity and feature small but important details, including a beauty store employee named Maya wearing a "they/them" pronoun name tag. Some readers may feel that a few details could have been expanded on, such as Trinity's autism, which is acknowledged throughout the book but is not the main focus. VERDICT There are very few books widely published and readily available that spotlight Black trans girls and women; this picture book is an affirming, uplifting story to add to school and public library collections.--Allison Staley, Lake Oswego P.L., OR

In their #OwnVoices picture book debut, mother-daughter duo and transgender rights advocates DeShanna and Trinity Neal center a Black transgender girl looking for hair that suits her gender expression. Inspired by the younger coauthor, protagonist Trinity's gender "was part of what made her a masterpiece, just like her autism and her Black skin." Trinity feels a keen desire for long hair like that on the dolls she shares with nonbinary sibling Hyperion, despite hating "how it made her itchy when it was growing out." With inspiration from sibling Lucien, their mom sets out to create the perfect multicolored wig for Trinity--one that doesn't trigger the girl's sensitivities and that aligns with her "already perfect" natural curls. Artist Twink's inviting use of color highlights the family's warm home and the bright rainbow wig--an object that makes Trinity feel like a more authentic version of herself: "It's me, Mom. My hair has finally come!" A joyful family story that emphasizes the importance of listening and loving people for who they are. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)