Book List: Gender Identity!

Hi All!

Every year in my classroom, we have conversations about the terms "boy" and "girl" and I ask if there are "boy colors" or "girl toys". Without fail, students are aware of gender norms, saying, "Blue is a boy color" or "Dolls are for girls". But in the next breath, these five- and six-year-olds add on, "But anyone can like anything they want!" What an insightful display of expectations and acceptance all wrapped together!

All students are navigating some form of the turbulent sea within themselves, and we as adults have a responsibility to support children with compassion and kindness to ease that struggle, whatever it may be. As gender identity becomes a more common discussion in the classroom, I have sought out stories that validate gender identity and provide helpful language that students and adults can use when talking about gender. The titles on this list are ones I reach for often throughout the year, even if I am not aware of any particular students whom it may impact. Statistically, it will matter to someone someday, and I want students to hear messages of love an acceptance as frequently as possible.

Clicking on the book titles will take you to the Amazon listing, and please let me know what texts you think should be included in this list by commenting below!

“Red: A Crayon’s Story”, Michael Hall

Sometimes what others see of us on the outside and what we feel on the inside are not the same, and in that space of confusion, there can often be shame and hurt. In this story, Red crayon has a label that specifically states what color it is. But when Red colors blue, critiques swirl. Whether I am teaching about gender, race, ethnicity or culture, this story validates our internal identity, even when it runs counter to how others perceive us.

“Introducing Teddy: A Gentle Story about Gender and Friendship”, Jessica Walton

I have come to rely on Walton’s story about Teddy, a teddy bear who fears to lose his best friend when he reveals that he feels more like a Tilly than a Teddy. The story provides specific language to support students as they experience gender identity changes, either first hand or as an ally, as well as showing how a successful conversation about gender identity can sound. Please read this story in class, you may not know who needs to hear it, but I bet someone does.

“Gaston”, Kelly DiPucchio

In this truly beautiful story about being accepted and loved for you who truly are, Gaston the bulldog struggles to be like his dainty Poodle siblings. But when he meets Antoinette and finds a family that looks more like him, both broods quickly see that appearances do not tell the whole story of who a person is. Whether we are talking about gender, identity, acceptance or family, this book is the compassionate answer to many children’s questions about being themselves.

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