Early Book Review: The Gender Book: Girls, Boys, Non-binary, and Beyond by Cassandra Jules Corrigan

The Gender Book: Girls, Boys, Non-binary, and Beyond by Cassandra Jules Corrigan is currently scheduled for release on August 21 2023. Ellie and Casey  talk about gender! In this illustrated guide to gender identity, you'll meet demiboys and demigirls, agender people, greygender people, those who are AFAB and AMAB, and many more as Ellie and Casey guide curious children through the world of people who don't identify as their assigned gender at birth. This book can be an invaluable resource for parents, classrooms and children alike.

The Gender Book: Girls, Boys, Non-binary, and Beyond is an accessible and straight forward guide to the terminology surrounding gender, gender identity, and more. As someone that has made an effort to understand the terminology I thought I had a pretty good grasp on the main terms. I was glad to have confirmation on some, and to learn some new terms and concepts. I really found the book, and the included glossary to be informative and helpful. I think this would be a great read for anyone, of any age, that is questioning their own gender identity, as well as those that want to support or understand those that have come out as not cis. 

Book Review: What it Seems by Sydney Blackburn

What it Seems by Sydney Blackburn is a LGBT romance, that is very much about people getting to understand themselves. Michael’s straight and infatuated with a woman he worked with one day, over a year ago. But when he finally sees her again, he’s astounded that the woman of his dreams is a man in drag. Darcy is ace and not interested in dating anyone, so he and Michael just hang out. A lot. When he needs to do an on-screen kissing scene, Michael is the best person to ask for help. Michael soon discovers he isn’t as straight as he thought he was, and Darcy likes kissing him a little too much for someone certain he never would. Those are a lot of changes to accept, but they just might be worth it.

What it Seems is a slow burn romance, that is as much about Michael and Darcy becoming friends, and getting to know their own selves better. Michael keeps proclaiming himself straight, but has shown bisexual tendencies in the past. He is a little shocked that the person he has crushed on for a year is not who he expects, but not so close minded. He wants to get to know Darcy better, and the more time they spend together the more they click, and the more he questions his own sexuality. Meanwhile Darcy is ace, and typically not physically attracted to anyone. The developing friendship leads to both Michael and Darcy to think hard about what they want, and I enjoyed their exploration. I loved the open and frank discussions, and how even the people firmly holding onto one label or another are willing to research and explore more, and willing to adjust their thinking as their world, and those around them, change. My only complaint is that I was left wanting more. I want to see where they go from here. I want to see their friends follow their paths and see what the future has in store for all of them. 

What it Seems is a wonderful read, and I think it could be an important read for young and new adults questioning who they are attracted to (or aren't attracted to) and those wanting to better understand how other people feel. Beyond that, it was just a pleasure to read and I would love to read more about these characters in the future.

Book Review: Who Are You: The Kid's Guide to Gender Identity by Brook Pessin-Whedbee

Who Are You by Brooke Pessin-Whebdee is an illustrated children's book with a straightforward introduction to gender for anyone aged 3+. It presents clear and direct language for understanding and talking about how we experience gender: our bodies, our expression and our identity. An interactive three-layered wheel included in the book is a simple, yet powerful, tool to clearly demonstrate the difference between our body, how we express ourselves through our clothes and hobbies, and our gender identity. A short page-by-page guide for adults at the back of the book further explains the key concepts and identifies useful discussion points. This is a one-of-a-kind resource for understanding and celebrating the gender diversity that surrounds us.

Who Are You is helpful and understandable resource for children, and the adults in their lives, in dealing with the idea of gender identity and all of its implications. I like that the book uses the ideas that everyone is unique and that how anyone feels about themselves is valid, and can change. My favorite point is that no one knows you better than you. While I can see some problems with the youngest children and this philosophy- like when my daughter decides she feels like a wolf and hence must act and be treated like one, however when the book is used to further or begin a discussion about gender and identity I do not think this will be a real issue. The additional questions and discussion information was thought provoking as a solo reader, but I think it could be a valuable tool for having or leading this discussion one on one or with a group.