A review by topy_loving_books
I'm Not a Girl: A Transgender Story by Maddox Lyons, Jessica Verdi

4.0

I appreciated that it's a book co-written by Maddox Lyons, who is a transgender boy. When he came out to his parents, they looked for children's books and didn't find many. That's why Maddox wanted to write one, so this book speaks from the heart of trans kid. And it's what make the message from the book even more powerful as we follow the hero trying to say that he wants boy's clothes and for his parents to see his "real me". The happiness he feels the first time his mum let him choose boy's swimsuit. Finally having some empowerment over his life. The fact he hated picture day at school, which I'm sure is something trans kids can relate to. Then, when he asked to his parents for a haircut (also a big step that trans kids) and is finally excited for picture day. This book shows again the importance for parents to accept their kid how they are, to have the chance to thrive. The illustrator, Dana Simpson, who is also a transgender woman (so it makes this book even more special) also said how important it was the acceptance from her parents and how she is even closer to them since she told them.