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10,000 Dresses
Every night, Bailey dreams about magical dresses: dresses made of crystals and rainbows, dresses made of flowers, dresses made of windows… Unfortunately, when Bailey's awake, no one wants to hear about these beautiful dreams. Quite the contrary: "You're a BOY!" Mother and Father tell Bailey. "You shouldn't be thinking about dresses at all." Then Bailey meets Laurel, an older girl who is touched and inspired by Bailey's imagination and courage. In friendship, the two of them begin making dresses together. And Bailey becomes the girl she always dreamed she'd be!
This gorgeous picture book—a modern fairy tale about becoming the person you feel you are inside—will delight people of all ages.
This gorgeous picture book—a modern fairy tale about becoming the person you feel you are inside—will delight people of all ages.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
About the author
Marcus Ewert
6 books17 followersMarcus Ewert's first book 10,000 Dresses, illustrated by Rex Ray, was published by Seven Stories Press in September 2008. He is the co-creator of the animated series "Piki & Poko: Adventures in StarLand" and is currently writing "Mummy Cat", another children's book, coming out from Clarion Book in July 2015. He lives in San Francisco.
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February 26, 2009
For all intents and purposes Cookie magazine is not the kind of publication I read regularly (in that I make less that $250,000 a year). However, a year or so ago this periodical carried a story I hadn't really heard before. It was a true story of two parents trying to figure out how to deal with their young son. The boy liked wearing dresses, and pretty much preferred to wear them all the time. They didn't mind it in the home, but when he wanted to start wearing dresses to school the parental units weren't sure how to handle the situation. In the end they talked it over with the school, then coached their son on how to deal with kids who made fun of him for his choices. It was a supportive article, one that could easily have gone in another direction had the child had less open and accepting parents. I think of this article when I think of Marcus Ewart and Rex Ray's 10,000 Dresses. I know that there are boys out there who like to wear dresses, and I know that there are other kids out there who would find the practice strange and an excuse to be mean. And I know too that 10,000 Dresses could be seen as a picture book catering to only a very specific situation as a result. Yet if there is room on a library's shelves for books for kids who want to be pilots, want to be gymnasts, and want to be president, how much more specialized is it to carry a book where kids want to wear dresses? Particularly boy-type kids? A need has now been filled.
It's nighttime once again and you know what Bailey's dreaming about? Dresses. Beautiful dresses hung with crystals or created out of the petals of lilies and roses. Dresses that show windows to other worlds. Gorgeous dresses, 10,000 in all, that are everything Bailey has always wanted. But when she asks her mom for a dress like the one in her dreams the answer is unsurprising. "Boys don't wear dresses!" Bailey doesn't feel much like a boy, but that appears to be besides the point. Father has a similar reaction too, and as for Bailey's older brother it's a miracle he doesn't beat her up right then and there. It isn't until Bailey meets an older girl living nearby with a complementary problem that things start looking up. She has the sewing skills, but she lacks dress ideas. Ideas that Bailey can provides. So she does and the two of them construct dresses hung with mirrors. The kinds of dresses that "show us ourselves."
I had a graduate student come up to my reference desk the other day asking for picture books where the characters acted out non-traditional gender roles. When this happens (and it happens more than you would think) I tend to begin with the stories that can be interpreted multiple ways, like The Story of Ferdinand. Then I pluck out The Paper Bag Princess, Elena's Serenade, and William's Doll. The piece de resistance is our very special copy of X: A Fabulous Child's Story which you will not find circulating in just any library system, thank you very much. However, the book I most wanted to show off was 10,000 Dresses. My library system has not purchased it yet, and I was left trying to describe it in full, lush detail. The grad student was excited by its existence, and I doubt he'd be the only one. After all, it's not every picture book that gets a quote from Isaac Mizrahi on the back that says, "I love this book! If I had read it growing up, I might have felt better about my dress-wearing habit."
Because when it comes to books for kids that touch on outsider issues like gay parenting or early flirtations with transvestitism, the pool from which to draw is pretty small. There's not a lot of quality literature to choose from. Just at lot of so-so stuff. Either the books suffer from poor writing, or the execution of their art leaves something to be desired. The funny thing about 10,000 Dresses is that both the writing and the art work as a whole.
If you do not know what the story is about right off the bat, you're going to be momentarily thrown. Bailey dreams of dresses. Fair enough. Bailey proceeds downstairs to discuss the matter with "her" mother. Fair enough. But when Bailey's mother tells "her" that she can't wear dresses because she's a boy, that's when you can expect the small children hearing this tale to furrow their brows and attempt to figure out this riddle. When is a girl not a girl but a boy? Apparently, when her mother says so. Bailey's father gives his son/daughter a similar line, and I suppose we should just be grateful he doesn't send Bailey off to boot camp or something. But I was very interested in Bailey's older brother's take. Had the response been the same line, I would have called the story unrealistic. So while I'm not happy that the brother's reaction is, "That's gross" and "Get out of here, before I kick you!" it sounds about right. I would have preferred more of a capper on the ending too, but Ewert displays a good feel for children's storytelling, using repetition in a pleasing manner, and getting the right feel out of the words.
The art was interesting as well. Particularly when it comes to the reader's perspective. At first I thought that Ray might place us in the position of the parents and older sibling. The first image we have of Mother is basically through her eyes. She's cutting coupons in the kitchen, but the way Ray has positioned the shot, her arms are your arms. Her point of view, your point of view. It was an interesting initial choice and I was sorry not to see it maintained throughout the book. As it is, Ray chooses instead to place the reader low and behind the disapproving family members. Bailey is the only one visible and as for mom and dad, their heads are cut halfway off from behind. Most interestingly, when Bailey goes to speak to her brother the point of view dives even lower. We are seemingly around the big boys' ankles, and the final shot of her brother is practically ankle height, a soccer ball looming huge in the reader's eye.
There's a fair amount of ingenuity at work here, though it's clear that Ray only created three different facial expressions for Bailey. There's a lot of repetition to the tale. Moreover, though the book doesn't specify what the art is, it appears that Ray has combined what may be actual paper cutouts with computer manipulation. Often these cut papers are quite lovely, particularly when you're looking at something like a dress made of lilies and roses. But the same look on Bailey's face is going to be difficult for some people to get over. It just seems lazy to see the same expression over and over again. Often the story and the other artistic aspects make up for it, but just one or two additional faces could have made all the difference here.
In this particular case Bailey identifies himself as a girl, but I'd like to point out that a lot of male transvestites, in the words of Eddie Izzard, fancy girls. 10,000 Dresses therefore, is speaking directly to a small segment of its potential audience. An audience that may never even see or hear about this book because, when you think about it, purchasing decisions are in the hands of parents most of the time. But for some children, boys who like to wear dresses or girls who refuse, this book will speak to them. It will also speak to those children who know other kids who are a little bit different from everybody else. And to top it all off, it's a pretty good story. 10,000 Dresses by dint of its subject matter is doomed to be relegated to "special" collections in libraries and bookstores, if indeed it is offered at all. Should you manage to get your hands on a copy, however, it's worth your time. Could have used more facial expressions and maybe a wry final line, but that's just my take. A necessary purchase for more than just the children's literary grad students of the world.
Ages 4-8.
It's nighttime once again and you know what Bailey's dreaming about? Dresses. Beautiful dresses hung with crystals or created out of the petals of lilies and roses. Dresses that show windows to other worlds. Gorgeous dresses, 10,000 in all, that are everything Bailey has always wanted. But when she asks her mom for a dress like the one in her dreams the answer is unsurprising. "Boys don't wear dresses!" Bailey doesn't feel much like a boy, but that appears to be besides the point. Father has a similar reaction too, and as for Bailey's older brother it's a miracle he doesn't beat her up right then and there. It isn't until Bailey meets an older girl living nearby with a complementary problem that things start looking up. She has the sewing skills, but she lacks dress ideas. Ideas that Bailey can provides. So she does and the two of them construct dresses hung with mirrors. The kinds of dresses that "show us ourselves."
I had a graduate student come up to my reference desk the other day asking for picture books where the characters acted out non-traditional gender roles. When this happens (and it happens more than you would think) I tend to begin with the stories that can be interpreted multiple ways, like The Story of Ferdinand. Then I pluck out The Paper Bag Princess, Elena's Serenade, and William's Doll. The piece de resistance is our very special copy of X: A Fabulous Child's Story which you will not find circulating in just any library system, thank you very much. However, the book I most wanted to show off was 10,000 Dresses. My library system has not purchased it yet, and I was left trying to describe it in full, lush detail. The grad student was excited by its existence, and I doubt he'd be the only one. After all, it's not every picture book that gets a quote from Isaac Mizrahi on the back that says, "I love this book! If I had read it growing up, I might have felt better about my dress-wearing habit."
Because when it comes to books for kids that touch on outsider issues like gay parenting or early flirtations with transvestitism, the pool from which to draw is pretty small. There's not a lot of quality literature to choose from. Just at lot of so-so stuff. Either the books suffer from poor writing, or the execution of their art leaves something to be desired. The funny thing about 10,000 Dresses is that both the writing and the art work as a whole.
If you do not know what the story is about right off the bat, you're going to be momentarily thrown. Bailey dreams of dresses. Fair enough. Bailey proceeds downstairs to discuss the matter with "her" mother. Fair enough. But when Bailey's mother tells "her" that she can't wear dresses because she's a boy, that's when you can expect the small children hearing this tale to furrow their brows and attempt to figure out this riddle. When is a girl not a girl but a boy? Apparently, when her mother says so. Bailey's father gives his son/daughter a similar line, and I suppose we should just be grateful he doesn't send Bailey off to boot camp or something. But I was very interested in Bailey's older brother's take. Had the response been the same line, I would have called the story unrealistic. So while I'm not happy that the brother's reaction is, "That's gross" and "Get out of here, before I kick you!" it sounds about right. I would have preferred more of a capper on the ending too, but Ewert displays a good feel for children's storytelling, using repetition in a pleasing manner, and getting the right feel out of the words.
The art was interesting as well. Particularly when it comes to the reader's perspective. At first I thought that Ray might place us in the position of the parents and older sibling. The first image we have of Mother is basically through her eyes. She's cutting coupons in the kitchen, but the way Ray has positioned the shot, her arms are your arms. Her point of view, your point of view. It was an interesting initial choice and I was sorry not to see it maintained throughout the book. As it is, Ray chooses instead to place the reader low and behind the disapproving family members. Bailey is the only one visible and as for mom and dad, their heads are cut halfway off from behind. Most interestingly, when Bailey goes to speak to her brother the point of view dives even lower. We are seemingly around the big boys' ankles, and the final shot of her brother is practically ankle height, a soccer ball looming huge in the reader's eye.
There's a fair amount of ingenuity at work here, though it's clear that Ray only created three different facial expressions for Bailey. There's a lot of repetition to the tale. Moreover, though the book doesn't specify what the art is, it appears that Ray has combined what may be actual paper cutouts with computer manipulation. Often these cut papers are quite lovely, particularly when you're looking at something like a dress made of lilies and roses. But the same look on Bailey's face is going to be difficult for some people to get over. It just seems lazy to see the same expression over and over again. Often the story and the other artistic aspects make up for it, but just one or two additional faces could have made all the difference here.
In this particular case Bailey identifies himself as a girl, but I'd like to point out that a lot of male transvestites, in the words of Eddie Izzard, fancy girls. 10,000 Dresses therefore, is speaking directly to a small segment of its potential audience. An audience that may never even see or hear about this book because, when you think about it, purchasing decisions are in the hands of parents most of the time. But for some children, boys who like to wear dresses or girls who refuse, this book will speak to them. It will also speak to those children who know other kids who are a little bit different from everybody else. And to top it all off, it's a pretty good story. 10,000 Dresses by dint of its subject matter is doomed to be relegated to "special" collections in libraries and bookstores, if indeed it is offered at all. Should you manage to get your hands on a copy, however, it's worth your time. Could have used more facial expressions and maybe a wry final line, but that's just my take. A necessary purchase for more than just the children's literary grad students of the world.
Ages 4-8.
February 26, 2009
Alex said the same thing I did after reading this, which was, like, 'What- that's it?' We both had to calm ourselves down and remind ourselves that this is a picture book for children, which is hard when you're used to trans stuff being the province of complicated theory and stately literary explorations (puke) and Felicity Huffman movies (puke puke, except for the 'shoplifting a frog' joke).
But it is a picture book! For little kids! I'm pretty stoked that I live in a world where this book exists, you know? That is not the world in which I was a baby, even if it seems like it's also not a world where I'd expect anybody to buy it if I stocked it at my store. Y'know?
But whatever, I am doing a bad job saying that this book is awesome and I kept thinking about it after it was done, which is what picture books are supposed to do- give you stuff to imagine about- so good work, Marcus Ewert and 7 Stories.
(Oh and maybe this is the most interesting thing to me: maybe the most subversive message in this book- and one that trans activists, gender theorists, the queer mafia, the queer militia, and lots of other folks forget- is that it's okay to like pretty dresses.)
But it is a picture book! For little kids! I'm pretty stoked that I live in a world where this book exists, you know? That is not the world in which I was a baby, even if it seems like it's also not a world where I'd expect anybody to buy it if I stocked it at my store. Y'know?
But whatever, I am doing a bad job saying that this book is awesome and I kept thinking about it after it was done, which is what picture books are supposed to do- give you stuff to imagine about- so good work, Marcus Ewert and 7 Stories.
(Oh and maybe this is the most interesting thing to me: maybe the most subversive message in this book- and one that trans activists, gender theorists, the queer mafia, the queer militia, and lots of other folks forget- is that it's okay to like pretty dresses.)
July 9, 2011
Every adult should read this.
November 23, 2017
I bought this for my niece. She loves fashion and dresses. She loves the beautiful and amazing pictures of dresses in this book. She had questions about why a boy wanted to wear them. I think she's still puzzling it all out. She still asks to read this book from time to time. I feel the subject is handled very well. Great book.
November 3, 2012
10,000 dresses tries just a bit too hard and, while it may be reflective of some families, showcases far more disrespect and hate than it does the love and understanding it's supposed to convey. It's not that the book doesn't bring smiles and warmth, it's that it's far too thin and there's a pretty uneven balance. I think it'll leave kids feeling more confused and not do much to further acceptance. Really disappointed in this one. :(
March 15, 2019
Another book about a trans kid being mistreated and misgendered. The protagonist is lovely and the dresses are beautiful, but we need better stories that aren't about how shitty cis people are to trans kids.
October 10, 2015
10,000 Dresses is a story about a transgender child who was born a boy, but identifies himself as a girl. The overall plot is about how she wakes up from her dreams and goes on to tell her parents about the many dresses that she saw, but evidently every time, they tell her to stop talking about them because she’s a boy. The story is beautifully written and is interesting enough for children to get them thinking. The language is written in a way where the situation of the story is told realistically to possible real life situations for young trans-gendered children. The illustration is beautifully drawn and goes very well with the flow of the words. I love how the illustrator depicts each of the dresses that she dreamt about. However, one of the drawbacks that I saw was that there were not a variety of cultural groups shown in the story. The characters were all predominantly white.
"With all her heart, Bailey loved the dress made of crystals that flashed rainbows in the sun." - Except from the book.
"With all her heart, Bailey loved the dress made of crystals that flashed rainbows in the sun." - Except from the book.
April 30, 2017
In this odd book a boy who keeps dreaming about dresses tells each one of his family members about it, only to have them make fun of him and tell him that dresses are not for boys. Finally, however, he meets an older girl who helps him actually make the dresses he dreams about. I think this book might be confusing for kids who don't understand that Bailey is transgender. Bailey's family all refer to him as a boy, and he looks like a boy. Yet the narrator of the story calls him a she. I understand that the message aimed at transgender kids is to be yourself no matter what, and eventually you'll find a friend who understands you. I just think this story lacked something. The ending left me flat. It needs something. Perhaps an explanation at the end about transgender kids for those who arent'?
October 5, 2016
When I first read this I didn't like it at all. I was bored by the repeating patterns of the dresses the illustrations of Rex Ray really jarred with me. I was also sad to see that none of Bailey's family were supportive of her.
On a second reading though, I begun to see that the story is cleverer than I first have it credit for. Briefly, the story tells of Bailey, a girl who feels trapped within the body of a boy. She dreams of wearing and making beautiful dresses but it mocked by her whole family and it is only when she meets Laurel that she finds a kindred spirit.
The second reading further supported the clever play on narrative as the narrator themselves address Bailey in the feminine form. Also, the mirror dress made by Bailey at the end seems to reflect the person he wants to be and the body she feels she should be in. Certainly a book to provoke conversation around transgender.
On a second reading though, I begun to see that the story is cleverer than I first have it credit for. Briefly, the story tells of Bailey, a girl who feels trapped within the body of a boy. She dreams of wearing and making beautiful dresses but it mocked by her whole family and it is only when she meets Laurel that she finds a kindred spirit.
The second reading further supported the clever play on narrative as the narrator themselves address Bailey in the feminine form. Also, the mirror dress made by Bailey at the end seems to reflect the person he wants to be and the body she feels she should be in. Certainly a book to provoke conversation around transgender.
June 17, 2019
So I read this book with both grade 7/8 and grade 1 so far. I give it 4.5 stars only because I think it sort of leaves off on a bit of a negative point but not? This is a good book to read with kids and discuss what it means to be a transgender person to help them understand. I think it actually went well with the grade 1s so I'm really excited about that.
Update: I now give it 5 stars because it can be very realistic that people aren't accepting, even family members.
Update: I now give it 5 stars because it can be very realistic that people aren't accepting, even family members.
June 3, 2020
In my search for LGBTQ books, I came across 10,000 Dresses by Marcus Ewert. I found a review on https://socialjusticebooks.org/. I used youtube to hear the read-aloud. The story is about a child named Baily who dreamed of dresses. The story refers to Baily as her until she talks to her family about her dream about dresses. They all yell that Baily is a boy. It becomes clear to an older reader that Baily is a trans girl. Baily has the same dream about the different dresses and trying them on. One day she meets a girl making dresses and who is looking for ideas for dresses. Baily shares her idea of a dress made of mirrors. The girl makes the dress for Baily and they agree to make more. I think this book is great for a conversation starter about transsexuality for K-2. It is a nice book about self-identity and self-acceptance. I did like the consistent use of the correct pronouns for Baily.
August 12, 2016
10,000 Dresses by Marcus Ewert is about a child named Bailey who was born a boy but sees herself as a girl and has plans to be a dress designer. Bailey's family doesn't want to talk about dresses or the fact that he sees himself as a she. If he'll just shut up and put up the problem will go away. Except it doesn't and fortunately for Bailey's sake, there is a dress designer down the street who is willing to support her dreams.
It's a book that was on my wishlist and I probably heard about it from the I'm Here. I'm Queer. What the Hell Do I Read? blog. I honestly don't recall for sure. But we live in the Bay Area and Ewert is a local author.
I read 10,000 Dresses to both my children. Neither are gender confused but neither is exactly conventional in their boyishness or girlishness. They have nearly identical likes and dislikes except one is a girl and one is a boy. They sat and listened to the book and when I was done they began debating Bailey's gender. In the end though (when they couldn't decide) they decided that it didn't matter, but what did, was that Bailey's parents were mean. Dressmaking or wearing shouldn't be just a girl thing, they decided.
It's a book that was on my wishlist and I probably heard about it from the I'm Here. I'm Queer. What the Hell Do I Read? blog. I honestly don't recall for sure. But we live in the Bay Area and Ewert is a local author.
I read 10,000 Dresses to both my children. Neither are gender confused but neither is exactly conventional in their boyishness or girlishness. They have nearly identical likes and dislikes except one is a girl and one is a boy. They sat and listened to the book and when I was done they began debating Bailey's gender. In the end though (when they couldn't decide) they decided that it didn't matter, but what did, was that Bailey's parents were mean. Dressmaking or wearing shouldn't be just a girl thing, they decided.
June 11, 2017
"You dream about dresses, Bailey? That's gross. You're a boy." If you like that quote, then this is the book for you. This quote is followed by a threat to physically assault the main character. I started out giving this book two stars, then changed to one star while writing this review. One star for the parents that shame and disregard their child's feelings. It's nice that there's a book for transgendered children, but I feel like the message of this story is that your parents and family won't understand your feelings and think you are strange. There's nothing wrong with wearing a dress. Roman emperors wore them and conquered the world. My daughter wears one everyday.
December 5, 2008
Pioneering children's book dealing with Trans issues. Bailey dreams of magical dresses, but her family says that boys don't wear dresses.
I went to a reading for the book last night, and there were a couple of teachers who say they are getting great response from kids from the book.
Beautiful art by Rex Ray, who has done a lot of book design and also art for David Bowie projects.
I went to a reading for the book last night, and there were a couple of teachers who say they are getting great response from kids from the book.
Beautiful art by Rex Ray, who has done a lot of book design and also art for David Bowie projects.
February 8, 2022
This book was a little too real for what I think is the intended age group.
Bailey doesn’t get accepted by her mother, father, or brother. A strange girl who needs Bailey’s ideas for dresses becomes her friend, and that’s the only acceptance she gets.
Also, a dress made out of mirrors seems completely unadvisable, especially for children.
The book left me with sadness.
Bailey doesn’t get accepted by her mother, father, or brother. A strange girl who needs Bailey’s ideas for dresses becomes her friend, and that’s the only acceptance she gets.
Also, a dress made out of mirrors seems completely unadvisable, especially for children.
The book left me with sadness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2012
Cute. Sad that Bailey's family did not accept her, but she went out and found a friend that did, so yay.
June 23, 2019
10,000 Dresses is a children's picture book written by Marcus Ewert and illustrated by Rex Ray, which stars Bailey, who loves all sorts of dresses, despite being perceived as a boy.
June, at least in my part of the world is LGBT Pride Month, which I plan to read one children's book, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Ewert's text is rather simplistic and straightforward. The narration surrounds Bailey, who loves dresses of all sorts and would like to wear them. Unfortunately, Bailey is perceived as a boy and his family is un-accepting of his feelings. Ray's colorful, collage-like illustrations give a wonderful depiction of the narrative.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. The story is told from the view point of Bailey, a young transgender girl who dreams of dresses. At first, when Bailey tells her parents that she wants to wear dresses, they become angry. However, Bailey meets Laurel, an older woman, who lives across the street that seems more accepting. She explains that although she wants to make dresses with her sewing machine, she doesn't have any design ideas. Together, Bailey and her new friend create a dress with mirrors on it.
All in all, 10,000 Dresses is a wonderful children's book about being transgendered and one of the first children’s books depicting transgendered experiences.
June, at least in my part of the world is LGBT Pride Month, which I plan to read one children's book, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Ewert's text is rather simplistic and straightforward. The narration surrounds Bailey, who loves dresses of all sorts and would like to wear them. Unfortunately, Bailey is perceived as a boy and his family is un-accepting of his feelings. Ray's colorful, collage-like illustrations give a wonderful depiction of the narrative.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. The story is told from the view point of Bailey, a young transgender girl who dreams of dresses. At first, when Bailey tells her parents that she wants to wear dresses, they become angry. However, Bailey meets Laurel, an older woman, who lives across the street that seems more accepting. She explains that although she wants to make dresses with her sewing machine, she doesn't have any design ideas. Together, Bailey and her new friend create a dress with mirrors on it.
All in all, 10,000 Dresses is a wonderful children's book about being transgendered and one of the first children’s books depicting transgendered experiences.
July 26, 2020
This book. So glad it exists. Very important story to have out there, but MAN I do not like the illustrations at all. I can't tell if they were purposefully creepy and unsettling. but I feel like the book would have been much more effective with a less off the wall illustration style.
Also, I thought it a shame that the parents and brother were so horrible. It is realistic, yes, but in the 12 years since it's come out I feel like we've moved past needing a narrative like "now get out of here before I kick you".
But I thought it was very well done how the book unequivocally uses she/her pronouns for Bailey, making it clear that she IS a girl, no matter how anyone else sees or labels her. And it was great that Bailey found someone by the end of the story who sees and values her for her, with no reservations. My three year old LOVED this book and asked to read it again and again. Interested to read it with her again later when she's a bit better at articulating her interests, because I couldn't figure out WHY she liked it so much, but she really did. So without the cultural context and her enthusiasm I'd give 3 stars because of the illustrations, but it's getting 4.
Also, I thought it a shame that the parents and brother were so horrible. It is realistic, yes, but in the 12 years since it's come out I feel like we've moved past needing a narrative like "now get out of here before I kick you".
But I thought it was very well done how the book unequivocally uses she/her pronouns for Bailey, making it clear that she IS a girl, no matter how anyone else sees or labels her. And it was great that Bailey found someone by the end of the story who sees and values her for her, with no reservations. My three year old LOVED this book and asked to read it again and again. Interested to read it with her again later when she's a bit better at articulating her interests, because I couldn't figure out WHY she liked it so much, but she really did. So without the cultural context and her enthusiasm I'd give 3 stars because of the illustrations, but it's getting 4.
November 18, 2019
This book is good to have in your reading corner in a classroom. It tells the story about a boy named Bailey who wants to be a girl. Throughout the book, the writer refers to bailey as “she” which at first makes you think Bailey is a girl but you soon find out when Bailey wants her family to make her dresses, she is told “no because she’s a boy and boys don’t wear dresses”. Bailey ends up meeting a girl, Laurel, who makes dresses and soon help each other out with Bailey dreaming up the dress designs and Laurel makes them a dress each. Having a variety of texts in the classroom that allows children to see themselves in story can have a significant impact, especially at primary school age, sometimes the best help for children can be through story. However, the only thing I did not like about this book is that whilst a child may be feeling all these feelings, it may not ever come across their mind that someone will tell them “it’s gross” or that someone will “kick them” for wanting to express their feelings about wanting to be a girl or boy and this book could put these thoughts into their head.
October 1, 2018
This book is about a young boy named Bailey, who has a love for dresses, specifically magical looking ones. He dreams about all sorts of dresses, such as ones that are made of glass and others that are made of crystals and rainbows. Whenever he wakes up from these dreams, he is greeted by reality, where everyone shuts him down about his passion for dresses, especially his mother and father who consistently remind him that he is a boy, and only girls like dresses. Fortunately, Bailey meets a girl who also loves dresses, and the both of them work together to design some, which help both of them become who they were always meant to be.
The name of the award the book won is the Stonewall Book Award.
I would recommend this book because it exceptionally showcases that it is okay to like or be intrigued by whatever it is that we are in this world. Boys don’t necessarily have to like the color blue, like cars, or enjoy playing in the mud, and girls don’t necessarily have to like dresses, the color pink, and enjoy shopping. This book exemplifies this, and does it through an intriguing storyline. Students will be interested in this book through the pictures, and just the simple fact that it is different than the social norm, which children should know that it is perfectly okay to go against it. The text is good for early readers because it teaches them to be open minded to different lifestyles, and also includes fascinating and vibrant pictures that go well with the text. A teacher can use this for instruction by reading the text together as a class, and opening up the discussion on being accepting to all. After, a follow up assignment could be decorating a dress template with all the reasons why they are different and special. The culture that is represented in this text, is the LGBTQ community. Usually, they don’t get much limelight in tv shows, books, movies, etc. but with this text, it does, and does it in a way where is a journey through one's’ perspective, that could be educational for both children and adults.
The name of the award the book won is the Stonewall Book Award.
I would recommend this book because it exceptionally showcases that it is okay to like or be intrigued by whatever it is that we are in this world. Boys don’t necessarily have to like the color blue, like cars, or enjoy playing in the mud, and girls don’t necessarily have to like dresses, the color pink, and enjoy shopping. This book exemplifies this, and does it through an intriguing storyline. Students will be interested in this book through the pictures, and just the simple fact that it is different than the social norm, which children should know that it is perfectly okay to go against it. The text is good for early readers because it teaches them to be open minded to different lifestyles, and also includes fascinating and vibrant pictures that go well with the text. A teacher can use this for instruction by reading the text together as a class, and opening up the discussion on being accepting to all. After, a follow up assignment could be decorating a dress template with all the reasons why they are different and special. The culture that is represented in this text, is the LGBTQ community. Usually, they don’t get much limelight in tv shows, books, movies, etc. but with this text, it does, and does it in a way where is a journey through one's’ perspective, that could be educational for both children and adults.
May 31, 2020
I really liked the story but wanted more at the end. It has received the Stonewall Book Award Nominee for Children’s and Young Adult Literature (2010), Lambda Literary Award Nominee for Transgender (2008).
I think this book can be used for any age to teach differences and accepting others. I would use this book with 4-5th graders to start conversations on how Bailey in the story. Bailey was lucky to find a friend that was accepting in the end.
I think this book can be used for any age to teach differences and accepting others. I would use this book with 4-5th graders to start conversations on how Bailey in the story. Bailey was lucky to find a friend that was accepting in the end.
March 24, 2019
A book I just recently purchased. At first I was hesitant regarding the negative perspectives of those around the main character, but it led to powerful conversations regarding what kindness means, what it looks like, and how we can work towards it.
July 12, 2019
A sweet book about finding acceptance. Bailey's family sucks but not all families are accepting of their LGBTQ+ children. I was happy that Bailey found somewhere to fit in in the end :)
March 11, 2022
Every night when Bailey goes to bed, he dreams about dresses. He pictures beautiful dresses in hopes of someday wearing them. But, he is not heard when describing his dreams. His mom constantly does not accept him and tells him that he is a boy. Although this is the case, Bailey meets a new friend who shares his passion of imagination and dresses. These new friends create dresses together, helping Bailey fulfill his life long dream of becoming the person he has always wanted to.
Having books like this is today's classroom is very necessary. In today's society, kids have the opportunity to choose who they want to be, how they want to express themselves, and much more. With stories like this introduced early on in the classroom, students will never have to feel the fear many others have and hold back.
Having books like this is today's classroom is very necessary. In today's society, kids have the opportunity to choose who they want to be, how they want to express themselves, and much more. With stories like this introduced early on in the classroom, students will never have to feel the fear many others have and hold back.
March 10, 2022
The main character is a biological boy who opens up to his family about not feeling like a boy. They dream about dresses and sparkles. The family is not very accepting, but that does not stop her from feeling the way they truly feel. This book definitely addresses the heavy stereotype that boys do not wear dresses and should act tough. The main character in this book opens people's horizons to thinking about new norms and it being okay to be different.
October 11, 2017
I loved this book so much when I read it because, it gave a realistic approach to how some children feel when they come out. In many cases people will not be accepting at first or make fun of you but if you keep being who you are things will turn out for the best because you're being authentic. I am in awe of Marcus Ewert, because he created a beautiful book, showcasing a boy who wanted to wear dresses and did so even if those around him didn't think it was okay. Ewert gave hope to little boys around the world that they are not alone out there, and just because they are a little different from the rest does not mean that it is a bad thing. It is rare to see a book of this nature on the shelves, so I am glad that Ewert paved the way for more books to come!
September 15, 2021
This book is about a girl that is trans and she dreams about having all sorts of different dresses and asks her parents if they could get her a dress and her parents reply with a comment that personally I feel we hear all too much in the trans community that she is not a girl. But she shrugs it off and keeps looking for people to talk to about dresses and to accept her, eventually she meets a dressmaker and makes friends with her and she makes her dream dress a dress made of glass. I feel that this book really helps show others that if they keep going and keep staying strong no listening to when other people get you down they too can obtain their dream.
September 5, 2015
I have mixed emotions about this incredibly short book (took all of 30 seconds to read) because I can't identify the intended audience. The simplicity and sparseness of the story would appeal to the small child who is unable to read yet or who is just learning to read. And it can be a good way to introduce this topic to children to help them learn about diversity and adversity. I can't see this itty bitty story appealing to the older child who might be struggling with gender identity and acceptance or who hasn't had much exposure to this topic.
10,000 Dresses raises more questions than answers, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, the story line indicates that acceptance can't always be found within the family unit (all too true in many cases, unfortunately), and that acceptance is often found from total strangers. For a small child reading this (or being read to), this story would be devastating because family forms a big part of a child's early life. In other words, family isn't always there for you.
One aspect I do like is that the unknown narrator speaks of the child in the gender the child believes herself to be, which could be affirming, especially as the family members are contradictory and not accepting. At least there are others out there who will accept you.
The dress of mirrors/windows is interesting. At first, the child envisions (dreams) of a dress made of windows, indicating a way to see into the wearer to find the true identity. When the dress is actually made at the end, it's made of mirrors, indicating a way to reflect the identity of the onlooker rather than the wearer. These two concepts are totally different, adding to the confusion.
The child's name Bailey is also ambiguous as it's not gender specific (although, I personally think of it as a female name).
My 3-star rating isn't because I didn't enjoy the book or get anything out of it. I rated it lower because as I already stated, I think the intended audience is difficult to identify.
10,000 Dresses raises more questions than answers, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, the story line indicates that acceptance can't always be found within the family unit (all too true in many cases, unfortunately), and that acceptance is often found from total strangers. For a small child reading this (or being read to), this story would be devastating because family forms a big part of a child's early life. In other words, family isn't always there for you.
One aspect I do like is that the unknown narrator speaks of the child in the gender the child believes herself to be, which could be affirming, especially as the family members are contradictory and not accepting. At least there are others out there who will accept you.
The dress of mirrors/windows is interesting. At first, the child envisions (dreams) of a dress made of windows, indicating a way to see into the wearer to find the true identity. When the dress is actually made at the end, it's made of mirrors, indicating a way to reflect the identity of the onlooker rather than the wearer. These two concepts are totally different, adding to the confusion.
The child's name Bailey is also ambiguous as it's not gender specific (although, I personally think of it as a female name).
My 3-star rating isn't because I didn't enjoy the book or get anything out of it. I rated it lower because as I already stated, I think the intended audience is difficult to identify.
December 2, 2013
10,000 Dress by Marcus Ewert, illustrated by Rex Ray, published 2008.
Realistic fiction.
Picture book.
Grades K-3.
Found as a Stonewall Honor Book and a finalist for the Lambda Literary Awards. No review found.
Bailey is a girl who dreams of beautiful dresses she'd like to wear every night. However, when she tries to tell her family about these dresses, they insist that she's a boy and shouldn't want to wear dresses. Bailey faces the struggle of finding someone who recognizes her as a girl until she sees a girl sewing down the street. The other girl instantly sees that Bailey's a girl, and together they set out creating the dresses from Bailey's imagination. This book is a solid and simple introduction to the idea of being transgender for children. Though Bailey clearly looks like a boy, with her short hair, the text always uses the pronoun "she" to describe Bailey, which reinforces the message that Bailey's a girl. This book would be good for starting a conversation about being transgender with children, especially since it portrays the issue as being so matter-of-fact for Bailey. Naturally, readers should be aware that this book has a positive and sympathetic portrayal of being transgender, but other than that there's nothing potentially objectionable about it.
Realistic fiction.
Picture book.
Grades K-3.
Found as a Stonewall Honor Book and a finalist for the Lambda Literary Awards. No review found.
Bailey is a girl who dreams of beautiful dresses she'd like to wear every night. However, when she tries to tell her family about these dresses, they insist that she's a boy and shouldn't want to wear dresses. Bailey faces the struggle of finding someone who recognizes her as a girl until she sees a girl sewing down the street. The other girl instantly sees that Bailey's a girl, and together they set out creating the dresses from Bailey's imagination. This book is a solid and simple introduction to the idea of being transgender for children. Though Bailey clearly looks like a boy, with her short hair, the text always uses the pronoun "she" to describe Bailey, which reinforces the message that Bailey's a girl. This book would be good for starting a conversation about being transgender with children, especially since it portrays the issue as being so matter-of-fact for Bailey. Naturally, readers should be aware that this book has a positive and sympathetic portrayal of being transgender, but other than that there's nothing potentially objectionable about it.
February 16, 2016
Grade: Middle school to high school
Subject: Social Emotional, feelings
A boy named Bailey dreams about a variety of dresses. He tells his family about the dreams he has and asks for a dress, but his family members do not understand his need to have a dress as an appropriate one. “You are a boy!” Is their response to Bailey and undeterred each night he has a new dream about a dress. Later he finds himself walking towards a house and in it is an older girl who knows how to sow, but doesn’t have any creative ideas as to what types of dresses to sow. The two begin sharing their ideas and a friendship is made.
The book reminded me of Red: A Crayons story in terms of finding a friend who understands the other characters’ feelings or gives them a chance to show what they know. In the primary classrooms it would be met by lots of criticism because of its content, so I think it best be used in the upper grades where students are more understanding of what the topic of discussion is about. If opening with this book for a round table discussion of differences or feeling different, then this book would help with drawing connections to background knowledge and ideas of how to be more empathetic. The book was on the Suny Old Westbury University Libraries book list.
Subject: Social Emotional, feelings
A boy named Bailey dreams about a variety of dresses. He tells his family about the dreams he has and asks for a dress, but his family members do not understand his need to have a dress as an appropriate one. “You are a boy!” Is their response to Bailey and undeterred each night he has a new dream about a dress. Later he finds himself walking towards a house and in it is an older girl who knows how to sow, but doesn’t have any creative ideas as to what types of dresses to sow. The two begin sharing their ideas and a friendship is made.
The book reminded me of Red: A Crayons story in terms of finding a friend who understands the other characters’ feelings or gives them a chance to show what they know. In the primary classrooms it would be met by lots of criticism because of its content, so I think it best be used in the upper grades where students are more understanding of what the topic of discussion is about. If opening with this book for a round table discussion of differences or feeling different, then this book would help with drawing connections to background knowledge and ideas of how to be more empathetic. The book was on the Suny Old Westbury University Libraries book list.
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