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I AM EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

Name: I AM EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN
Author: Sydney Sunderland
ISBN: 978-1-989996-06-5

by Sydney Sunderland ; illustrated by Sydney Sunderland ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 15, 2022

A well-intentioned, though noncompelling, effort.

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A book, told in simple, first-person sketches, that features different gender experiences.

Next to a plain illustration of a brown-skinned, spiky-haired child, Sunderland’s gender celebration begins with the words, “I am not a boy. / I like to wear shorts and t-shirts, / and I like my hair short.” Readers learn that the child enjoys running, playing basketball with friends, and getting dirty. But despite all these stereotypical hallmarks of a boy, the character confidently states, “I am a girl.” Via short remarks from children of various skin colors, this book utilizes a similar format throughout: Some kids are boys, and some are girls. Some are “both,” and some are neither. Many of the traits claimed by the book’s characters challenge the traditional Western tropes assigned to their gender identity; some of the qualities focus on the individuality of each character apart from their gender. For example, one girl loves playing with her dog, while another nonbinary child shares their favorite color. This title’s feel-good messaging may resonate with young readers, but its bland images do little to help illuminate the depth of gender diversity. Additionally, the book employs the common narrative that trans people are “born” as their assigned gender. Though relatable for some, this trope can undermine the identity of many trans people by centering their gender assignment above their true, self-determined gender—while also validating the controversial idea of biological gender.

A well-intentioned, though noncompelling, effort. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: March 15, 2022

ISBN: 978-1-989996-06-5

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Rebel Mountain Press

Review Posted Online: Dec. 15, 2021

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2022

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

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WHY A DAUGHTER NEEDS A MOM

by Gregory R. Lange ; illustrated by Sydney Hanson ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2019

New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned.

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All the reasons why a daughter needs a mother.

Each spread features an adorable cartoon animal parent-child pair on the recto opposite a rhyming verse: “I’ll always support you in giving your all / in every endeavor, the big and the small, / and be there to catch you in case you should fall. / I hope you believe this is true.” A virtually identical book, Why a Daughter Needs a Dad, publishes simultaneously. Both address standing up for yourself and your values, laughing to ease troubles, being thankful, valuing friendship, persevering and dreaming big, being truthful, thinking through decisions, and being open to differences, among other topics. Though the sentiments/life lessons here and in the companion title are heartfelt and important, there are much better ways to deliver them. These books are likely to go right over children’s heads and developmental levels (especially with the rather advanced vocabulary); their parents are the more likely audience, and for them, the books provide some coaching in what kids need to hear. The two books are largely interchangeable, especially since there are so few references to mom or dad, but one spread in each book reverts to stereotype: Dad balances the two-wheeler, and mom helps with clothing and hair styles. Since the books are separate, it aids in customization for many families.

New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned. (Picture book. 4-8, adult)

Pub Date: May 1, 2019

ISBN: 978-1-4926-6781-0

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Review Posted Online: March 16, 2019

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2019

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | CHILDREN'S FAMILY | CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS

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THE COOL BEAN MAKES A SPLASH

From the I Can Read! series

by Jory John ; illustrated by Pete Oswald ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 26, 2024

Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind.

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The cool beans again step up to do a timorous fellow legume a fava…this time at the pool.

Will a rash decision to tackle the multistory super-slide lead to another embarrassing watery fail for our shy protagonist? Nope, for up the stairs right behind comes a trio of cool beans, each a different type and color, all clad in nothing but dark shades. They make an offer: “It’s not as scary if you go with friends!” As the knobby nerd explains once the thrilling ride down is done, “They all realized that I just needed some encouragement and support.” Just to make sure that both cool and uncool readers get the message, the narrator lets us know that “there are plenty of kind folks who have my back. They’re always there when I need them.” The beany bonhomie doesn’t end at the bottom of the slide, with all gliding down to the shallow end of the pool (“3 INCHES. NO DIVING”) for a splashy finale. This latest early reader starring characters from John and Oswald’s immensely popular Food Group series will be a hit with fans. Fun accessories, such as a bean who rocks pink cat-eye frames, add some pizzazz to the chromatically and somatotypically varied cast.

Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind. (Easy reader. 5-7)