Quick book review from a supportive parent.
Title: It Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity
Author: Theresa Thorn
Illustrator: Noah Grigni
Published: 2019
Main audience (but not limited to): Parents of Gender queer/trans/nonbinary kids and Queer/trans/nonbinary kids.
This is the first gender-focused book I read my kid that made their whole demeanor change when they connected with one of the characters. “Mommy, that’s me” they told me after reading about Ruthie, the little girl who everyone thought was a boy when she was born until one day she let everyone know she was, in fact, a girl.
Did you or your child connect with this book?
My child connected with the trans character, Ruthie. The book gives enough examples of gender identities (including cisgender) for everyone to be able to identify.
Do you feel this would be helpful for others? Yes, no, how come?
Yes! It can give a voice to kids who are trying to figure out their gender identity and it can validate those who have already discovered their identity.
Personal thoughts on media
I think overall this is a wonderful book for little kids (5+) who are trying to figure out and accept their gender identities.
One thought I had for parents is that it is a completely idealized version of admitting gender differences to family. It teaches acceptance and a seamless transition from one gender to the next among peers and family, which is sadly not always the case.
While this book is great at identifying gender language, it might not be the most helpful for kids who have already identified their gender and may now be struggling with finding acceptance among family and peers.
I appreciate that this book included cisgender children which may help unify the allies and LGBTQ community.
In a time when there has been so many attacks on the transgender community it is vital to be able to provide positive and supportive voices for both the parents of young people and young people themselves. No one else can ever tell you what your gender is, but everyone should have the right to know that they can have questions and take the time to understand who they truly are.
Both parents and young people alike are welcome to reach out here to talk and find support.
LGBT National Hotline: 888-843-4564
Online chat: www.lgbthotline.org/chat
Youth chatrooms: www.LGBThotline.org/youthchatrooms
