SJPL Recommends: Books and Resources for Gender Expansive Kids and their Parents | San José Public Library

A Book About Gender Identity

by Thorn, Theresa

Book - 2019

This non-fiction picture book approaches the topic of gender identity and gender expression in a developmentally appropriate way for young children who ar...Show more This non-fiction picture book approaches the topic of gender identity and gender expression in a developmentally appropriate way for young children who are beginning to understand the concept of gender. The illustrations are not only gender diverse, but also ethnically, racially, and physically diverse. The author, Theresa Thorn, is the host of the parenting podcast "One Bad Mother" and co-author of the parenting book "You're Doing a Great Job! 100 Ways You're Winning at Parenting". Show less

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What Riley Wore

by Arnold, Elana K

Book - 2019

This fictional story features Riley, whose gender identity is never explicitly stated, who is figuring out what to wear for school. There are no limits to...Show more This fictional story features Riley, whose gender identity is never explicitly stated, who is figuring out what to wear for school. There are no limits to what Riley wears, only what makes Riley feel comfortable and good about themselves. Not only is this a fun book to explore items of clothing and getting dressed with a young child, it is also great way to explore gender expression, too! Show less

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Julián at the Wedding

by Love, Jessica

Book - 2020

"Julián and his abuela are going to a wedding. Better yet, Julián is in the wedding. Weddings have flowers and kissing and dancing and cake. And this...Show more "Julián and his abuela are going to a wedding. Better yet, Julián is in the wedding. Weddings have flowers and kissing and dancing and cake. And this wedding also has a new friend named Marisol. It’s not long before Julián and Marisol set off for some magic and mischief of their own, and when things take an unexpected turn, the pair learns that everything is easier with a good friend by your side." --From the publisher Show less

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Jacob's Room to Choose

by Hoffman, Sarah

Book - 2019

Jacob (of Jacob's New Dress) returns in another thoughtful and affirming approach to gender expression for both children and their parents. Jacob needs to...Show more Jacob (of Jacob's New Dress) returns in another thoughtful and affirming approach to gender expression for both children and their parents. Jacob needs to use the bathroom, but is chased out of the boy's bathroom because he wears a dress and "looks like a girl". Jacob's friend, Sophie, experiences the same thing when she tries to use the girl's bathroom. Jacob and Sophie find support and guidance from their teacher and the school's administration for helping educate the other kids in their class, but also changes the school can make to be more inclusive to folks like Jacob and Sophie. The author and illustrator of the Jacob series of books are married and have written about raising their gender-nonconforming son, Sam. Show less

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Red

A Crayon's Story

by Hall, Michael

Book - 2015

A colorful story about being true to yourself, despite what you might look like on the outside and what others think or say you are. A blue crayon has a r...Show more A colorful story about being true to yourself, despite what you might look like on the outside and what others think or say you are. A blue crayon has a red wrapper and cannot quite understand why all the other crayons are trying to tell them how to be red. While this is not specifically a story about gender, it can be used as an introduction for children and their parents to learn the importance of being who you know to be on the inside. Show less

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Introducing Teddy

A Gentle Story About Gender and Friendship

by Walton, Jessica

Book - 2016

A fictional story introducing gender in its most basic for younger readers who are either questioning their own gender or friends of someone who is. A go...Show more A fictional story introducing gender in its most basic for younger readers who are either questioning their own gender or friends of someone who is. A good story for both parents and children to read together. "Errol and his teddy, Thomas, are best friends who do everything together. One sunny day, Errol finds that Thomas is sad, even when they are playing in their favorite ways. Errol can't figure out why, until Thomas finally tells Errol what the teddy has been afraid to say: "In my heart, I've always known that I'm a girl teddy, not a boy teddy. I wish my name was Tilly, not Thomas." And Errol says, "I don't care if you're a girl teddy or a boy teddy! What matters is that you are my friend."" --From the publisher. Show less

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What Are your Words?

A Book About Pronouns

by Locke, Katherine

Book - 2021

This colorful picture book approaches the concepts of pronouns in a friendly, colorful, and developmentally appropriate manner that also appeals to the ad...Show more This colorful picture book approaches the concepts of pronouns in a friendly, colorful, and developmentally appropriate manner that also appeals to the adults/parents/caregivers reading with their child. Pronouns of all types, including both common and uncommon, are explained as being just another word someone would used to describe themselves, like friendly, strong, kind, playful. The diverse characters throughout this story also feature gender expansive characters, characters of various sizes and shapes, and those with different abilities, which all make for an affirming experience. Show less

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Raising the Transgender Child

A Complete Guide for Parents, Families, & Caregivers

by Angello, Michele

Book - 2016

This book is for any adult working, raising, or supporting transgender or gender expansive children. "Raising the Transgender Child is the complete g...Show more This book is for any adult working, raising, or supporting transgender or gender expansive children. "Raising the Transgender Child is the complete guide for parents, teachers, practitioners, and caregivers of transgender children. Written by top experts in the field, this complete and compassionate guide includes first-hand stories from families, the most up-to-date science, and all the advice parents need to raise happy, confident, transgender children. Written by Dr. Michele Angello, a leading therapist and go-to expert in the field of transgender parenting and Ali Bowman, bestselling writer and the mother of a transgender boy, Raising the Transgender Child is written specifically for parents, families, educators, and mentors who support transgender youth. Readers will discover a wealth of science-backed information, written in a warm, journalistic style, and a friendly and practical structure full of lists and tips that are sure to comfort, guide, and inspire the family and friends of transgender children that their children can lead normal, happy lives. Offering warm, specific, actionable advice, Raising the Transgender Child addresses all aspects of transgender childhood, including coming-out letters, identity challenges, school communications, and more. Readers will return to this book over and over again as their children grow into happy, well-adjusted, fulfilled adults"-- From the publisher Show less

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Parenting Beyond Pink & Blue

How to Raise your Kids Free of Gender Stereotypes

by Brown, Christia Spears

Book - 2014

For parents and caregivers looking for support in understanding and working toward living beyond the gender binary and stereotypes. "In this practica...Show more For parents and caregivers looking for support in understanding and working toward living beyond the gender binary and stereotypes. "In this practical guide, developmental psychologist (and mother of two) Christia Spears Brown uses science-based research to show how over-dependence on gender can limit kids, making it harder for them to develop into unique individuals. With a humorous, fresh, and accessible perspective, Parenting Beyond Pink & Blue addresses all the issues that contemporary parents should consider—from gender-segregated birthday parties and schools to sports, sexualization, and emotional intelligence. This guide empowers parents to help kids break out of pink and blue boxes to become their authentic selves."-- From the publisher Show less

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The Gender Creative Child

Pathways for Nurturing and Supporting Children Who Live Outside Gender Boxes

by Ehrensaft, Diane

Book - 2016

This is a non-fiction book for parents supporting gender expansive children. "Dr. Ehrensaft explains the interconnected effects of biology, nurture, ...Show more This is a non-fiction book for parents supporting gender expansive children. "Dr. Ehrensaft explains the interconnected effects of biology, nurture, and culture to explore why gender can be fluid, rather than binary. As an advocate for the gender affirmative model and with the expertise she has gained over three decades of pioneering work with children and families, she encourages caregivers to listen to each child, learn their particular needs, and support their quest for a true gender self. " --From the publisher Dr. Ehrensaft is the cofounder and director of mental health at the Child and Adolescent Gender Center, an associate professor of pediatrics, and an attending psychologist at the Benioff Children’s Hospital Child and Adolescent Gender Clinic and the University of California San Francisco. Show less

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Becoming Nicole

The Transformation of An American Family

by Nutt, Amy Ellis

Book - 2015

For parents and caregivers with children who are questioning their gender or transitioning looking for support. "The inspiring true story of a transg...Show more For parents and caregivers with children who are questioning their gender or transitioning looking for support. "The inspiring true story of a transgender girl, her identical twin brother, and an ordinary American family's extraordinary journey to understand, nurture, and celebrate the uniqueness in us all, from the Pulitzer Prize-winning science reporter for The Washington Post When Wayne and Kelly Maines adopted identical twin boys, they thought their lives were complete. But it wasn't long before they noticed a marked difference between Jonas and his brother, Wyatt. Jonas preferred sports and trucks and many of the things little boys were "supposed" to like; but Wyatt liked princess dolls and dress-up and playing Little Mermaid. By the time the twins were toddlers, confusion over Wyatt's insistence that he was female began to tear the family apart. In the years that followed, the Maineses came to question their long-held views on gender and identity, to accept and embrace Wyatt's transition to Nicole, and to undergo an emotionally wrenching transformation of their own that would change all their lives forever." -- From the publisher Show less

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Holistic Educational Tools & Curriculum to Understand Gender - The Gender Wheel

http://www.genderwheel.com/

Web Resource

For use by any adult working with, raising, or supporting children. "The Gender Wheel Curriculum provides a holistic & nature-based approach to g...Show more For use by any adult working with, raising, or supporting children. "The Gender Wheel Curriculum provides a holistic & nature-based approach to gender and draws from multiple disciplines for a broader understanding. Learning begins at the center of the Wheel with the Pronoun Circle and expands out through the Inside, Body, and Relationship Circles. Language acquisition, suppressed history, binary thinking and implicit bias are also addressed. This reorients students toward a fundamental base of dignity and respect outside of systemic gender oppression. Incorporating inclusive perspectives and practices at every level of the curriculum support a stronger sense of self, while creating systemic change in the world at large." -- From the author Show less

https://transfamiliesca.org/

Web Resource

A welcoming community of families with transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive children of all ages up and down the San Francisco Peninsula and thro...Show more A welcoming community of families with transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive children of all ages up and down the San Francisco Peninsula and throughout the South Bay. TransFamilies offers monthly support meetings for parents and caregivers (formerly known as Trans Family Support Group of Santa Clara County). Show less

https://pronouns.minus18.org.au/

Web Resource

This resource created by Minus18, Australia's largest youth-led organization for trans, bisexual, lesbian, and gay youth, is a database of pronouns, their pronunciation, a brief background/history, and examples of how they're used in context. This resource created by Minus18, Australia's largest youth-led organization for trans, bisexual, lesbian, and gay youth, is a database of pronouns, their pronunciation, a brief background/history, and examples of how they're used in context. Show less