December Queer Books of the Month: 3 Children's Books

Not He or She, I'm Me written by A.M. Wild, Everything Possible by Fred Small & Allison Brown and Pride & Joy by Frank J. Sileo and Kate Lum-Potvin

Pride and Joy by Frank J. Sileo @SPL: JP Sileo.

Not He or She, I’m Me by A.M. Wild @SPL: JP Wild.

Everything Possible by Fred Small @SPL J 782.421582 Sma.

This month I’ve chosen three books for younger children that focus on inclusivity.

Not He or She, I’m Me is a beautifully written picture book by A. M. Wild, with vibrant illustrations by Kah Yangni. It’s an introduction to the gender-neutral pronouns, and is a wonderful celebration of the non-binary child.

The second picture book I’d like to share is called, Pride and Joy by Frank J. Sileo. Joy has a big brother called Noah, who is being bullied about being gay. Joy is so proud of Noah. He makes the best cookies and he’s great at skateboarding. Most of all, he’s always kind to her. But when Joy sees her brother being bullied, it makes her heart sick. She’s just a little girl, and what can she do to support her brother? Joy’s Mom comes up with an idea, to help Joy become an ally to Noah.

This is a wonderful tale, explaining how we can support the people we love, and it has a list of discussion questions at the end of the story.

Finally, a book based on a song by Fred Small, Everything Possible. The original song was inspired by Small’s friendship with a fellow musician. His friend’s son was experiencing bullying at school, mainly because of his gentle, quiet personality, so Small wrote the song, and subsequently the book, to show kids it’s OK to be who you are. There’s a QR code at the back of the book so that children can hear the song. Everything Possible is a great reminder that it’s OK to be who we are, and to love who we love.

These three books are just a taste of the many gender affirming stories that we have here at the library - stories that encourage kids to be themselves.

Heather ListerPublic Service LibrarianStratford Public Library