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mehsi's review against another edition
3.0
It is Banned Books Week, and I am reading Challenged/Banned books. This is the fifth book for this week.
This book was banned/challenged in various libraries for various reasons (because heaven's forbid a boy wears a dress).
I did like the book, well ish. I just couldn't like Jacob. I mostly found him annoying, pushy, and only a bit brave. It was nice that he wanted to wear a dress, but it would also be nice if he listened to his parents. His parents are supportive, but they also want to help him out. They know that kids will be mean, and are just trying to protect Jacob.
Christopher was just a pest, just like his friends. I felt sorry that not much was done about the mean guys. Then again, it wouldn't be the first time that teachers don't do anything or just say it once and then expect kids to understand it.
I did like Emily. She was sweet, kind, and stuck to Jacob even when a lot of other kids didn't.
The art was so-so. The style was pretty decent (reminded me of Judy Moody), but while the humans looked OK, I was wondering what happened to the poor dog (???).
All in all, a pretty OK-ish book.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
This book was banned/challenged in various libraries for various reasons (because heaven's forbid a boy wears a dress).
I did like the book, well ish. I just couldn't like Jacob. I mostly found him annoying, pushy, and only a bit brave. It was nice that he wanted to wear a dress, but it would also be nice if he listened to his parents. His parents are supportive, but they also want to help him out. They know that kids will be mean, and are just trying to protect Jacob.
Christopher was just a pest, just like his friends. I felt sorry that not much was done about the mean guys. Then again, it wouldn't be the first time that teachers don't do anything or just say it once and then expect kids to understand it.
I did like Emily. She was sweet, kind, and stuck to Jacob even when a lot of other kids didn't.
The art was so-so. The style was pretty decent (reminded me of Judy Moody), but while the humans looked OK, I was wondering what happened to the poor dog (???).
All in all, a pretty OK-ish book.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
lbarsk's review against another edition
5.0
I went out and bought this book because of the controversy happening in North Carolina, where teachers in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system were going to use it to teach first graders about bullying and acceptance. Some ass-backwards parents believe that the book will "teach kids to be transgender" (even though that's not how being trans works), so now the book has been pulled and another book is being used to teach an anti-bullying message instead.
I'm SO GLAD I did buy this book, because now I get to have it forever. Hopefully one day any kids in my life will read it and be like "hold on, this used to be something we had to TEACH PEOPLE?" and I'll be like "yes, it was a dark and evil time."
I cried, obviously, because this book's message is so important and because it's one a lot of adults need to learn. So instant five stars for that! Also five stars for the lovely illustrations and for Jacob's understanding and lovely friend Emily.
I'm SO GLAD I did buy this book, because now I get to have it forever. Hopefully one day any kids in my life will read it and be like "hold on, this used to be something we had to TEACH PEOPLE?" and I'll be like "yes, it was a dark and evil time."
I cried, obviously, because this book's message is so important and because it's one a lot of adults need to learn. So instant five stars for that! Also five stars for the lovely illustrations and for Jacob's understanding and lovely friend Emily.
rainbowbookworm's review against another edition
5.0
This book handles gender nonconformity beautifully. While the parents are OK with Jacob wearing dresses inside the house, they have issues with him expressing his feminine side in school. When confronted by a bully about why he's not wearing armor like a knight and instead is wearing a princess garb, his teacher tries to guide Jacob to more manly costumes. Jacob refuses and the teacher does not pressure. Later on, when Jacob's parents acquiesce, the teacher explain to the class that women didn't always wear pants and that there are tomboys, so why couldn't Jacob just be who he is. My favorite part about this book, however, is how it shows the anxiety Jacob is feeling.
xsleepyshadows's review against another edition
3.0
This is a good book about letting kids be who they are and let them explore what they like. Illustrations are very cute! ~Ashley
90sinmyheart's review against another edition
5.0
No, YOU'RE crying.
What a beautiful story, and so relevant in today's society.
kristenremenar's review against another edition
4.0
A bit wordy for a book geared at kids this age, but an important book to have. Why can't Jacob wear a dress? I love that the teacher reminds kids that there was a time when girls couldn't wear pants. The message that we get to choose what we wear is fantastic. I also appreciate the realistic ending where Christoper (the boy who makes trouble for Jacob)isn't suddenly nicer, but just not paid that much attention to.
literarylauren333's review against another edition
5.0
A sensitively-written story. Perfectly explained for young kids.
topy_loving_books's review against another edition
4.0
I was worried how it would be portrayed as the book is already from 2014. But the authors (both parents of a gender-nonconforming child themselves) did a really good job to portrayed Jacob's journey to be his best self. So far he identifies as boy but loves wearing dresses. So it brings discussions with his parents, and his classmates. Some bullying him for it. And that's how I think this book is powerful, because in that moment his dress becomes his "soft, cottony, magic armor". This dress that he made with his mom, who took the time to listen to him and let got of her own biases, gave him the strength to face a bully by being himself. We can see in this book how having adults (the parents and the teacher) and peers (his friend Emily) supporting him give him happiness. It's really nice to witness it, and knowing the writers faced that with their kid makes this story even more powerful. In the end of the story (like for their son) we don't know yet how Jacob will grow up to be. But that's ok, because surrounded by caring and understanding people, he'll figure it out on his own terms.
I've read this book as part of the #TransRightsReadathon (20-27th march 2023).
I've read this book as part of the #TransRightsReadathon (20-27th march 2023).
arundlestl's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this gender-queer picture book! It's perfect for non-conforming kids who need affirmation, but it's great for any preschool to understand that there are people who are different than you and that's okay. Jacob just wants to know that wearing a dress is acceptable. His parents do the right thing and love him just as he is. Jacob and his mom make a beautiful new dress for him to wear to school. There will always be jerks and bullies on the playground, but don't listen to them. The moral of this story is said by Mom "There are all sorts of ways to be a boy." (Or girl)