Starred Review Gender is the subject of this necessary book for younger readers. In its pages are full-color photographs of children who identify as cisgender, transgender, gender-fluid, nonbinary, and beyond. The book begins with a collection of affirmations ("We are courageous, curious, creative, and proud; we are joyful, strong, loving, and kind"). The book then goes on to demonstrate these sentiments by showing a series of kids who make such declarations as, "I'm not sure if I'm a boy or a girl. It doesn't matter; I'm a kid," and "Everyone thought I was a girl when I was born. But I'm really a boy!" The text, presented in speech balloons, consists of empowering quotations from interviews conducted by the authors, who reassuringly write, "People might think your body is a clue to who you are. It is what you think that matters!" The informative book, which fills a definite need as gender identity has become increasingly controversial, contains a generous collection of informative back matter, which adults will find helpful; it includes a glossary, letters from a family and a trans woman, sources and resources, and more. If the book has a message, it's articulated by a young boy who says, "Everyone should feel safe to be who they are."

Photographs and text describe gender identity.Full-color images show a wide array of children-diverse in age, race, gender, and ability-grinning for the camera, playing, and posing. In a series of upbeat affirmations, the kids collectively explain that they are "courageous, / curious, creative, and proud," with background colors subtly evoking a rainbow. The cheery narration tries to be as broadly applicable as possible but unfortunately lapses into vague tautologies such as "There's a whole wide world of kids and different ways to be who you are-your true you." This explanatory text transitions into speech bubbles paired with images of trans, cis, and gender-expansive youth ("When I was born, people said I was a girl. They were right!" "Nonbinary kids, like my sibling, should be treated the same way that other friends who are cisgender boys and girls are treated"). These appear to be quotations from real kids but might be manufactured dialogue. The book ends with collective narration, repeating the same message of acceptance. Extensive backmatter explores concepts and terms not touched on in the book itself. While this title tries for sweet and open-ended, it instead comes off as cloying, confusing, and directionless. Though it may be helpful for some, a more focused nonfiction text or skillfully done work of fiction could contain the same messages without being overwhelming. (This book was reviewed digitally.)A heartfelt but skippable contribution. (authors' note, note from an educator, letters from "a grown-up trans girl" and a family, glossary, terminology, information on therapeutic support, resources and sources) (Picture book. 4-8)

“We are kids!/ Girls, boys,/ neither,/ both,/ or just not sure,” begins this photographic celebration of kids “just being kids,” however they identify. Acknowledging that children can be “joyful,// strong,// loving and kind,” straightforward text introduces a range of youths with varying abilities and skin tones who are cis, trans, nonbinary, and exploring, along the way celebrating friendship, siblinghood, and acceptance. Agna and Rotner’s text, presented against brightly colored backgrounds, encourages—“People might think your body is a clue to who you are. It is what you think that matters!”—while Rotner’s photographs capture exuberant self-expression, creating a crucial window and mirror for gender-expansive kids and their loved ones. Extensive back matter includes an author’s note, glossary, and resources. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)