Browsing through our new section at work I noticed three new children's non-fiction books that read like picture books on gender identity. In our very conservative town we are noticing more children who identify as non-binary so it's up to us to make sure they are mirrored in books in their Library.
As Children's Librarians, it's our duty to make sure that children and families of different backgrounds see themselves represented in stories and books. The Window and Mirrors reference has been used by educators and librarians to explain diversity, or lack thereof, in stories. Children should be able to read about other people's lifestyles (windows) and be able to see their life reflected back to them in a story (mirrors). While diversity in children's books are on the rise, the percentages still favor cisgender and gender normative (gender straight) white characters.
For example,check out these graphics from Reflection Press who received these stats from the Cooperative Children's Book Center University of Wisconsin Madison:
Even though the literary community has a long way to go there have been some amazing books being produced on gender identity that allows both windows and mirrors into gender equality. Books such as Julián is a Mermaid by Jessica Love and Worm Loves Worm by Mike Curato are mirrors to children who identify with these characters. They can see themselves dressing up like Julián or maybe they don't identify as a gender like in Worm Loves Worm. For those children who are gender straight they can see into the window into this world, different then theirs, yes, but not wrong.
The new books listed below also have helpful author notes and parent discussions so those who are looking through the window, or even a new mirror, can easily understand and help use proper pronouns. I am so thankful to have these, among other books, offered at our Library. It's just one more, albeit small, step in a direction that can make children feel accepted and worthy.
Who Am I? I Am Me! by Jayneen Sanders
This nonfiction book is a very basic and introductory lesson into gender acceptance. Frankie loves to dress up and play with dinosaurs, among other things that some can stereotypical identify as female or male qualities. At the end of the story Frankie asks the reader, "Who am I?" prompting the reader, presuming, into a female or male response. Then Frankie responds, "I am me!". This book offers great resources at the back of this book which each adult should read before reading the book to a child. This book also offers questions about the pages you read along the way which is perfect if you plan on using this with a lesson plan.
When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff
Adorably written and illustrated this book takes the reader through the life of Aidan, a transgender child on the road to becoming a big brother. While the main character uses he/him/his pronouns when the story discusses the unborn baby the author uses they/them/their pronouns, or simply, baby. A beautiful introduction on how gender identity at birth can affect non-binary children as they grow. It also talks about how strangers ask questions regarding the gender of the baby and how the family members, Aidan including, handle these questions. A great window to all new (or new again) parents.
It Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity by Theresa Thorn
A perfect introductory book to young children about using proper terms and pronouns, along with quick explanations of them. There are bright illustrations, by a non-binary transgender artist (because representation matters), to guide the reader through meeting children like Ruthie and her friends while learning how the identify themselves. At the end of the book there are other terms to know, a note about pronouns, and some extra resources like a the books mentioned above.
While these three books takes us on short and introductory stories there are other stories and books out there that take you through a person's journey like I Am Jazz by Jessican Herthel and Jazz Jennings. Even though 134 stories (out of 3700) in 2017 were about the LGBTQ+ community members I am glad to see them on the shelves at local public libraries and bookstores. To see yourself being reflected in a book or story means the difference between shame and acceptance of one self.
Remember, representation matters.
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