If You're a Kid Like Gavin

Activist Grimm and author Lukoff's voices blend powerfully in this autobiographical picture book that's also a call for action, authenticity, and equity. In immediately engaging lines, the authors ask what choices kids get to make, establishing children's autonomy ("You can choose which way to ride your bike") and recognizing its limits ("You don't choose your skin color"). They next combine the concepts in a portrait of Grimm's childhood, centering his choice to discuss his innate gender identity: "I'm really a boy on the inside." Framing biographical beats as further decisions, the text traces how discriminatory practices at school led to Gavin's advocating for trans rights all the way to the Supreme Court. Crucially, readers can connect with the text both as people "like Gavin" and people who, "like Gavin," understand that everyone has the right to be themselves. Using the blues and pinks of the trans flag alongside jewel tones, Yang's digital illustrations emphasize Grimm's experience and legacy: "When you're a kid like Gavin Grimm, you know the only choice you have is to fight back." Ages 4-8. (July)

Gr 3-5--The underlying theme of this true story about teenage trans student Gavin Grimm is that there are choices a kid can and can't make. Gavin had no choice about the fact that the world saw him as a girl when inside he knew he was a boy. He did have a choice to talk honestly about it. And when he got tired of using the nurse's bathroom as though he were a sick person, he had no choice but to try and get access to the boys' bathroom at school. Teachers gossiped and students bullied him, but he spoke out even louder about his rights--before the community, on the news, and in a successful court case brought by the ACLU. The kid-friendly and straightforward narration works with digitally created art that employs firm outlines and a muted palette to communicate Gavin's embarrassment, loneliness, and evolving courage. Framed throughout with the conditional "if" of the title, the text stumbles only once when it switches to, "Since you're a kid like Gavin Grimm," which unnecessarily narrows the audience. VERDICT All kids should be challenged to think about the message of standing up and fighting for what is right. Here is a worthy discussion-starter on an important topic for all collections.--Jan Aldrich Solow

Gavin's journey encourages young readers to ask questions, challenge assumptions and take action in order to change the world. — Duncan Tonatiuh, winner of the Pura Belpré Medal and the Jane Addams Children's Book Award

A movingly told, brilliantly illustrated book about the power and humanity of trans kids. I wish I'd had this book growing up, and I'm so very grateful it's here now. — Andrea Tsurumi, creator of Crab Cake and I'm On It!

Praise for Call Me Max:

A welcome title for classrooms, libraries, and PFLAG and other support organizations' collections. — School Library Journal

Praise for When Aidan Became a Brother: "A much-needed and appealing addition to the picture book canon; both emotionally and visually satisfying." — School Library Journal

This picture book sets a new standard of excellence in transgender representation by centering the feelings of Aidan, a biracial (black and South Asian) transgender boy. Joyful and affirming, Aidan's story is the first of its kind among books for welcoming a new baby. — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Lukoff writes with sensitivity and candor as Aidan takes his first steps toward claiming his identity. The creators' exploration of one transgender child's experience emphasizes the importance of learning how to love someone for exactly who they are. — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Together, the text and pictures create a heartfelt celebration of love that will be an ideal selection for trans children and for any who are expecting a new sibling." — Booklist (starred review)