It Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book about Gender Identity

Thorn offers an inclusive primer about gender that integrates vocabulary words and definitions into the text ("Non-binary is a helpful word that can describe a kid who doesn't feel exactly like a boy or a girl"). Illustrations feature gender-expansive individuals going to school, making art, and spending time with family, normalizing the expressions. With heavy lines and textured forms, the images by #OwnVoices illustrator Grigni are a blend of jewel-toned shapes with textured lines reminiscent of block prints. The spirit of free expression and creativity infuses every spread of this inclusive exploration. Ages 4-8. (May)

K-Gr 2-This elegant picture book is a welcome addition to the world of LGBTQ+ publications for young readers. Thorn explains the concepts of cisgender, transgender, and non-binary in simple, accessible language. Thorn depicts each of these gender identities with realistically diverse examples, including a non-binary child who identifies as both a boy and a girl and a non-binary child who identifies as neither. When Ruthie, a transgender girl, tells her family that she is really a girl, they hug her. The text below the heartwarming illustration says: "Oops! Ruthie was a girl all along--they just didn't know it at first." The well-written story is enhanced by illustrations rendered in watercolor, gouache, and ink. Grigni seizes every opportunity for detail and uses colors that are vibrant and summery with jewel-toned greens, teals, magentas, and purples. A glossary expands on some of the terms explained throughout the book and brings in new ones, such as sex assigned at birth and intersex. The author includes a note about pronouns and resources for kids and adults. VERDICT With its captivating illustrations and simple language with word repetition, this book would be an exceptional read-aloud for classrooms or storytime, or for an adult reading one-on-one with a child. A must-have for all libraries serving children.-Shira Pilarski, Farmington Community Library, MI

"This expansive, straightforward framing of gender emphasizes curiosity, joy, and positive self-expression . . . . Exceptional." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"The spirit of free expression and creativity infuses every spread of this inclusive exploration." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"As the song has it, we're living in a big, wide wonderful world. And this book is a welcome addition to it." —Booklist, starred review