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mesy_mark's review
4.0
The Rymthes Of Inclusion
In this child's book where kids get to learn that being themselves is what they know be it boy, girl, both, or neither. At the end of the day it's what us in the heart, not parts.
In this child's book where kids get to learn that being themselves is what they know be it boy, girl, both, or neither. At the end of the day it's what us in the heart, not parts.
lattelibrarian's review
4.0
"Rise up like an ocean wave, be yourself: free and brave!"
Estrela and Hulme do a fantastic job of encouraging children to think critically about themselves and make their own decisions regarding hobbies, hair, and clothes. The illustrations are certainly professional, but evoke an art style that children can easily mimic with the materials they have at home. However, in encouraging children to find "[their] own way", they refashion old gender tropes and stereotypes. Instead of expanding what it might mean to be a boy or a girl or a mother or a father, Estrela insists that it's possible for children to be "none or both". Which, really, who are we as adults to make suggestions to their identity that they don't (more or less, in this screen- and advertisement-driven society) naturally come to?
Furthermore, the line, "Your truth is something only you can know" paired with open doors to both the men and women's bathrooms is an interesting combination. This posits gender as some sort of mystery for the outsider (totally fine, strangers don't need to know this!), and a potential source of distress for the child (not a great idea, considering children don't need to experience anxiety about what I personally consider to be a non-issue especially at such a young age).
However, the excited cry of "I will follow my own way!" at the end of the book is truly what this book is all about, regardless of any criticisms. It is all about children being comfortable with themselves and having the autonomy to make their own decisions. And what a great message, that is!
Estrela and Hulme do a fantastic job of encouraging children to think critically about themselves and make their own decisions regarding hobbies, hair, and clothes. The illustrations are certainly professional, but evoke an art style that children can easily mimic with the materials they have at home. However, in encouraging children to find "[their] own way", they refashion old gender tropes and stereotypes. Instead of expanding what it might mean to be a boy or a girl or a mother or a father, Estrela insists that it's possible for children to be "none or both". Which, really, who are we as adults to make suggestions to their identity that they don't (more or less, in this screen- and advertisement-driven society) naturally come to?
Furthermore, the line, "Your truth is something only you can know" paired with open doors to both the men and women's bathrooms is an interesting combination. This posits gender as some sort of mystery for the outsider (totally fine, strangers don't need to know this!), and a potential source of distress for the child (not a great idea, considering children don't need to experience anxiety about what I personally consider to be a non-issue especially at such a young age).
However, the excited cry of "I will follow my own way!" at the end of the book is truly what this book is all about, regardless of any criticisms. It is all about children being comfortable with themselves and having the autonomy to make their own decisions. And what a great message, that is!
bmanglass's review
4.0
I flip through a lot of gender-diversity picture books that we get in when I catalog them, and while I support the message they share, many feel like they're pushing tons of vocab and can seem a little "preachy" in a way that bothers even me, let alone those who are less familiar with gender identities. This one gets at basically all the same lessons and ideas without cramming in vocab, and it rhymes and creates good rhythm without getting on my nerves by being too clunky/completely disregarding meter.
juniper_reads_things's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
5.0
“Woman or man? Just be as kind as you can… You are not only a boy or a girl. Inside you is a whole, wide world!”
This is a cute book about gender! I think it’s for very young children, as a nice foundation. Even cisgender children can benefit from the knowledge that you’re more than the label given to you. You’re so much more than the category given to you by a doctor at birth.
Thank you Netgalley for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This is a cute book about gender! I think it’s for very young children, as a nice foundation. Even cisgender children can benefit from the knowledge that you’re more than the label given to you. You’re so much more than the category given to you by a doctor at birth.
Thank you Netgalley for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
dorayang's review
4.0
I love the colourful minimalist illustrations of this book, and it is definitely a simple book to read to kids that might feel pressured to conform at a very young age. A lovely book that I would recommend to all parents.
pib003's review
3.0
Wish this was more of a story than a concept exploration, there's a lot of books that do this exact same thing.
ljrinaldi's review
4.0
This is a bright and colorful picture book that discusses gender, in a light handed way.
It asks if you want to be a boy or a girl, or both or neither.
With simple rhyming text like:
Originally written in Portuguese, this translation is very assessable, with easy concepts for children.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
It asks if you want to be a boy or a girl, or both or neither.
With simple rhyming text like:
Boy or Gril
Doesn't cover everyone.
You might be both.
You might be none.
Your truth isn't hidden underneath your clothes
Originally written in Portuguese, this translation is very assessable, with easy concepts for children.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
babyleo's review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0