Reviews

I'm Not a Girl by Maddox Lyons, Jessica Verdi, Dana Simpson

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jodil's review

5.0

This was a lovely story executed with the utmost care for Maddox's lived experience. The part that stuck with me the most was when Maddox went swimsuit shopping with his mom and he could "tell she's frustrated. But all year, I've felt frustrated too." That frustration-pipeline starting from Maddox not having the language to effectively explain how he feels to his mother not knowing how to help him was incredibly powerful to me. The text is explicit and clear. The love and support of Maddox's family is unwavering. Maddox is transgender and his friends and family love him for exactly who he is!

buttermellow's review

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hopeful informative relaxing

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

nerdybookworm23's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

5.0

heydebigale's review

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

I’M NOT A GIRL by Maddox Lyons and Jessica Verdi & illustrated by Dana Simpson.

My kids loved that this book was written by a kid (Maddox Lyons is a 12 yo trans boy. 💗)

This book honestly made me cry. It was so sweet.

dylaurora's review against another edition

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5.0

My heart! I saw myself in this book, and it makes me happy knowing other children and adults will too. Gorgeous art and important concept.

heisereads's review

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5.0

Written by a child based on his own experiences trying to tell his parents that he is not a girl. A strong, #OwnVoices, trans story for children to grasp the concept and better understand all kinds of people live in this society. Be sure to read the backmatter notes!
Pair with When Aidan Became a Brother & My Rainbow.

maweets's review

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4.0

I think I am in danger of taking for granted how many positive trans stories I've seen or read in my lifetime. Reading this book had me step back for a moment and think of how many picture books explicitly said the word transgender, how many books explicitly spoke about not feeling like your assigned gender, or how many books -without the use of metaphor- showed kids what a trans experience was like. I honestly cannot think of many that tic all of those boxes. This book is unabashedly accessible in its language, plot, and illustration so that readers leave without any question in their minds about what they just read. I hope that it find its way to other kids who might have questions about their gender in hopes that it might supply them with the vocabulary and resources they might need to help build conversations with themselves and their support systems