BPS LIbrary Blog 

I love My Purse

Belle DeMont

Charlie loves the bright red purse that his grandmother gave him. One day, he decides to take it to school. First his father, then his friends, and even the crossing guard question him about his “strange” choice. But Charlie isn’t deterred. Before long, his unselfconscious determination starts to affect those around him. Thanks to Charlie, everyone around him realizes that it isn’t always necessary to conform to societal norms. 

The Boy and the Bindi

Vivek Shraya

A beautiful book about a little boy who is very curious about his mom’s bindi. Traditionally a bindi is worn by Hindu and Jain women and girls, but not boys or men. But his mom sees that he is curious and gives him his own, and it awakens his sense of self and helps him express who he is. While this book doesn’t speak specifically of gender issues, the author is a transgender woman, and It gently pushes ideas of gender norms

My Princess Boy

Cheryl Kilodavis

A Mom's Story About A Young Boy Who Loves to Dress up 

Jacob's New Dress

Sarah Hoffman

Jacob, who likes to wear dresses at home, convinces his parents to let him wear a dress to school too. 

I'm a Girl! 

Yasmeen Ismail

When a rough and tumble little girl, who is sometimes mistaken for a boy, meets a boy who likes wearing princess dresses and playing with dolls, a wonderful friendship is born. 

Sparkle Boy

Leslea Newman

Three-year-old Casey wants what his older sister, Jessie, has--a shimmery skirt, glittery painted nails, and a sparkly bracelet--but Jessie does not approve. After two boys tease Casey about his appearance, Jessie evolves to a place of acceptance and celebration of her gender creative younger brother 

Phoenix Goes to School

 Michelle and Phoenix Finch 

A book about the first day of school, and some of the anxiety that comes with that for a little girl named Phoenix, who is happens to be transgender. Phoenix is just like other kids who want to fit in. 

Introducing Teddy

Jess Walton

A Gentle Story About Gender and Friendship 

Red, a crayons story

Michael Hall

Red has a bright red label, but he is, in fact, blue. His teacher tries to help him be red, his mother tries to help him be red, and the scissors try to help him be red by snipping his label so that he has room to breathe. But Red is miserable. He just can't be red, no matter how hard he tries! Finally, a new friend offers a brand-new perspective, and Red discovers what readers have known all along. He's blue!  

George / Melissa's Story

Alex Gino

(Novel gr 3-6+)

When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl. George thinks she'll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte's Web. George really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can't even try out for the part...because she's a boy. With the help of her best friend, Kelly, George comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte -- but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all.  

Neither

Airlie Anderson 

A sweet and colourful book about exclusion and inclusion. There has never been a bunny bird before, so when one hatches and wants to play, the bunnies and the birds both exclude the bunny-bird. Luckily for our awesome friend, they find a new place where individuality is celebrated and celebrates with LOTS of colors. 

Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress

Christine Baldachinno 

 Morris is just who he is and who Morris happens to be a boy who loves to dress up in an orange dress. The adults in the story don’t pass judgment. They support Morris for who he is without labeling or shaming. 

Julian is a Mermaid

Jessica Love

A little boy who LOVES mermaids is on the metro with his Abuela and sees women dressed as mermaids, and his imagination runs wild. When he gets home, he transforms himself into a mermaid while his Abuela is busy. When his Abuela interrupts, she thinks he may be in trouble, but the end is far from it. While this book doesn’t overtly address the LGBTQ community, the experience of showing a loved one who you are and worrying that they may reject that speaks to the topic.

When Aidan Became A Brother

 Kyle Lukoff 

This sweet and groundbreaking 'ownvoices' picture book celebrates the changes in a transgender boy's life, from his initial coming-out to becoming a big brother, and how a loving, accepting family handles both. 

I am Jazz

Jazz Jennings and Jessica Herthal

Illustrated story of a transgender child based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings, who always knew she had a girl’s brain in a boy’s body. One small drawback: female identity is tied to princesses, pink and mermaids. 

Jamie is Jamie

Afseneh Moradian 

There are so many fun things to play with at Jamie’s new preschool— baby dolls to care for, toy cars to drive—and Jamie wants to play with them all! But the other children are confused . . . is Jamie a boy or a girl? Some toys are just for girls and others are just for boys, aren’t they? Not according to Jamie! This book challenges gender stereotypes, shows readers that playing is fundamental to learning, and reinforces the idea that all chil­dren need the freedom to play unencumbered.