Book cover of It Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book about Gender Identity

Book description

Some people are boys. Some people are girls. Some people are both, neither, or somewhere in between.

This sweet, straightforward exploration of gender identity will give children a fuller understanding of themselves and others. Written by the mother of a transgender child and illustrated by a non-binary transgender artist, It…

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Why read it?

3 authors picked It Feels Good to Be Yourself as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

“Why is that dad wearing a dress?”

It wasn’t the first time my toddler commented on someone’s appearance in front of them, but I was convinced that his question sounded like a judgment. We have never left our grocery store so fast. I was angry. He was worried. Had he done something wrong? Yes! Maybe? I didn’t know. Had I? Yes. I wanted my family to be cool with all forms of gender expression, but I hadn’t built the common ground or the vocabulary to make that vision a reality. I’d projected my own fears, ignorance, and self-consciousness onto my…

Theresa Thorn accomplishes something remarkable in this beautiful book: she clearly and simply explains key concepts about gender and pronouns in a way that both kids and parents will understand. I know exactly how hard that is! This book is a perfect introduction to transgender identity. Even if you don’t feel like an expert on this topic, this book will help you have important conversations with your child. I wish it were around when I was a little kid trying to express my own gender. 

Gender identity isn’t complicated, but adults tend to think it to be that way. With this book, Thorn does an amazing job at teaching us how simple it can and should be. This book and its bright illustrations helped me tremendously to teach my child the importance of not assuming gender or pronouns. This book gives scenarios of cisgender, transgender, non-binary, and more.

From Elizabeth's list on The best inclusive children’s books.

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A satisfying story of rediscovering friendship after time spent apart.

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