POPPY'S QUESTION

When gender tropes impact class activities, a girl feels empowered to speak up.

With a smile and skip in her step, Poppy eagerly heads to school each morning looking forward to the best part: Ava. Even though she chews her pencils and tickles Poppy with her bouncy curls, “Poppy liked sitting next to Ava.” But when the pair play house, Ava would rather ask a boy to “be the daddy” instead of Poppy. What’s more, their teacher, Ms. Merriwick, says the class will be hosting a wedding between “Mr. Q” and “Ms. U” (a common phonics lesson that teaches how the two letters always go together). While the other students enjoy wedding-themed activities, Poppy sits frowning amid a scribbly cloud that visually conveys her angst. When Ava notices, Poppy bravely opens up: “I don’t want Ms. U to marry Mr. Q…. And I don’t want to play house with a boy as the daddy.” The result is an uplifting model of communication and kindness that reinforces the importance of sharing your feelings with those you trust. And though Poppy’s never named as queer, the tale clearly speaks to the power of seeing one’s identity represented. Poppy’s evolving emotions are reflected in squiggles, sparkles, and zigzags throughout; bold, textured background colors are dynamic and almost magical. Direct, clear language will help guide conversations in an age-appropriate, understandable way. Poppy has paper-white skin and dark hair; Ava is brown-skinned and brown-haired.

Don’t skip this heartwarming tale of queer representation and acceptance.