I AM EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

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.