My Own Way: Celebrating Gender Freedom for Kids

Estrela's simple rhyming text reminds readers that "everyone has their own way" when considering personal identity, indicating that the most significant part of oneself is not appearance-based at all: "Boy or girl? None or both?// It's your heart that matters most." Snappy lines in an all-capitalized font bookend dynamic images of characters with mostly surreal skin colors partaking in everyday activities against textured monochrome backgrounds: eating ice cream, playing soccer, and more, all rendered in wax crayon and digitally in an eye-catching, contemporary art-reminiscent palette. "You can see the different faces, // but the rest is theirs to say," one spread reads, portraying a grid of stamp-like faces with minimalist features and doodle-like hairstyles. Though the book largely uses binary pronouns when referencing individual figures, it's a broadly encouraging guide to considering gender identity. Ages 3-6. (Mar.)

PreS-Gr 1--Estrela's first book aims to dismantle stereotypical pat answers to the question, "What is gender?" Many of the sentiments here can be universally endorsed ("It's your heart that matters most"), while others ("Boy or girl doesn't cover everyone. You might be both ... You might be none!") may feel too easy or facile for proper discussion. Simple digital and wax crayon illustrations resemble a child's drawings, with settings that are familiar--beach, stage, playing field--and colorful, as the emphasis on pink and blue gives way to yellow, green, and purple. Hulme, who is transgender, translated the very short text in rhyme; it focuses on enthusiastic assurances like, "You'll find your way." Although the admonition to "Be yourself, free and brave," might not be so easy in some circumstances, this book will be embraced by those who find support in its views. VERDICT Purchase where more titles are needed to expand collections about gender. An encouraging, cheerful introduction for younger children.--Patricia D. Lothrop