Gender has become a hot topic among parents in recent years. In fact, many parents are opting to try things like gender creative parenting and are talking about gender with children from a young age. However, talking about a complex topic like gender with a young child can be tricky at first, which is why books can be a helpful tool. If you are looking for books to help you discuss gender identity with your child, check out these 10 options.
10 I Am Jazz by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings
I Am Jazz is based on real-life experiences of co-author Jazz Jennings and explains gender identity in a clear, accessible way for children of all ages. Through Jazz's powerful story, children can learn what the freedom to be your true self feels like, and learn about what it's like to live in a body that doesn't always tell the full story of who you are.
Buy from Amazon: $15.99
9 Who Are You?: The Kid's Guide to Gender Identity by Brook Pessin-Whedbee
Geared towards children between the ages of 5 and 8, this delightful nonfiction text provides a straightforward introduction to gender. It explains gender as it relates to our bodies, our expression, and our identity. It also includes some additional pages of information for parents, which can be especially handy for those who aren't familiar with all the terms related to gender identity and gender expression.
Buy from Amazon: $18.95
8 We Are Little Feminists: Families by Archaa Shrivastav
Even toddlers and preschool-aged children can learn about gender identity with this creative little board book. It includes real-life photos from LGBTQ and ally families. Also, the text is written in a way that encourages equality for all, regardless of any aspect of their identity. We Are Little Feminists: Families has won an American Library Association medal and Stonewall Book Award.
Buy from Little Feminist: $8.00
7 It Feels Good to Be Yourself by Theresa Thorn
This straightforward, yet sweet book provides an easy-to-grasp exploration of gender identity. In fact, It Feels Good to Be Yourself gives children a better understanding of themselves and others through its vibrant art and age-appropriate language. After reading this book with your children, you will both have the vocabulary to discuss this important topic with sensitivity and enlightenment.
Buy from Amazon: $12.53
6 Jack (Not Jackie) by Erica Silverman
This fictional picture book provides a perspective of acceptance and representation for children who identify as transgender. However, even if your child doesn't fit that narrative, they can still learn a lot from this sweet story about siblings who must learn to embrace each other just as they are without trying to change them. At the end of the day, it's important for kids to understand that not all girls and boys fit into the gender norms society has placed on us, and this text shows children exactly that.
Buy from Amazon: $13.80
5 The Gender Wheel by Maya Christina Gonzalez
If you're looking for a book that takes a nature-based, holistic approach to exploring gender, then look no further than The Gender Wheel. This book explores the origins of our current binary gender system and takes a fresh approach to how we look at all bodies and genders going forward. It's a great way to explain gender, but also encourages body positivity and self-love in a way that all children need to experience.
Buy from Amazon: $13.95
4 The Bare Naked Book by Kathy Stinson
This book focuses on human anatomy in a way that teaches children that all bodies are beautiful bodies, especially their own. It also poses questions for children to think about as they discuss gender and their body alongside their parents. While this book has been around for several decades, it was recently updated to reflect current understandings of gender and inclusion, which makes it all the better for parents to add to their shelves at home.
Buy from Amazon: $13.53
3 Sex is a Funny Word: A Book About Bodies, Feelings and You by Cory Silverberg
If you're looking for a great book about gender identity for slightly older elementary students, then this is the one for you. Sex is a Funny Word takes a comprehensive look at what the word “sex” means, with regard to gender, bodies, and sexual orientation. Furthermore, this book addresses topics like respect, boundaries, and safety in a way that encourages open and thoughtful conversations between parents and their children.
Buy from Amazon: $17.14
2 A Kids Book About Being Non-Binary by Hunter Chinn-Raicht
While most of the books on this list focus on gender and discuss it in a thoughtful way, not all of them mention non-binary people. That all changes with this text, provided by the amazing company that has offered numerous other "Kids Book About" options. A Kids Book About Being Non-Binary provides an inside view of what it means when you don't fit within the gender binary, but in a way that is accessible to children. It's another must-add to your shelves, especially if you're working with your children on inclusion and diversity topics.
Buy from A Kids Company: $19.95
1 Introducing Teddy by Jessica Walton
This gentle story about friendship and gender is a sweet way to introduce gender identity to young children. It's a great message and filled with cute illustrations.
Buy from Amazon: $14.49
Sources: Amazon, Little Feminist, A Kids Company