Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Wed Jul 06 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

This primer on gender lays the groundwork for affirming conversations and creates opportunities for self-identification.In straightforward, encouraging prose, Madison and Ralli guide readers through a gentle and interactive introduction to gender, sex, self-expression, and feminism. Beginning with a concrete foundation of commonality (everyone has a body), the lesson continues naturally into specific body parts (elbows, noses, vaginas, penises-the latter two not depicted), all the while normalizing that "every person's body parts look different." With that understanding, the narrator transitions into the way grown-ups describe babies as boys or girls when they are born, based on genitalia; here there's a refreshing (but brief) acknowledgement that sometimes grown-ups aren't sure but make a guess anyway. Emphasizing joy, wonder, the fluidity of identity, and self-expertise, the text carefully distinguishes gender from expression, which leads seamlessly into a developmentally conscious explanation of harmful stereotypes, unfair rules that give boys unearned power, and ultimately a call to action. Prompting questions invite the audience to deepen the facilitated conversation through moments of self-love, reflection, and sharing personal truths. Accompanying illustrations feature a racially diverse cohort of children learning about themselves, playing with one another, and engaging with their community, which includes recurring representations of disabled people as active participants. The final pages, targeted at caregivers, provide additional means of engaging with the conversation and pointedly challenge adults not to underestimate young people.An invaluable resource that supports ease and confidence. (resources) (Board book. 2-5)

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

This primer on gender lays the groundwork for affirming conversations and creates opportunities for self-identification.In straightforward, encouraging prose, Madison and Ralli guide readers through a gentle and interactive introduction to gender, sex, self-expression, and feminism. Beginning with a concrete foundation of commonality (everyone has a body), the lesson continues naturally into specific body parts (elbows, noses, vaginas, penises-the latter two not depicted), all the while normalizing that "every person's body parts look different." With that understanding, the narrator transitions into the way grown-ups describe babies as boys or girls when they are born, based on genitalia; here there's a refreshing (but brief) acknowledgement that sometimes grown-ups aren't sure but make a guess anyway. Emphasizing joy, wonder, the fluidity of identity, and self-expertise, the text carefully distinguishes gender from expression, which leads seamlessly into a developmentally conscious explanation of harmful stereotypes, unfair rules that give boys unearned power, and ultimately a call to action. Prompting questions invite the audience to deepen the facilitated conversation through moments of self-love, reflection, and sharing personal truths. Accompanying illustrations feature a racially diverse cohort of children learning about themselves, playing with one another, and engaging with their community, which includes recurring representations of disabled people as active participants. The final pages, targeted at caregivers, provide additional means of engaging with the conversation and pointedly challenge adults not to underestimate young people.An invaluable resource that supports ease and confidence. (resources) (Board book. 2-5)

School Library Journal (Fri Jul 01 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

K-Gr 4 A sunny, straightforward book guiding children through what gender is, how it can fluctuate, and how it's used throughout social structures. From using accurate genital names to discussing unfair male advantage, Being You raises important issues and the accompanying discomfort associated with their discussion. The authors' note points out that "young children need support from trusted grown-ups in their lives to help them make sense of what they're seeing, hearing, and feeling." This book is an excellent way to generate conversation! Most pages have a question at the bottom to encourage discussion. Some are softballs, asking children about their favorite color or what they like about themselves. Later questions increase in complexity, asking about feminists in their family, or unfair systems they notice. A helpful glossary of terms at the end expands those points, letting readers and listeners dig deeper into gender vocabulary and theory. These messages are supported with bold illustrations. They're simple, but inclusive and gorgeous in the range of skin tones, ages, dress, and abilities. VERDICT A clear, well-constructed gender guide, to be used with supportive adults already immersed in the myriad talking points and deeper dives of this conversation.Cat McCarrey