Book Trust: Discovering Gender Identity Books #TimeToRead + GIVEAWAY!
I’m way too excited about today’s post because it combines two of our big passions – books and gender identity! Today we’re talking books and children, helping them to understand gender issues and diversity, and I cannot wait to get stuck in!
Book Trust: Discovering Gender Identity Books #TimeToRead
‘New research from BookTrust, the UK’s largest children’s reading charity, finds that only just over half of children (51 per cent) aged between 8 – 11 actually speak with their parents when they are feeling stressed, sad or worried and a staggering 44% per cent say that they try to forget about the problem or don’t say anything and deal with it to themselves.’
– BookTrust research
When it comes to communication between children and their parents, books can certainly bridge the gap. Discussing difficult subjects and opening up conversations about sensitive topics can be carefully opened up through the use of books.
We’ve always had an abundance of books in the house for the children (and me!), and I like to think we started on the gender journey (albeit tentatively) when George started to grown his hair and experienced bullying for how he looked and how he chose to dress.
Fast-forward several years, and on New Year’s Eve 2018, Zoey came out as transgender. Our home already contained some interesting books based around gender, for example:
- Red Rockets and Rainbow Jelly
- William’s Doll
- Princess Pigsty
However, none of these books covered the topic of being transgender, so naturally we searched for more specific books to read with George and Molly.
Opening up the conversation
Before the books came into play, we obviously chatted to George and Molly about Zoey. They’d obviously spotted some of the changes (how she dressed/make-up etc), but it hadn’t phased them at all. One night, not long after she’d opened up to me about the truth, I decided to ask them how they’d feel about her dressing in women’s clothing permanently at home. I did feel nervous asking, I’m not sure why. I suppose I’d hoped they’d respond positively, as it would have been heartbreaking had they rejected Zoey.
I looked at them and watched them process my words, and within seconds they both agreed as long as she was happy, that was all that mattered. I breathed a sigh of relief before reading random stories, tucking them in and saying goodnight.
The Chosen Books
At this point, I’d ordered the following books, but they hadn’t yet arrived:
- I Am Jazz by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings
- A House for Everyone by Jo Hirst
- George by Alex Gino
- Are You a Boy or Are You a Girl? by Sarah Savage and Fox Fisher
- I Am Fred: The Girl Who Wanted to Be a Boy by Nick Rolfe
- Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love (review)
We read every night, and during the day too, so it was super important that our books reflected the big change in our lives. I often say that these kind of books are just as suitable for adults as for kids, because, well, why not?! I don’t see why people need to read complex texts to understand the fundamentals of anything, especially being transgender.
When the books arrived we devoured them! They are an excellent source of wisdom and teachings, with a deep understanding of the concept of being born into the wrong body. We re-read them on the weeks that followed, and the firm favourites seemed to be I Am Jazz and A House for Everyone.
Even now, eight months on, Molly chooses I Am Jazz at least once a week for us to read and explore together.
Top Tips
When it comes to reading about unusual (or difficult) topics, these are my top tips for parents:
- Don’t rush – Linger on each page, answer questions, ask questions, devour each illustration and word. Take your time with each book and let your child absorb the information at their own pace.
- Read again, and again, and again… Keep going back to the ones they love, there’s a reason for it! Love these books as much as your children do!
- If you don’t understand/know the answer, be honest. You can figure it out between you.
- Listen. If the subject is worrying your child, or they’re struggling, then listen. Often our worries disappear once we’ve told somebody.
The Magic of Books
George and Molly adjusted really well to the news, and after reading all these amazing books, our knowledge and understanding only grew. I think books are the perfect way to edge your way in to explore and discuss difficult or new topics, and it certainly helped us as a family.
I also think books appeal to virtually anyone, from picture books to wordy books, they encourage people to reach into the world upon the page, exploring new subjects and a variety of people.
When I look back I feel nothing but joy. These books were a source of support for all of us, and they help build us up on days when the world is cruel and exhausting. They offer us someone to relate to, they offer us a place of safety and warmth. Even now, eight months later, these books are presented at bedtime and we read them with joy in our hearts…
George and I have popped together a little vlog exploring a few of these books, and you can watch it below…
Giveaway
I’m so excited to be able to offer this fabulous giveaway thanks to the BookTrust. You can win this selection of books just by entering via the rafflecopter form below:
a Rafflecopter giveawayGiveaway ends 30th September 2019. Terms and conditions apply, please see below for more information!
We’ll also be taking part in the BookTrust Twitter party on Thursday 19th September from 8-9pm, so please join us and don’t forget to use the hashtag #TimetoRead. There will be book tokens to be won, and they will be joined by developmental psychologist Emma Kenny who will be answering questions on the night as part of their Twitter party!
@BookTrust and use #TimeToRead
Thank you so much for taking the time to read our Book Trust: Discovering Gender Identity Books #TimeToRead blog post. We hope it helps when tackling more sensitive topics.
If you have any tips for reading about difficult subjects with children, please leave them in the comments below…
Giveaway Terms and Conditions:
- UK entrants only.
- Age 16+ only may enter.
- Entry via the Rafflecopter giveaway only.
- No purchase necessary.
- Prize is subject to availability.
- The prize will be provided by BookTrust and Our Transitional Life takes no responsibility for a lost/damaged item or if the item is not provided.
- Prize is for 1 bundle of books for one winner, and there is no prize or cash alternative.
- Closing date for entries is 30th September 2019 at midnight.
- Our Transitional Life reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time. Any new terms and conditions will be published here.
- Our Transitional Life reserves the right to end this promotion at any time and without notice.
- I will not advertise the winner’s full name or contact details, but will give their name upon request of other entrants.
- This giveaway is not associated, endorsed or sponsored by Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram or any other social media networks.
- By entering this giveaway you agree to allowing me to pass your details on to BookTrust. I will not give your details to anyone else.
