My Own Way: Celebrating Gender Freedom for Kids

My Own Way: Celebrating Gender Freedom for Kids

By Author / Illustrator

Joana Estrela, Jay Hulme

Genre

Representation & Inclusion

Age range(s)

5+

Publisher

Wide Eyed Editions

ISBN

9780711265844

Format

Hardback

Published

01-02-2022

Synopsis

Small children are often asked to choose between a gendered binary - 'boy' or 'girl', 'pink' or 'blue'. This colourful picture book smashes these stereotypes and encourages the reader to follow their own way!

"Girl or Boy?"
What brings you joy?
"Pink or blue?"
It's up to you.

With vibrant illustrations and concise, poetic text, this powerful book teaches young children that there are no limits in what you can do and who you can be. You are unique!  Translated from the original Portuguese by award-winning transgender poet Jay Hulme, My Own Way is an important, timely and beautiful celebration of identity, difference, and respect.

Reviews

Lauren

My Own Way is a book that celebrates gender freedom for children. The book is set out through rhyme and uses beautiful imagery to accompany. The book has simple messages throughout - I especially enjoyed the line 'My Grandma used to tell me, everyone has their own way' - which are simple and effective for children to follow using both words and pictures.


The book talks about boys and girls; how some people identify as one, both or none, and how our hair, the way we look and what we wear does not identify us. It is about what is inside that counts the most and how we are - making sure we are kind and considerate to all.


This could be used by a range of age groups and could inspire and spark some interesting conversations too, especially in the world we live in today and would be a great addition to RSHE lessons.


Reviewed by Lauren Maidman, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 5+

 

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