SJPL Recommends: Books and Resources for Gender Expansive Kids and their Parents
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Recommended by SJPL librarians, this list includes both books that are affirming and developmentally appropriate for gender expansive children (ages 0-8), as well as supportive books for caregivers raising gender expansive kids.
My Child Is Trans, Now What? is for parents and loved ones of transgender youth and young adults at any stage in their journey. Trans education free of judgment is in short supply, and this book combines personal stories, key resources, and…
As you grow up, you receive lots of messages about gender. Most kids start to define their own gender identity as early as age four! But what if the messages you receive don’t seem to describe you? What if the things you like don’t match who people…
Internationally renowned child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Jack Turban discusses science, medicine, and politics of gender identity in Free to Be. An authoritative guide to understanding and navigating gender identity from an acclaimed expert on…
A child gets ready for a wonderful day. They gleefully get dressed, hug their parents, go to school, and play with friends. All the while, unapologetically reminding themselves that they are and can only be themselves. The nonbinary experience is…
While young children are avid observers and questioners of their world, adults often shut down or postpone conversations on complicated topics because it's hard to know where to begin. Research shows that talking about issues like race and gender…
Ever since its initial publication in 2008, The Transgender Child has been lauded as the most trusted source of information for families wanting to understand and affirm their transgender, gender-expansive, or nonbinary child. Utilized around the…
Payden has always used he/him pronouns, until one day Payden realizes those words might not fit. Payden's parents promise to throw a big party to introduce whatever pronouns Payden chooses--but which pronouns are the best match? On a colorful quest,…
They, she, he . . . all together, us! Join along in this vibrant board book's joyful celebration of people and their pronouns. How do you know what someone wants to be called? Ask! This lively board book features eye-catching illustrations of a…
A parent's love letter to a daughter who has always known exactly who she is. One ordinary day, a caseworker from the Department of Children and Families knocked on the Hays family's door to investigate an anonymous complaint about the upbringing of…
A memoir about what it’s like when they think you’re their daughter, but you know you’re their son. For as long as he could remember, Grayson has known he is a boy, not a girl. While his identical twin sister wore princess dresses and danced ballet…
Is it okay for boys to cry? Can girls be strong? Should girls and boys be given different toys to play with and different clothes to wear? Should we all feel free to love whoever we choose to love? In this incredibly kid-friendly and easy-to-grasp…
This fun, engaging and empowering children's book is the perfect introduction on pronouns in relation to gender diversity and identity for children aged 5+.Through illustrated scenarios and explanations, it gently encourages children to learn…
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…
What does it mean to be young and transgender today?
Growing Up Trans shares stories, essays, art and poetry created by trans youth aged 11 to 18. In their own words, the works illustrate the trans experience through childhood, family and daily…
Someday girls like us will be able to wear whatever we want. People will call us by the names we choose. They'll respect that we are women. The cops will leave us alone and no one will go hungry." Sylvia and Marsha are closer than sisters. They are…
Nurture and celebrate your child's true self with this parent's guide to gender identity. Talking with your child about gender identity can seem overwhelming--but with the right guidance, you can have healthy conversations and create an affirming…
A dedicated mom puts love into action as she creates the perfect rainbow-colored wig for her transgender daughter, based on the real-life experience of mother-daughter advocate duo Trinity and DeShanna Neal. Warm morning sunlight and love fill the…
Based on a true transgender identity journey, the picture book I'm Not a Girl is an empowering story. Nobody seems to understand that Hannah is not a girl. His parents ask why he won't wear the cute outfits they pick out. His friend thinks he must…
"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…
A loving, affirming ode to parents who are gender fluid or gender nonbinary. My Maddy has hazel eyes which are not brown or green. And my Maddy likes sporks because they are not quite a spoon or a fork. Most mommies are girls. Most daddies are boys.…
