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When Aidan Became A Brother

Kyle Lukoff,

Kaylani Juanita (Illustrator)

4.57 · Rating details · 1,156 ratings · 267 reviews

When Aidan was born, everyone thought he was a girl. His parents gave him a pretty name, his room looked like a girl's room, and he wore clothes that other girls liked wearing. After he realized he was a trans boy, Aidan and his parents fixed the parts of life that didn't fit anymore, and he settled happily into his new life. Then Mom and Dad announce that they're going to ...more

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Hardcover, 32 pages

Published May 7th 2019 by Lee & Low

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Average rating 4.57 ·

Rating details

· 1,156 ratings · 267 reviews

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Dec 21, 2020 Zoë added it

[Book #3 for my grad school Children's Lit class] ...more

flag 126 likes · Like · see review

Jan 16, 2020 Jenna (Falling Letters) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: own-voices, picture-books, queer, words-and-pictures-2020

Update Jan. 27 2020: Delighted to see such a deserving story awarded the Stonewall Book Award.

#OwnVoices for trans boy rep. This is somehow even better than I thought it would be?? The illustrations are gorgeous and the text is written with such care. I love the author’s note that speaks directly to kids.

flag 24 likes · Like · see review

May 15, 2019 Tasha rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: picture-books

At birth, everyone thought Aidan was a girl. But as Aidan grew up, he didn’t like his name, the way his room was decorated, or wearing girl clothes. Aidan cut his hair off, realizing that he was a boy. He told his parents, and they learned from other families what having a transgender child is all about. Aidan picked his new name, they changed his bedroom into one that felt right, and he liked his new clothes. Then Aidan’s mother got pregnant. Aidan loved helping pick clothes for the baby, paint At birth, everyone thought Aidan was a girl. But as Aidan grew up, he didn’t like his name, the way his room was decorated, or wearing girl clothes. Aidan cut his hair off, realizing that he was a boy. He told his parents, and they learned from other families what having a transgender child is all about. Aidan picked his new name, they changed his bedroom into one that felt right, and he liked his new clothes. Then Aidan’s mother got pregnant. Aidan loved helping pick clothes for the baby, paint colors for the nursery, and even the baby’s name. But when people asked Aidan if he wanted a little brother or little sister, Aidan didn’t know how to answer. As the big day approached, Aidan worried about being a good big brother. Happily, his mother was there to explain that no matter who the new baby turned out to be, they would be so lucky to have Aidan as a brother.

Lukoff has created an #ownvoices picture book that truly celebrates a child who deeply understands their gender identity to be different from the one they were assigned at birth. The reaction of the supportive parents is beautiful to see in a picture book format as they work with Aidan not only to be able to express himself fully but also to be able to work through natural fears with a new baby. Those fears and the inevitable discussions of gender of a baby are vital parts of the story and allow readers to realize how deeply ingrained gender is in so many parts of our lives.

The illustrations by Juanita are full of energy and show a child with a flair for fashion who expresses himself clearly as a boy. His facial expressions change from his deep unhappiness when he is being treated as a girl to delight at being able to express himself as the boy he truly is. The depiction of a loving family of color handling these intersectionality issues so lovingly is also great to see.

As the parent of a transgender person, this is exactly the sort of picture book our families need and other families must read. Appropriate for ages 4-7. ...more

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Jul 02, 2019 Rebecca Honeycutt rated it it was amazing

Shelves: trans-nonbinary-gnc, bipoc, queer-youth, picture-books, family-stuff, picture-books-2019, read-in-2019

Not only is this book desperately needed, but it's also packed with kid appeal, as well as illustrations SO adorably charming that I can barely handle it. ...more

flag 17 likes · Like · see review

Feb 19, 2020 Maggi Rohde rated it it was amazing

Shelves: lgbtq, picture-book, families

It’s one of those amazing accomplishments: a book about LGBTQIA kids that isn’t didactic or boring. With enormous kid appeal, this book deserves to be shared widely and often.

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Dec 27, 2018 Andrew rated it it was amazing

It isn't until a few years of Aidan's life that he and his family realize he is a boy, not a girl. When he transitions, he flourishes and thrives, feeling whole. Then he gets news-- he's going to be a big brother! It's very exciting, but Aidan is worried about everything being perfect for the baby. I think readers of any and every age should read this book-- it really puts into perspective how much we gender things, even babies before they're born. This is a very big thing that can wind up being ...more

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Aug 10, 2019 Andrew Greenlaw-Houldsworth rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

AHHHH SO GOOD!! What i love the most is that this picture book uses explicit language when describing the protagonist as trans, which helps kids have a better understanding of gender. It also explores how being trans/nonbinary can make the subject of a new sibling can be hard for a kid who was misgendered at birth and early on in life. Great for 5 and up, and an exemplary gift book. Highlyhighly HIGHLY recommend.

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Mar 28, 2019 Jillian Heise rated it it was amazing

Shelves: wsra-picbk-2019, pb-family, pb-identity, cbad-spotlight, pb-community-building, pb-theme, yr-2019-shortlist-picbook, picbooks-to-get, cbad-follett, pb-lgbtqia-gender

THIS is the book. A beautiful and empowering story of identity. What we've been needing in our schools. The one that is going to thoughtfully, lovingly, and honestly help our kids better understand transgender kids they hear about, encounter, or know. I urge you to order this picture book and share it with all kids in your life. ...more

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May 30, 2019 Darla rated it it was amazing

Shelves: picture-books

I LOVE Aidan, with his excellent outfits and his plants, I love all the fun little details in the illustrations (gonna need that lady's watermelon romper, thanks), and most of all I love having these beautiful words to share with readers, whether they're getting ready to become a a big sibling, thinking about who they are, or just looking for a sweet and uplifting read! ...more

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Sep 13, 2019 Inge rated it it was amazing

Shelves: picture-books, lgbtq, ownvoices

A must-purchase for every library that serves children and their families.

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Apr 03, 2019 Brierley rated it it was amazing

ARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss + in exchange for an honest review.
This is a beautiful book! Kyle Lukoff does an excellent job thoughtfully presenting Aidan's perspective. I found Kaylani Juanita's illustrations joyful and exuberant. My favorite part was when Aidan changed 50,000+ names for boys and girls to 50,000+ names for babies and babies. 😉 I hope to see more of Aidan in the future.

...more

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Jun 16, 2020 Ivy Moser rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, picture-book, bipoc, wish-everyone-would-read, lgbtqa

Love the story, love the art, love the message! Affirming and inclusive and a great way to learn and grow for all ages.

Please read it!

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Jan 29, 2020 TJ rated it it was amazing

This was such a genuine, wholesome read. I highly recommend it to parents wanting to introduce their children to transgender topics -- or to just anyone; it's something you can appreciate at any age. 5/5 stars. ...more

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Feb 17, 2020 Colleen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: award-winners-nominees, kids, picture-books, over-2020

Aidan’s family is great, so is the author’s note & the illustrator’s dedication.

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Jul 05, 2020 Cheryl Klein rated it it was amazing

Shelves: edited-or-worked-on-by-moi, children-s, picture-book, diverse

This is what I wrote on AIDAN's publication day in 2019:

Today is the publication day for a picture book I edited and love very much, WHEN AIDAN BECAME A BROTHER by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita. This came to me via the excellent Bill Konigsberg, and was one of those unicorn manuscripts that I knew I wanted to publish from the very first time I read it. Part of its specialness was that all of the picture books about transgender kids I’d seen up to that point were focused exclusivel This is what I wrote on AIDAN's publication day in 2019:

Today is the publication day for a picture book I edited and love very much, WHEN AIDAN BECAME A BROTHER by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita. This came to me via the excellent Bill Konigsberg, and was one of those unicorn manuscripts that I knew I wanted to publish from the very first time I read it. Part of its specialness was that all of the picture books about transgender kids I’d seen up to that point were focused exclusively on the initial transition and other (cis) people’s reactions to that transition . . . and AIDAN gets that over with in three spreads. After that, it becomes a lovely story of continuing transitions, as Aidan adjusts from being an only child to an older brother, and the book reminds the reader that *life* is a series of transitions — as we all grow up, for example, or move from living in a three-person family to four-.

It's a great sibling story, as Aidan fights to protect the new baby from the gendered expectations that marred his childhood. And it's the story of the truest, deepest love a family can offer — a love that provides space for everyone in it to make mistakes and learn and grow. It's also truly groundbreaking in its focus on joy rather than pain, and on taking care of its protagonist and readers who will identify with the protagonist -- a focus that may not have been possible if it wasn't also #ownvoices.

Kyle and I had some great conversations during the course of editing it, where *I* made mistakes and learned and grew, and I always love a book that teaches me things in its editorial process. The same goes for the illustration process with Kaylani, whose pictures are so full of color and life and light and INCREDIBLE character-driven detail that I'm still noticing new things in them now.

As I prepare for the arrival of my own baby in September, I’ve thought about AIDAN more than any other book I've worked on, as a model for the kind of thoughtful parent I want to be and the kind of open and loving child I want to raise. I also taught the book in a picture-book-writing workshop a few weeks ago, and after I read it to the audience, I asked them one of my standard story-analysis questions: “Who or what changes in the course of this story?” And someone raised their hand and said, “The reader.” I think that's true, and it will open a lot of eyes and change a lot of minds in the years to come.

Finally, I have to close with an editorbrag: WHEN AIDAN BECAME A BROTHER has received FOUR starred reviews! And in one of them, @KirkusReviews said it "sets a new standard of excellence in transgender representation for readers." I am so, so proud to be publishing it, and I hope you'll check it out. ...more

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Mar 08, 2020 Alyssa Heun rated it it was amazing

Shelves: lgbtq

I found this book using the Rainbow Book List 2020 Top Ten.

The story is about Aidan who was born a girl, but realizes that he doesn’t feel like a girl. He feels as if he was another kind of boy. The story is told from his perspective on how it was hard to tell his family and for others in the community to understand what he was going through, but through it all he had his family to support him through the transition. Aidan not only talks about support from his family, but support from other tra I found this book using the Rainbow Book List 2020 Top Ten.

The story is about Aidan who was born a girl, but realizes that he doesn’t feel like a girl. He feels as if he was another kind of boy. The story is told from his perspective on how it was hard to tell his family and for others in the community to understand what he was going through, but through it all he had his family to support him through the transition. Aidan not only talks about support from his family, but support from other transgender families. When he decides that he views himself as a boy and not a girl, he cuts his hair and finds out different ways to be a boy. Then, Aidan finds out that his mom is having a baby and he will be a big brother. He goes through some self doubt and wants to make sure that the baby is understood. He is worried that the baby is not going to be happy with everything and wants to make sure he is the best big brother he could be. His mom reassures him by saying, “When you were born, we didn’t know you were going to be our son. We made some mistakes, but you helped us fix them. And you taught us how important it is to love someone for exactly who they are. This baby is so lucky to have you and so are we”. He then realized that not everything will be perfect and that’s okay. The most important thing is that Aidan knew how to love someone and that is all you need!

The quote I put in the summary really resonated with me because it shows the power of family and how we don’t always know how to figure out a situation in the correct way, but with the power of knowledge and understanding, we can do anything to make it right. As well as, that mistakes are okay; we learn from them and they make us better people in the end!

Diversity is portrayed well in this book as Aidan is biracial (black and South Asain) along with the illustrations being bright with various patterns that are depicted on Adian’s clothes to show his vibrant perspective on life. The illustrations are digital and have the look of watercolor and ink. This story fits the genre LGBT picture books due to the topic on a transgender child and inclusion. It also breaks away from binary language and stereotypical gender roles. There is also an author’s note that it is important to be open and supportive to various situations and that there isn’t only one way to be in any gender.

I would use this story to discuss the transgender community, as well as, help children who are going through this same process as Aidan. This book would be great to help students understand the experience of getting a new sister or brother and to understand the different transitions that families go through.
...more

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Jul 02, 2019 Abigail rated it liked it · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Readers Looking for Picture-Books Depicting Transgender Children

Shelves: new-baby, family-stories, childrens-gender-identity, picture-books, lgbt

A young transgender boy confronts the idea of becoming an older brother in this sweet picture-book from author Kyle Lukoff and illustrator Kaylani Juanita. Born as a girl, Aidan never felt comfortable with that gender identification, eventually sharing his deep frustration with his supportive parents. Now happily living as a boy, he isn't sure how to react when his mother announces she is expecting another child. He wants to be a loving sibling, and to ensure that the baby is happy. But what sho ...more

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May 26, 2020 Chinook rated it it was amazing

Shelves: lgbtq, kids

This was a great read. It stimulated a lot of questions and discussion. Both girls seem to understand the basic idea of transgender and understood why Aidan was worried about the baby being gendered. They struggled a bit with pronouns at times during the story and we talked about the concept of deadnaming when Kait wanted to know his girl name.

Overall, this is presently my favourite book to introduce children to transgender children.

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Jul 05, 2019 Emmy Neal rated it it was amazing

Shelves: diverse-reads, books-to-recommend-more-often

This book was SO CUTE!!! Ugh, my heart hurts.

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Jul 17, 2019 Ben Truong rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: childrens, family, gender, picture-books, lgbt

When Aidan Became a Brother is a children's picture book written by Kyle Lukoff and illustrated by Kaylani Juanita, which stars a transgender boy, who anticipates his new job as a big brother by helping his parents prepare for his baby sibling's arrival.

Lukoff's text is rather simplistic and straightforward. It is written with sensitivity and candor as Aidan takes his first steps toward claiming his identity. When his mother is expecting another child, Aidan excitedly prepares for his big brothe ...more

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Sep 05, 2019 Sabrina rated it it was amazing

This is a great picture book illustrating the story of a transgender boy who wants to make sure that his new sibling feels understood. I appreciate that the author mentions that it was a transitioning time for the parents as well.

I felt for Aidan during the parts where he and his parents where met with people who did not understand/were being nosy for no reason. I wanted to reach through the story and give him a huge hug and tell him that people suck sometimes.

The illustrations are absolutely ...more

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Jun 28, 2020 Kris Dersch rated it it was amazing

Shelves: pride-picture-book, picture-book, kidslit

This was wonderful! It explains Aidan's journey as a trans boy clearly and in a way kids will understand (and without misgendering or deadnaming him, very important,) and then switches gears into how he prepares for the arrival of his new sibling and despite his worries that the world will be imperfect for the new baby (as it was for him) love is the most important thing. Mistakes will be made, they always are, such a reassuring message for both parents and kids. A wonderful and inclusive book f ...more

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Dec 03, 2019 Missy rated it it was amazing

Yes! This book has so much that I was hoping for - a story about a young trans boy (there aren't many kids books about trans boys) that doesn't only focus on his transition but has another story as well. It also provides critical thinking about how to create supportive environments for diverse gender identity development. And wonderful to see a family of color! I've been waiting for something like this. ...more

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Mar 03, 2020 Caroline rated it it was amazing

Shelves: picture-books, lqbtq-books

YES OWN VOICES! This is a wonderful book about a little boy who is born a girl and doesn't feel right in his own skin. His family is warm and supportive and willing to learn to help him be himself. The author is also transgender and his author's note details how important this story is for kids who may be going through the same transitions as Aidan. I loved this book! ...more

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Jan 08, 2020 June rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: acceptance and self determination requests

Recommended to June by: Goodreads

Shelves: picture-book, brothers, lgbt, 2019-favorite, new-baby

Rounded up because I feel this is a much needed book. A child feels trapped because everyone thinks he is a girl. He acts out, but finally tells his parents. It takes some time for everyone to adjust, but they all learn a lot form other families with transgender kids. He chooses a new name, they change his room so he feels he belongs. When his parents announce that there will be another baby, Aidan is excited about being a big brother and wants to get it right (except the changing diapers bit.) ...more

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Mar 05, 2020 La'Tina Redmond rated it really liked it

Shelves: lgbtq, contemporary-realistic

When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff is a unique story about finding your true self. "When Aidan was born, everyone thought he was a girl". Aidan knew at an early age that he was different and didn't fit in with the other girls. With the help of his parents he is able to be himself and help his mother and father prepare for his new sibling."He wanted to make sure this baby would fell understood right away".

This book helps to introduce the idea of transgender roles in our society. It will ...more

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Jun 15, 2019 Molly rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2019

Tells the story of Aidan, a young trans boy who is about to become a brother. He wants to get everything right so the new baby feels welcome and they can be themself. This is a lovely story not only about the transgender experience but also the anxieties that can come with becoming an older sibling. It feels authentic because it is written by an actual transgender person. The illustrations are lovely too. Overall, a great picture book.

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Jun 18, 2019 KDV rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: picture-books, lgbtqia

Great book. There are very few books about transgender boys; most I see are about transgender girls, so this is a perfect addition to our shelves. I also like that the book nudges us to rethink the ways we gender people every day (ex. people asking Aidan's mom "Are you having a girl or a boy?" and her answering "I'm having a baby"). Very sweet & thoughtful book. Excellent illustrations. ...more

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Oct 04, 2019 Kim rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: picture-books, lgbtqai, fantasy, diverse-reads

When Aidan, a transgender boy, finds out his mother is having a baby, he wonders how he can help the baby to be themselves. Written by an own voices author, this thoughtful book will help young readers to learn more about themselves and the people with whom they share the world. Read. Learn. Share.

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Jan 26, 2020 Patricia McLaughlin rated it liked it

Shelves: picture-books

Oversimplification of gender identity issues reinforces gender stereotypes in unhelpful ways, suggesting that a child’s sex is a function of external conditions such as hairstyles, clothing, and bedroom decor. Nonetheless, this story is a step toward transgender representation and earns an extra star for portraying people of color in a multicultural neighborhood.

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