Children's literature is an effective method of promoting understanding and acceptance of diversity with children. People who are trans or gender diverse are a part of our education communities, and just like people of all backgrounds, have a right to be included. It is essential to understand that because our gender identity is an intrinsic part of who we are, one cannot 'become' gender diverse as a result of learning about gender diversity. These books do, however, have the power to promote acceptance and inclusion of all children, whatever their gender.
Children's literature is just one way to include and discuss topics of gender in early years classrooms. Some of the following books can spark wonderful group time discussions, while others might feel more appropriate to read to individual children or in specific situations. Trust that as early childhood educators, the best way to advocate for children is to maintain trusting relationships with our communities, and that will look different to everyone.
Pink, Blue and You: Questions for kids about gender stereotypes
by Elise Gravel with Mykaell Blais (2022)
This is a simple but comprehensive book that walks children through critically reflecting upon the gendered messages they receive as well as the historical context of where we are now in terms of gender. It reveals the ridiculousness of gender stereotypes, differentiates between sex and gender identity, covers pronouns, historical impacts of gender stereotypes, unfair laws, diverse families, key historical figures, some facts about gender and clothing, the importance of just letting people be themselves. If you were going to add only one gender book to your classroom, this might be it!
Extension Ideas:
This book could be used in so many ways:
Discussions around stereotypical statements and asking who they are true/untrue for.
Understanding concepts of gender to support acceptance of peers.
Discussions around the many ways to be a family.
Grandpa's Pride by Harry Woodgate (2023)
Grandpa's Pride is the story of a village coming together to put on a Pride March. Grandpa explains to his granddaughter what Pride is, and what it means to him. It does an excellent job of depicting people from all backgrounds coming together to support Pride, refreshingly, there is no discrimination or disrespect evident in this story. Same-sex and non-binary characters are included in the story without their gender or sexuality being the central part of the story, thus normalising their presence as part of the village. This extends to the images depicting people of different cultural backgrounds and abilities.
Extension Idea:
This is a wonderful book to read anytime but would be especially useful during Pride Month/Week in your area.
It could also lead to discussions around what aspects of themselves children feel proud of, which they could demonstrate using art, and display through a class Pride march.
Alex & Alex
written by Ziggy Hanor, Illustrated by Ben Javens (2021)
This is the simple story of two children, Alex and Alex, who share both similarities and differences. It does not discuss concepts of gender or sex, but both characters are intentionally non-gendered. No pronouns are used and they appear androgynous.
Extension ideas:
Children often automatically assign gender labels to characters, so some are likely to ask whether these characters are boys or girls. Which presents the opportunity to discuss that a) some people aren't boys or girls, b) we can't tell people's gender identity by looking, and c) does it really matter anyway?
Me and My Dysphoria Monster
by Laura Kate Dale illustrated by Ang Hui Qing (2022)
This is the story of a child experiencing gender dysphoria, which is when someone experiences significant and ongoing distress from being misgendered. The protagonist learns more about gender concepts and eventually socially transitions, which mostly makes their 'monster' disappear.
Extension Ideas:
This book would be helpful in supporting a child experiencing gender dysphoria, but it is essential to recognise that not all people who are trans or gender diverse experience gender dysphoria in an ongoing manner. For this reason, it is more useful for explaining gender dysphoria specifically, rather than gender diversity more generally. When children have limited information about gender concepts, introducing this book is likely to give the impression that all people who are trans or gender diverse experience dysphoria, or that they all have a monster following them around.
It may also be useful for children who have existing gender knowledge and perhaps are refusing to support a peer's transition. It promotes empathy and understanding of the emotional impact of misgendering.
My Sister, Daisy
by Adria Karlsson and illustrated by Linus Curci (2022)
This is a beautifully honest and vulnerable story of a child sharing their gender identity, told through the eyes of her brother. It includes concepts and terminology explained in a simple way, including the important but often overlooked differentiation between someone wanting to be called a girl and someone sharing that they simply know they are a girl. The family and school are accepting and it includes the reality for the brother, that although they want the best for their sister, at times it can be challenging to accept the transition of a sibling.
Extension Idea:
This book is perfect. for children who are learning toaccept their gender-diverse sibling. It is also appropriate for anyone who needs to understand a loved one's identity. It would be a great one to lend to families or use with a class to support a child through a social transition.
Another story about a child navigating their siblings' gender transition is Jack (not Jackie) by Erica Silverman illustrated by Holly Hatam (2018).
They, she, he, me: Free to Be!
by Maya and Matthew (2017)
This book simply depicts pages dedicated to a specific pronoun with people of different appearances and gender expressions. Pronouns include non-binary pronouns and neo-pronouns. It leads to discussions about what pronouns are and the fact that we can't assume someone's pronouns based on their appearance. Although it includes notes for adults explaining these concepts at the back, the reader would need to be prepared to have these conversations with young listeners, as the book is more a discussion prompt rather than a story.
My Own Way: Celebrating Gender Freedom for Kids
by Joana Estrela, adapted by Jay Hulme (2022)
This colourful book, beautifully illustrated through crayon style child-like drawings, promotes being free from the influences of gender stereotypes and listening to our internal sense of identity instead. It includes non-binary possibilities of gender and identity as not determined by our bodies but does so in a subtle and child-friendly way.
Extension Ideas:
One of the lines from this book is "What brings you joy?" which is a beautiful question to open for class discussion, it is likely to demonstrate that what brings children joy is often not determined by gender stereotypes.
Another point raised in this book is that you can't tell how somebody identifies by just looking at them. This could be another excellent discussion point—what else can you not tell about someone by looking at them?
Pride Families
by Amie Tayloe and Kaspa Clarke (2024)
Pride Families is a book that explains and depicts many types of LGBTQIA+ families. It explains that some families have parents or carers of the same sex, others have single parents, and others have parents who are trans or gender diverse. It also explains the different ways families can bring children into the world, for example through sperm donation, adoption, fostering, and surrogacy. It is an excellent way of introducing gender and sexuality terminology as it is written in straightforward language.
Extension Ideas: This book naturally lends itself to expansion discussions around diverse family make-ups, demonstrating the differences and similarities of our families.
Who is in your family? (highlighting that many families do not live under the one roof)
Drawing family portraits, encouraging children to think about broader family networks.
Julian is a Mermaid
by Jessica Love (2018)
Julian is a Mermaid is a magically simple tale of imagination, acceptance and diversity normalised. When Julian’s Nanna discovers them dressed up in her curtain, she frowns. But it’s unclear whether this frown is in response to the curtain dress, Julian breaking binary expectations, or her consideration of the outfit's finishing touches. The beauty of this book lies within these nuances, these open spaces which allow the reader to interpret their own meanings. Rather than highlighting adversity which is often the storyline faced by other trans protagonists, Julian is a Mermaid celebrates flamboyant gender expression through colourful yet artistic imagery. For these reasons, it’s a book that belongs on every early childhood bookshelf.
Extension ideas: This is a beautiful book for open-ended inquiry with children to explore the messages they took from the story. Questions such as
‘How do you think Julian’s Nanna felt when she saw him dressed up? Why? Then how did she feel?’
‘Why did Julian like the mermaids?’
‘What other outfits did you see in the parade?’
‘What else did you notice?’
*Also check out the glorious sequel, Julian at the Wedding.
Introducing Teddy: A Story About Being Yourself
By Jessica Walton, illustrated by Dougal MacPherson (2016)
Introducing Teddy is a story of unwavering friendship through an affirming gender transition. Teddy expresses their true gender identity as Tilly, they fear subsequent rejection from their friends, but Errol and Ava are happy so long as Tilly is happy.
Having a teddy as the central character expressing their gender identity introduces the topic in a relatable but non-confrontational way. Although Teddy is concerned about their friend’s reactions, there are no examples of bullying or negative remarks.
Extension Ideas: This story is helpful in breaking down gender stereotypes through unpacking assumptions. You could discuss different characters or toys in the classroom. Ask the children what gender they think they are, uncover why they make those conclusions, ask if they know anyone of another gender with the same characteristic (eg, long hair)?
My Shadow is Pink
written and illustrated by Scott Stuart (2020)
The analogy of a shadow as one’s true gender identity beautifully simplifies gender diversity as a concept anyone can understand. Not only does the main character have a shadow that expresses non-gender stereotypical interests, we see many other characters who’ve hidden their true interests and desires due to restrictive stereotyping. This normalises diversity and positions binary stereotypes as limiting to all. The main character overcomes adversity at school through support from their hyper masculine but understanding father.
This story would be invaluable to a child experiencing adverse reactions to their gender expression. However, I would only use this for an early childhood whole class group time in certain circumstances. Because children’s attention spans flow in and out (especially in a large group), they sometimes only take snippets of messages from stories. Therefore, there is the potential that they will focus on the adverse reaction the gender expansive child received at school, rather than the later acceptance. Young children are naturally accepting and may not have witnessed or experienced negative responses to diverse expressions. We don’t want to introduce a behaviour that might not already occur.
Extension Ideas: Discuss our shadows. Model diverse interests by sharing your own gender identity, highlighting any interests that fall outside of binary gender stereotypes. Ask children to share their own shadow, what are some interests and activities they enjoy? Avoid labelling them as gendered, but simply as various interests and activities.
I am Jazz
By Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings, illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas (2014)
I am Jazz is an autobiography of a young girl assigned male at birth. The story follows her social transition journey and her experience being born with “girl brain but a boy body”. It’s a story that will resonate with many transgender children and their parents. However, Jazz's parents require her gender identity to be confirmed by a doctor before they accept her identity, which is a potentially disempowering narrative that positions the expert 'other' as more aware than the individual. The true story first person narrative allows the reader to understand and empathise with Jazz’s experience, working towards normalising diversity.
Extension Ideas: This is an excellent story for fostering empathy in a group. You could reread the book, asking the child/ren how they would feel in the different situations described, such as not being allowed to play on the same sports team as their friends. Relate the examples to the child/ren or your own personal experiences. It might also be useful for supporting a child going through a social transition, showing them they’re not alone in their experience.
Who Are You?: The kid's guide to gender identity
by Brook Pessin-Whedbee, illustrated by Naomi Bardoff (2017)
This is a wonderful book for children and adults alike, especially for a young child questioning their gender. It breaks down the aspects of gender into anatomical sex, gender expression, gender identity, and gender diversity and explains them in simple language. It celebrates individuality and normalises the gender spectrum. This is the perfect book for introducing the topic of gender diversity to young children, either in a group or individually. It would also be useful to lend to a family whose child is questioning their gender.
Extension Ideas: The back of this book already contains a range of extension ideas, suggesting some discussion points for each section. I recommend reading through these before reading the book with a child.
Do you have recommendations for books that teach children about gender diversity? Send them through below!
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