It’s never too early to talk about gender with children. The concept of gender (“I’m a boy, I’m a girl, etc.”) may be a bit tricky for younger ones to grasp as they’re just getting to know their own gender identity; however beginning the conversation about gender identity and expression and gender stereotypes is very important at any age.
We’ve rounded up a few great reads to help children begin to understand gender identity and gender expression to start the conversation around gender and gender identity.
I Am Jazz
By: Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings
Recommended Age: 4 years +
From the time she was two years old, Jazz knew that she had a girl’s brain in a boy’s body. She loved pink and dressing up as a mermaid and didn’t feel like herself in boys’ clothing. This confused her family, until they took her to a doctor who said that Jazz was transgender and that she was born that way. Jazz’s story is based on her real-life experience and she tells it in a simple, clear way that will be appreciated by picture book readers, their parents, and teachers.
Jacob’s New Dress
By: Sarah Hoffman and Ian Hoffman
Recommended Age: 3 years +
Jacob loves playing dress-up, when he can be anything he wants to be. Some kids at school say he can’t wear “girl” clothes, but Jacob wants to wear a dress to school. Can he convince his parents to let him wear what he wants? This heartwarming story speaks to the unique challenges faced by boys who don’t identify with traditional gender roles.
The Boy & The Bindi
By: Vivek Shraya
Recommended Age: 4 years +
In this beautiful children’s picture book by Vivek Shraya, author of the acclaimed God Loves Hair, a five-year-old boy becomes fascinated with his mother’s bindi, the red dot commonly worn by South Asian women to indicate the point at which creation begins, and wishes to have one of his own. Rather than chastise her son, she agrees to it, and teaches him about its cultural significance, allowing the boy to discover the magic of the bindi, which in turn gives him permission to be more fully himself.
Jamie Is Jamie: A Book About Being Yourself and Playing Your Way
By: Afsaneh Mordian
Recommended Age: 3 years +
Jamie Is Jamie challenges gender stereotypes, shows readers that playing is fundamental to learning, and reinforces the idea that all children need the freedom to play unencumbered. A special section for teachers, parents, and caregivers provides tips on how to make children’s playtime learning time.
Julián Is a Mermaid
By: Jessica Love
Recommended Age: 3 years +
While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julián gets home, daydreaming of the magic he’s seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume: a butter-yellow curtain for his tail, the fronds of a potted fern for his headdress. But what will Abuela think about the mess he makes — and even more importantly, what will she think about how Julián sees himself? Mesmerizing and full of heart, Jessica Love’s author-illustrator debut is a jubilant picture of self-love and a radiant celebration of individuality.
It Feels Good to Be Yourself
By: Theresa Thorn
Recommended Age: 3 years +
Some people are boys. Some people are girls. Some people are both, neither or somewhere in between. A straightforward exploration of gender identity, providing young readers and adults with the vocabulary to discuss the topic with sensitivity.
They, She, He Easy as ABC
By: Maya Christina Gonzalez and Matthew Sg
Recommended Age: 4 years +
Fast-paced rhyming keeps the flow of text upbeat and rhythmic, and naturally models how to use a wide range of pronouns. There’s no room for stereotypes on THIS dance floor with spirited imagery that keeps names, clothes, hair and behavior fresh and diverse. The combination creates a playful and effortless practice to expand ideas about gender while learning the alphabet and makes being inclusive as easy as A-B-C!
What other books are great for teaching gender identity? Let us know in the comments!
