What do you think?
Rate this book
My Maddy
A child celebrates her Maddy, who is neither mommy nor daddy but a little bit of both, like so many things in nature. Includes note to parents.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published May 25, 2020
7 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
Gayle E. Pitman
11 books70 followersGayle E. Pitman, Ph.D. is a professor of psychology at Sacramento City College. Her writing, research, and teaching focuses on issues of gender and sexual orientation. She lives in Northern California.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
Read
July 5, 2020This is a must-purchase for your library shelves for trans and non-binary representation. It's a book that may not be your top circulator, but it's a unique book that you'll appreciate having when you need it for a family and a book great to include on displays and book lists about families because representation matters. A little girl reflects on her Maddy - a gender non-binary parent - as she thinks about things like the color hazel (a little brown, a little green, but also its own color), the changes in the sky at sunrise (not yet day but not still night), and other in-between things. Notes at the back of the book include tips on how to talk to children with a non-binary or transgender parent (whether that parent is just now coming out or has already been out).
March 8, 2020
This is the first picture book I've seen featuring a nonbinary parent. I hope there are many more in our libraries in the coming years. I had not heard the term Maddy before (combination of mommy and daddy) either. The first page brought tears to the eyes of a nonbinary family member. Seeing representation is so important for everyone.
June 9, 2020
non-binary parent!!!
October 12, 2022
Never once have I read a book that had a parent that was non-binary. These books definitely weren't around when I was growing up! I loved how the girl was describing Maddy, and the things that they do. It showed that Maddy was just a normal parent like other parents are, and that Maddy does the same stuff, or even something that could be even cooler than what the readers parents do. In my future classroom, this would be a great book to read to teach children about inclusion, and that everyone is amazing in their own ways, and that being different is just an awesome part of life. Having children be aware of different gender identities, and there's not just 2 genders is something that will always be beneficial to them.
Read
December 22, 2020Our unnamed child protagonist opens the book matter-of-factly with: "Most mommies are girls. Most daddies are boys. But lots of parents are neither a boy nor a girl. Like my Maddy." (Maddy being a portmanteau of Mommy+Daddy.)
On the next page we read about how Maddy's eyes sometimes look green or brown or both or "something completely different."
And in some ways it does. Sunrises. Sporks. Fall and Spring. ("Things change in fall and spring.") Motorcycles. ("It's not a car or a bicycle. It's kind of both, and it's something all its own.") Rainbows. ("The most beautiful things happen between the rain and the sun, don't they?")
It feels a little bit like it's overdoing things -- not to mention, most non-binary folks don't actually love All Things Liminal or find ways to define the things they love as being somehow Non-Binary. But it also actually kind of worked for me? Like these liminal examples are embedded in narrative moments -- and they're often quite lovely. It also reminded me of this FB post about sunsets, beaches, and puffins.
"Some of the best things the world are not one thing or the other, but in between, and kind of both, and something entirely fantastically their own. Like my Maddy."
The child protagonist tells the story in the first person and doesn't use any pronouns for Maddy. When Maddy tucks the child in, Maddy says, "Good night, my sweet child," so although the child (like Maddy) reads much like a girl, their gender could be anything.
There's a bunch of backmatter for adults -- mostly about having a trans/non-binary parent (whether the parent transitions before or after a child enters the family). Apparently the Maddy this book was inspired by has a intersex condition, so it talks some about intersex, though it notes that, "people who are born with intersex conditions may have a range of gender identities, just like people who are born without intersex conditions." I was a little bummed that it didn't take the opportunity to be like, "JFC, don't surgically alter the genitals of intersex babies. Also, be honest with kids about their intersex conditions."
The backmatter is pretty dry, and is maybe written by a clinical psychologist?
On the next page we read about how Maddy's eyes sometimes look green or brown or both or "something completely different."
"They're hazel," Maddy says. "It's a beautiful color all its own."I really liked that analogy; and then on the next page, the child talks about Maddy's brown/blonde/both/neither hair and says, "If only there were a word like 'hazel' for hair," and I worried this was going to feel too much.
And in some ways it does. Sunrises. Sporks. Fall and Spring. ("Things change in fall and spring.") Motorcycles. ("It's not a car or a bicycle. It's kind of both, and it's something all its own.") Rainbows. ("The most beautiful things happen between the rain and the sun, don't they?")
It feels a little bit like it's overdoing things -- not to mention, most non-binary folks don't actually love All Things Liminal or find ways to define the things they love as being somehow Non-Binary. But it also actually kind of worked for me? Like these liminal examples are embedded in narrative moments -- and they're often quite lovely. It also reminded me of this FB post about sunsets, beaches, and puffins.
"Some of the best things the world are not one thing or the other, but in between, and kind of both, and something entirely fantastically their own. Like my Maddy."
The child protagonist tells the story in the first person and doesn't use any pronouns for Maddy. When Maddy tucks the child in, Maddy says, "Good night, my sweet child," so although the child (like Maddy) reads much like a girl, their gender could be anything.
There's a bunch of backmatter for adults -- mostly about having a trans/non-binary parent (whether the parent transitions before or after a child enters the family). Apparently the Maddy this book was inspired by has a intersex condition, so it talks some about intersex, though it notes that, "people who are born with intersex conditions may have a range of gender identities, just like people who are born without intersex conditions." I was a little bummed that it didn't take the opportunity to be like, "JFC, don't surgically alter the genitals of intersex babies. Also, be honest with kids about their intersex conditions."
The backmatter is pretty dry, and is maybe written by a clinical psychologist?
October 29, 2020
EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS IS YES. Such an uplifting and beautiful story.
August 9, 2022
Content warnings are listed at the end of my review! Edited:8/9/22 after realizing illustrator is not nonbinary artist Andy Passchier, but Violet Tobacco, an illustrator who actively works with the Wizarding World franchise- recontextualizing the book.
My Maddy follows a small family, Maddy and their child as they appreciate in-between things that are a combination of ideas or new things entirely. Maddy is a nonbinary and intersex parent who uses they/them pronouns, and is a loving parent to their child. Maddy carries their child, plays games, hugs, goes on walks, does hair, reads stories and makes snacks for their child while answering their questions. It's a loving and vibrant book showing the beauty of different things. The back of the book provides additional context about being transgender, gender neutral parent terms, what intersex is, advice and information about transitioning parents and coming out to children, and navigating anti-trans hostility as a family, making it a nice resource for trans families.
It is worth noting the illustrator Violet Tobacco actively does illustration work for the Wizarding World franchise, founded by JK Rowling. Knowing that this book was entirely cis written, and illustrated by someone who contributes to platforming and aiding profit for a notorious anti-trans fearmonger.
Summary:
Readability: ★★★★★, A super fast, short, and simple story that has a lot of fun with minimal reading. It helps show how fun Maddy is by introducing parallels of in-betweens in life like hazel eyes, sunrises, sporks, and more. This could be great for young readers, and could be a fun story time read.
Entertainment: ★★★★★, The art is very vibrant and lively, feeling imaginative yet wholesome. The story is incredibly positive, making it an uplifting read.
Audience: This is a great read to see nonbinary representation and the use of they/them pronouns, and a story depicting a happy family with a transgender parent. It can be valuable to anyone looking for transgender representation, and people wanting to learn more about trans topics. Because of the context of the creation I no longer recommend this book.
Content Warnings: hyperbolic starving mention
My Maddy follows a small family, Maddy and their child as they appreciate in-between things that are a combination of ideas or new things entirely. Maddy is a nonbinary and intersex parent who uses they/them pronouns, and is a loving parent to their child. Maddy carries their child, plays games, hugs, goes on walks, does hair, reads stories and makes snacks for their child while answering their questions. It's a loving and vibrant book showing the beauty of different things. The back of the book provides additional context about being transgender, gender neutral parent terms, what intersex is, advice and information about transitioning parents and coming out to children, and navigating anti-trans hostility as a family, making it a nice resource for trans families.
It is worth noting the illustrator Violet Tobacco actively does illustration work for the Wizarding World franchise, founded by JK Rowling. Knowing that this book was entirely cis written, and illustrated by someone who contributes to platforming and aiding profit for a notorious anti-trans fearmonger.
Summary:
Readability: ★★★★★, A super fast, short, and simple story that has a lot of fun with minimal reading. It helps show how fun Maddy is by introducing parallels of in-betweens in life like hazel eyes, sunrises, sporks, and more. This could be great for young readers, and could be a fun story time read.
Entertainment: ★★★★★, The art is very vibrant and lively, feeling imaginative yet wholesome. The story is incredibly positive, making it an uplifting read.
Audience: This is a great read to see nonbinary representation and the use of they/them pronouns, and a story depicting a happy family with a transgender parent. It can be valuable to anyone looking for transgender representation, and people wanting to learn more about trans topics. Because of the context of the creation I no longer recommend this book.
Content Warnings: hyperbolic starving mention
July 8, 2020
My Maddy by Gayle E. Pitman, illustrated by Violet Tobacco. PICTURE BOOK. Magination Press, 2020. $15. 9781433830440
Mature Content: PG (back matter has extensive discussion of intersex, among other details about gender non-conforming that is meant for adults)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
A little girl tells that reader all about her Maddy, who is “something in between, and kind of both, and entirely their own”.
I love the depiction of a non-binary parent. It is a very nice celebration of the relationship between a parent and child, each of them being as they are. Most of the time Magination publishes books that any child can pick up and understand. And while that is true of the front matter, the story, the back matter is quite detailed and way above the heads of most kids who might pick this up on their own.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
Mature Content: PG (back matter has extensive discussion of intersex, among other details about gender non-conforming that is meant for adults)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
A little girl tells that reader all about her Maddy, who is “something in between, and kind of both, and entirely their own”.
I love the depiction of a non-binary parent. It is a very nice celebration of the relationship between a parent and child, each of them being as they are. Most of the time Magination publishes books that any child can pick up and understand. And while that is true of the front matter, the story, the back matter is quite detailed and way above the heads of most kids who might pick this up on their own.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
November 10, 2022
“My Maddy” is a realistic fiction children’s picture book written by Dr. Gayle E. Pitman and illustrated by Violet Tabacco. I found this book by looking at the LGBTQ reccomendations listed on the Barnes and Noble website. It was a member of Ala’s Rainbow Book List Top Ten Titles for Young Readers. In 2019, “My Maddy' 'was listed on the 2019 most frequently challenged books.
This realistic fiction story embraces a parent who is non-binary. The story starts off by saying, “Most mommys are girls, and most daddys are boys but not like my Maddy.'' The little girl narrates the story as she describes how it is having a parent who is non-binary. The story discusses her day by day routines as she spends time with Maddy and how it would be the exact same if she had a mommy or daddy. The story includes beautiful illustrations with double opened spread pages that represent Maddy as a strong parent. The story does a wonderful job of encouraging self-love and pride in a parent who identifies themselves as non-binary. The author showed Maddy embracing her role as a parent and caring for her child by taking her to school and reading her bedtime stories. The little girl in the story explains Maddy by saying it is the best to be in between, for example, “Maddys hair is sort of brown to sort of blonde to kind of both but not really either if only there was a word for hazel for hair.” The little girl explains Maddy's life being in between and that it is normal but different.
The author Dr. Pitman is a former Psychology/Gender Studies professor-turned-administrator. Her writing focuses on the LGBTQ community. She wrote the story from an insider perspective as she is part of the LGBTQ community; identifying as being queer, she enjoys writing stories for families that are also part of the community.
I would use “My Maddy” in the classroom when discussing differences and that all families are not the same. I could use this story as a whole group read-aloud in 2nd grade and up. Additionally for students to write about how their family might be different from the little girl in the story. I would tie it with the standard CC.2.R.I.9 Integration of Knowledge and Ideas: Compare and contrast the most important points presented by two texts on the same topic. I will let them know all families are different and ask for them to write what their family looks like.
This realistic fiction story embraces a parent who is non-binary. The story starts off by saying, “Most mommys are girls, and most daddys are boys but not like my Maddy.'' The little girl narrates the story as she describes how it is having a parent who is non-binary. The story discusses her day by day routines as she spends time with Maddy and how it would be the exact same if she had a mommy or daddy. The story includes beautiful illustrations with double opened spread pages that represent Maddy as a strong parent. The story does a wonderful job of encouraging self-love and pride in a parent who identifies themselves as non-binary. The author showed Maddy embracing her role as a parent and caring for her child by taking her to school and reading her bedtime stories. The little girl in the story explains Maddy by saying it is the best to be in between, for example, “Maddys hair is sort of brown to sort of blonde to kind of both but not really either if only there was a word for hazel for hair.” The little girl explains Maddy's life being in between and that it is normal but different.
The author Dr. Pitman is a former Psychology/Gender Studies professor-turned-administrator. Her writing focuses on the LGBTQ community. She wrote the story from an insider perspective as she is part of the LGBTQ community; identifying as being queer, she enjoys writing stories for families that are also part of the community.
I would use “My Maddy” in the classroom when discussing differences and that all families are not the same. I could use this story as a whole group read-aloud in 2nd grade and up. Additionally for students to write about how their family might be different from the little girl in the story. I would tie it with the standard CC.2.R.I.9 Integration of Knowledge and Ideas: Compare and contrast the most important points presented by two texts on the same topic. I will let them know all families are different and ask for them to write what their family looks like.
September 25, 2025
My Maddy is a story about a parent who does not identify as either a mom or a dad, but instead just "Maddy." The story is from the perspective of Maddy's daughter. Maddy teacher her metaphorical lessons that tie back to them being nonbinary. For example, Maddy points out the rainbow and reminds their daughter that "beautiful things happen between the rain and the sun." This is a light hearted reminder to celebrate the in-betweens when it comes to diversity and identity. This book is intended for young readers, about grades 1-2. This book can be useful to readers who are looking to gain knowledge about what gender identity means and to teach them that diversity and inclusion is meant to be celebrated. I chose this book for my classroom library because it does a great job at introducing the topic of gender identity in a simple and easy to understand way for children. This book opens up the conversation on gender diversity and instill empathy and understanding by teaching that families look different and that is completely okay.
November 21, 2024
I thought this book was well-done. It explained a lot of things at the back and did a good job explaining the nonbinary parent to the world. I liked how it showed the parent and child going about their day and showed how things can be in between. I do wish it had more of a story, but I think this is an explainer book. I think it is here to teach us how different families are a lot the same. I liked Maddy and the child.
#WeNeedDiverseBooks #LGBTQIABooks
Mia’s Year of books: Day 256
#WeNeedDiverseBooks #LGBTQIABooks
Mia’s Year of books: Day 256
January 8, 2021
Maddy's Child and Maddy (their Mommy/Daddy) perfectly explain their In-Betweenness, by using Rainbow's, the seasons and even sporks.
Perfect book of explanations of Nonbinary People
Beautifully illustrated!
-The back of the book also features a lot of Reference questions/answers to help out Grown-up's and kids better understand.
Solid 5 Star 2020 Publication!
Perfect book of explanations of Nonbinary People
Beautifully illustrated!
-The back of the book also features a lot of Reference questions/answers to help out Grown-up's and kids better understand.
Solid 5 Star 2020 Publication!
March 25, 2022
This beautifully illustrated picture book is great for representing non-binary, trans, and intersex parents. This story follows a child who calls their parent Maddy. Maddy is neither a boy nor a girl. Throughout the story, Maddy mentions beautiful things that exist “in-between” (not one thing or the other) such as the color of eyes, hair, and seasons like spring and fall. This inspirational book can be used to educate and normalize family structures. It can be a great resource for discussion. I love this story because it is rare to find such a positive message about gender in children’s literature. This can be used in a classroom to educate children, as well as represent students’ families who are similar to Maddy. Many of our future students may have Maddy’s in their family and it is important to acknowledge and celebrate their family. It shows that families may be different than yours, but they are still beautiful and full of love. It is okay to be in between (not one or the other). The illustrations and message are heartwarming as it shows readers an underrepresented family’s love and acceptance. As stated in the story, “Some of the best things in the world are not one thing or the other. They are something in between and entirely their own”.
June 28, 2025
Going through a number of banned LGBT+ books this weekend. As the child of a fundamentalist mother who happily beat us severely in the name of God, I think a non-binary parent who is gentle and loves their child deserves more praise and respect than the self-righteous "Christians" who are trying to destroy them.
October 8, 2020
A poem to what is not one thing or the other, centering on parents who are "in some ways like a blend of a Mommy and a Daddy." The detailed explanations in the back are for adults and are provided by a psychologist to offer additional information.
September 29, 2022
This book was about a non-binary parent. They talked about how beautiful and special things are even if they feel in between. Some things just don’t fit into one certain category, they are more in between 2 category’s, which helps explains Maddy’s sexual identity. I could use this in my future classroom when we are learning about our families and the different types of families children may have. To be an inclusive classroom, I must show diverse families and parents. This is also good representation of diverse families/parents that children may be able to relate to.
January 28, 2023
As an early childhood educator, this book is such a beautiful, concrete and nuanced way to introduce representation of trans/non-binary people in the classroom. Beautiful illustrations, wonderfully written, and accessible to the youngest of children.
Read
February 22, 2026Edit: Eww wait, the illustrator worked on Wizarding World projects (J.K. Rowling)… maybe don’t read or support this book.
(5) This picture book is a joy, and an absolute gift to the world.
Wonderful trans/nb parent rep. I’m so glad this book exists.
(5) This picture book is a joy, and an absolute gift to the world.
Wonderful trans/nb parent rep. I’m so glad this book exists.
August 4, 2021
This was a beautiful example of someone gender non-conforming in a parenting role. Truly fantastic!
July 1, 2024
Read to my kids,
My Maddy, a beautiful picture book about a non binary parent named Maddy
My Maddy, a beautiful picture book about a non binary parent named Maddy
August 22, 2020
Some of the best things in the world are not one thing or the other, but in between, and kind of both, and something entirely fantastically their own.
First children's book I've found with a non-binary parent, and it was wonderful...both to read and to watch my 7 year old son as we read it...with pride and awe that he was, for the most part, completely unfazed by the concept of a parent who is "in between, kind of both" genders. He asked whether Maddy was someone born in a body that was different than the gender the world thought they were when they were born, and I said I wasn't sure...just that Maddy seems to be both genders. And he was like, "Yeah, I mean if you can be one or the other, or be born with body parts of one but really be the other, it seems like you could also be both, not really one or the other." Just. like. that. No big deal. Amid the horror that is the year 2020, in so many ways, I am glad to be raising a child in a world with books like My Maddy.
June 9, 2021
A child celebrates her non-binary parent and explains how sometimes things that are in-between are the best.
Backmatter explains intersex, a parent transitioning, navigating bias, fostering resilience, connecting with supportive communities, school support and professional support.
Backmatter explains intersex, a parent transitioning, navigating bias, fostering resilience, connecting with supportive communities, school support and professional support.
March 28, 2024
My Maddy written by Gayle E Pitman and illustrated by Violet Tobacco was published on May 25th, 2020.
My Maddy is the title of this work of realistic fiction. The non-binary parent in this picture book is represented by a new word that author Gayle E. Pitman created by combining the words "daddy" and "mommy." The novel doesn't reveal the girl's name because, in my opinion, the main point is that Maddy, the young girl's parent, is devoted to and loves her. During the entire book, the young girl says that her Maddy is amazing. One is that they have unusually colored eyes, but the girl wonders if they are yellow or green. Maddy answers, "They're hazel. It's a beautiful color all on its own."
I was really surprises with this book, the way it is simple and creative at the same way, I am sure it will captivate the readers eyes. I would definitely add this to one of my next books to purchase for my classroom library.
My Maddy is the title of this work of realistic fiction. The non-binary parent in this picture book is represented by a new word that author Gayle E. Pitman created by combining the words "daddy" and "mommy." The novel doesn't reveal the girl's name because, in my opinion, the main point is that Maddy, the young girl's parent, is devoted to and loves her. During the entire book, the young girl says that her Maddy is amazing. One is that they have unusually colored eyes, but the girl wonders if they are yellow or green. Maddy answers, "They're hazel. It's a beautiful color all on its own."
I was really surprises with this book, the way it is simple and creative at the same way, I am sure it will captivate the readers eyes. I would definitely add this to one of my next books to purchase for my classroom library.
August 7, 2020
I really appreciate that this a book written to explain to children a concept that many are probably not familiar with. I love that it includes resource information at the back of the book. I love that it shows a loving relationship between a parent and child. I don't love the flow of the story. However, this is a valuable book to help children see how varied families can be.
July 25, 2020
Nice story from a child perspective, celebrating their parent
July 27, 2021
An excellent book to introduce or reinforce the sometimes complicated but always beautiful reality of gender-nonconforming and specifically nonbinary parents. Such an important book to exist for kids to see other parents like their own, and for adults to see that Maddies everywhere really aren't that different from them. Describing what can be a tricky concept by finding those in-between pockets in our world while showing the love between parent and child is very effective and frankly kind of adorable. The information section at the back was very well put and provide some excellent resources.
The art style was also gorgeous; I often spent longer than necessary just gawking and enjoying the details and colours. Anyone who knows a Maddy, has a kid, likes picture books, or has no idea what the heck a Maddy is should pick this up for many smiles and possibly some learning.
The art style was also gorgeous; I often spent longer than necessary just gawking and enjoying the details and colours. Anyone who knows a Maddy, has a kid, likes picture books, or has no idea what the heck a Maddy is should pick this up for many smiles and possibly some learning.
March 27, 2023
A non-binary parent! This book is so beautiful!
December 29, 2024
I haven't read a book like this before. I never heard the term "Maddy" and had assumed it was a Mom's name. "Maddy" is a combination of Mommy and Daddy. Maddy is not a Mommy or a Daddy but does all the same things Mommies and Daddies do with their children: walk them to school, kiss them goodbye on the cheek, pick them up from school, read stories, imagine, and tuck the child into bed at night. Every page shows an in between like a sunrise is not night or day, it's in between. A rainbow is not rain or sun, it's in between. The message is "Some of the best things in the world are not one thing or the other, but in between , and kind of both, and something entirely, fantastically their own."
While I thought the message was WAY too heavy handed and would have liked more story, this book is necessary for kids with non-traditional parents. The backmatter is written for parents. It explains Maddy and how some parents are not EITHER Mommies OR Daddies. It explains non-binary and transgender, intersex. It explains what happens when a parent makes a transition. It helps parents learn how to find terms that are comfortable for them and their child. Another section deals with when a parent is already living their affirmed gender. Sections on discussing gender identity with your child and navigating bias would be useful for the censors to read. There is also helpful suggestions on how to get support for your child with a transgender parent and a list of resources.
The illustrations hammer home the LGBTQ+ theme with the child wearing rainbows on their shirt and rainbow nail polish. Personally I think that's a big overkill and I'm sure a Maddy's child dresses like any other child their age.
AND it says "Intersex conditions [extra hormones, chromosomes] are lifelong conditions and treated in a variety of ways depending on the needs of the person affected. Adults with intersex conditions have made recommendations based on their experience to help parents and doctors of children with intersex conditions understand what treatment is and is not needed. Where possible decisions about possible treatment options should ideally be decided by the person with the intersex condition when they are old enough to do so."
Now this book I can see putting in the parent resource section because it's not much of a story. Fortunately I found it in the "families" picture book section at my local library.
While I thought the message was WAY too heavy handed and would have liked more story, this book is necessary for kids with non-traditional parents. The backmatter is written for parents. It explains Maddy and how some parents are not EITHER Mommies OR Daddies. It explains non-binary and transgender, intersex. It explains what happens when a parent makes a transition. It helps parents learn how to find terms that are comfortable for them and their child. Another section deals with when a parent is already living their affirmed gender. Sections on discussing gender identity with your child and navigating bias would be useful for the censors to read. There is also helpful suggestions on how to get support for your child with a transgender parent and a list of resources.
The illustrations hammer home the LGBTQ+ theme with the child wearing rainbows on their shirt and rainbow nail polish. Personally I think that's a big overkill and I'm sure a Maddy's child dresses like any other child their age.
AND it says "Intersex conditions [extra hormones, chromosomes] are lifelong conditions and treated in a variety of ways depending on the needs of the person affected. Adults with intersex conditions have made recommendations based on their experience to help parents and doctors of children with intersex conditions understand what treatment is and is not needed. Where possible decisions about possible treatment options should ideally be decided by the person with the intersex condition when they are old enough to do so."
Now this book I can see putting in the parent resource section because it's not much of a story. Fortunately I found it in the "families" picture book section at my local library.
March 19, 2024
The title of this realistic fiction book is, “My Maddy.” The author Gayle E. Pitman combined ‘daddy’ and ‘mommy’ to form a new word to represent the non-binary parent in this picture book. We don't learn the girl's name in the book as I think the emphasis was made to show that Maddy, the little girl's parent, is loving and cares for the young girl. Throughout the book, the young girl describes her Maddy as beign wonderful. One being having unique colored eyes but she questions if they're green or yellow- Maddy responds to the girl by saying, “They’re hazel….It’s a beautiful color all on its own.” What a powerful quote from the book! I feel like this quote is so meaningful- some things in this world are not one thing or another, but are something that is entirely its own.
This book was recommended by Professor Dora and was also in Professor Ruth’s Wakelet. It was in the ALA 2021 Rainbow Book List. I would recommend this book for grades K-2 as the illustrations are vibrant and really celebrate the love the two characters have for each other. I would recommend this book to parents if they need a source to use to speak to their children about LGTBQ topics. I appreciated that this book has a “Note to Readers” at the end of the book as an extra source for parents. This can be such a hard topic to discuss, but the author and illustrator do such a good job depicting the family’s life with such positive illustrations. I think anyone could relate to this book as it entails many common differences people have: different colored hair, different time of the day we enjoy the most and even what kind of transportation we like to use. You can have discussions with students about how we are all different but should treat each other with respect.
This book was recommended by Professor Dora and was also in Professor Ruth’s Wakelet. It was in the ALA 2021 Rainbow Book List. I would recommend this book for grades K-2 as the illustrations are vibrant and really celebrate the love the two characters have for each other. I would recommend this book to parents if they need a source to use to speak to their children about LGTBQ topics. I appreciated that this book has a “Note to Readers” at the end of the book as an extra source for parents. This can be such a hard topic to discuss, but the author and illustrator do such a good job depicting the family’s life with such positive illustrations. I think anyone could relate to this book as it entails many common differences people have: different colored hair, different time of the day we enjoy the most and even what kind of transportation we like to use. You can have discussions with students about how we are all different but should treat each other with respect.
October 26, 2022
This is another book that I feel discusses topics that may be difficult for young kids to understand, but is important to talk about. Maddy is a transgender parent who teachers their daughter the beauty of things in between. These could include having hazel eyes (in between brown and green) sporks (in between a spoon and a fork), motorcycles (in between a car and a bike) and the book goes on to include much more. Maddy shows so much love to her daughter and never fails to make connections to everyday things that are just like them. I felt this book did a great job at showing love, kindness and is a great way to begin the discussion of transgender people.
I would use this book in my classroom as yet another way to begin this conversation of normalizing kids with parents who do not follow the typical pattern many children are over exposed to. I want students in my class to be aware that their peers will not always have one mom and one dad. It will also help to explain other things, such as transgender people, that I feel passionate about.
I would use this book in my classroom as yet another way to begin this conversation of normalizing kids with parents who do not follow the typical pattern many children are over exposed to. I want students in my class to be aware that their peers will not always have one mom and one dad. It will also help to explain other things, such as transgender people, that I feel passionate about.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews