Pink Is For Boys by Robb Pearlman (ages 4 to 7)
Who Are You? The Kid’s Guide to Gender Identity by Brook Pessin-Whedbee (ages 5 and up)
An exploration of gender identities and expressions, with a fun colored gender wheel at the back that kids love to manipulate.
Neither by Airlie Anderson (ages 3-7)
This charming book challenges young readers to see beyond the binary by framing the main character’s struggle – born into the Land of This and That, but not quite fitting into either “this” or “that”- in a way that encourages empathy and discovery. Neither allows all of us to explore gender and what it means […]
I Am Jazz by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings (ages 4-8)
Written with help from public figure and transgender teenager, Jazz Jennings, this gentle and easy to follow storybook explains what it means to be transgender. Jazz explains that she has a “girl brain, but a boy body.” She knew from a young age that she was a girl, even though the world saw her as […]
Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress by Christine Baldacchino (ages 3-7)
A simple and realistic portrayal of a gender non-conforming character’s struggle at school.
Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love (ages 3 to 8)
Beautiful book about a young boy with mermaid aspirations. Love’s gorgeous illustrations provide endless opportunities for discussion and discovery. Wonderful “point of entry” text to examine gender roles and expectations with young children.
Sparkle Boy by Leslea Newman (ages 3-8)
The author of the well-known Heather Has Two Mommies, Leslea Newman has several books about LGBTQ families. This one takes a somewhat heavy-handed approach about a gender non-conforming character, but the book’s clear, unwavering messages of support and acceptance are heartening.
“How Do I Talk To My Preschooler About Identity?,” Planned Parenthood
Tips from PP on how to think about, prepare for, and facilitate conversations around gender with small children. Also provides thought-provoking opportunities for self-reflection on gendered attitudes.
The Gender and Family Project
Should you or a gender-expansive child need more support, check out the GFP (through the well known and highly reputed Ackerman Institute for the Family in Manhattan). They have wonderful offerings, including Family and individual therapy, support and play groups, etc.
The Gender Creative Child by Diane Ehrensaft
This book is excellent. Not only is it rich with the author’s years of experience and perspective, it also helps parents distinguish among different types of gender expression issues. Not every boy who likes dresses and Barbies is transgender, for example. But how can we know for sure? This book answers that question and many, […]