Payden's Pronoun Party

Payden's parents are supportive when their child embraces "e, em, and eir" pronouns; they even offer to throw a party to celebrate. But while considering what pronouns feel right, Payden, who's portrayed with tan skin, first visits some friends: vet Hank, a cisgender man; artist Shay, a trans woman; nonbinary musical inventor Theo; and dancer Zoe, who uses she and ze pronouns. Each tells Payden how their pronouns make them feel (like they're flying, like a hug, like dancing), and their different perspectives lead em to decide on pronouns that sound "just right." As friends arrive at the party celebrating Payden's neopronouns, Cornejo's softly luminous art captures their communal enthusiasm alongside the racially inclusive group's costumes and pronoun badges. Jaryn's reassuring language shows that gender exploration doesn't have to be painful, instead emphasizing the "skin-tingling, warm sense of wholeness" that self-discovery can bring. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)

K-Gr 4--Payden has always been a "he," but meets different people who have figured out their pronouns and so listens hard for the one that may be a better fit. It's not easy. Along the way, Payden's parents provide full support of both the process and the outcome, and the illustrations are just as positive and upbeat. For any library that has received requests for kid-friendly books to help understand the importance of pronouns, this book fits the bill. The author gives an age-appropriate look into the process of determining one's preferred pronouns and also provides a nice blueprint for helping families navigate the process. Payden works through personal questions with the help of the parents, and they celebrate the answers together with friends and a dress-up party. Whimsical illustrations help elucidate complex topics and make the story fun for readers as young as kindergarten. VERDICT All elementary ages will enjoy this invitation to understand and embrace conversations around pronouns.--Darby Wallace