Not He or She, I'm Me

by A M Wild (Author) Kah Yangni (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

"The warmth of everyday gender euphoria is burnished to brilliant radiance" (BCCB, starred review) in this joyous picture book about a day in the life of a non-binary child.

A child gets ready for a wonderful day. They gleefully get dressed, hug their parents, go to school, and play with friends. All the while, unapologetically reminding themselves that they are and can only be themselves.

The non-binary experience is brightly illustrated as we follow our main character through their typical day. The story's bouncy and fun refrain reminds all readers of gender neutral pronouns and affirms the identities of non-binary children--encouraging readers to practice empathy for themselves and others.

Select format:
Hardcover
$18.99

Kirkus

Starred Review
How refreshing to see nonbinary joy so lovingly depicted. 

ALA/Booklist

Starred Review
Books such as this allow us to foster a world where every child can proudly say, "I'm me."

Review quotes

★ Amid a growing landscape of gender-focused picture books, this title shines for its effervescent illustrations and simple, utterly normalizing narrative. A perfect addition to any school, public, or home library, this story will delight young readers of any gender... How refreshing to see nonbinary joy so lovingly depicted. - Kirkus, starred review

★ Not He or She, I'm Me would be at home among Todd Parr's many affirming titles, and vitally promotes empathy, understanding, and validation as it normalizes nonbinary identities and experiences. Books such as this allow us to foster a world where every child can proudly say, "I'm me." - Booklist, starred review

★ The warmth of everyday gender euphoria is burnished to brilliant radiance in this visually resplendent picture book...In holding the commonplace as remarkable and vice versa, the book invites readers to see and revel in everyday gender euphoria, and so better celebrate those little galaxies that contain multitudes. - BCCB, starred review

A M Wild

A.M. Wild is a queer, nonbinary writer of children's books, poetry, and creative non-fiction. They look within and to their communities for fresh inspiration. Each project they work on is a unique reflection of the world as they see it or dream it could be.

Kah Yangni is an illustrator living in Philadelphia, PA. They make heartfelt art about justice, queerness, and joy. Kah's artistic mission is to heal themself and others by making art that focuses on radical optimism, and the power we have to make the world a better place.

Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781250818607
Lexile Measure
470
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Henry Holt & Company
Publication date
October 17, 2023
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039140 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
JUV013000 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | General
JUV060000 - Juvenile Fiction | LGBT
Library of Congress categories
Picture books
Children's stories
JUVENILE FICTION / Family / General (see also
Gender-nonconforming people
JUVENILE FICTION / LGBTQ+
JUV013000

Subscribe to our delicious e-newsletter!