What do you think?
Riley Reynolds
Riley Reynolds Crushes Costume Day
It’s book week at school, and nonbinary fourth grader Riley and their best friends craft hard for Dress Like Your Favorite Character Day. Colorful fabric! Paint! Glitter! They are ready to make the biggest and best group costume ever! But most of the other kids are having trouble coming up with costumes. Riley is ready to use their creativity and vision to help as many kids as possible so dress-up day will be a big success!
Jay Albee is the joint pen name for a LGBTQ+ couple named Jen Breach and J. Anthony. Between them they’ve done lots of jobs: archaeologist, illustrator, ticket taker, and bagel baker, but now they write and draw all day long in their rowhouse home in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Jay Albee is the joint pen name for a LGBTQ+ couple named Jen Breach and J. Anthony. Between them they’ve done lots of jobs: archaeologist, illustrator, ticket taker, and bagel baker, but now they write and draw all day long in their rowhouse home in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
64 pages, Hardcover
Published August 1, 2022
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 13, 2022
This is the story of Riley, the non-binary forth grader, who is totally accepted by their classmates, and who even look up to them, when it comes to costume design.
The whole school is trying to come up with costumes of their favorite book characters, and the children are not sure if they can dress as knights, if they are girls, or as a rainbow, or as Alice in Wonderland.
But with Riley's help, and encouragement, plus the parents and teachers that are all accepting, costume day turns out well.
What I really love about this book is that the story isn't about Riley as a non-binary child, though it is about them, but how they are part of the story of playing with costumes. Their gender is explained, and then the story moves on, which is the best way to do it. That helps the children who are in the same situation realize that what they are feeling is normal.
This is a great book to show tolerance, as well as acceptance.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
The whole school is trying to come up with costumes of their favorite book characters, and the children are not sure if they can dress as knights, if they are girls, or as a rainbow, or as Alice in Wonderland.
But with Riley's help, and encouragement, plus the parents and teachers that are all accepting, costume day turns out well.
What I really love about this book is that the story isn't about Riley as a non-binary child, though it is about them, but how they are part of the story of playing with costumes. Their gender is explained, and then the story moves on, which is the best way to do it. That helps the children who are in the same situation realize that what they are feeling is normal.
This is a great book to show tolerance, as well as acceptance.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
June 12, 2022
Riley Reynolds is a nonbinary Middle Grader. Riley and her friends want to have the best costumes for the Dress Like Your Favorite Character Day and together they try to make the best group costume. It was easy for Riley and her friends to find the perfect idea but a lot of other kids struggled with the ideas.
This is a book about friendship, working together and that there aren’t “girls” or “boys” costumes and that everybody should be who they want to be!
I really liked the introduction and how the different genders etc. were explained. The chapters themselves had a good length and the little comics after each chapter were really fun to read. This book is a good way to teach children Non-binary and the questions in the end of the book give a good ideas to discuss this topic even more.
Altogether I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it. It’s good for kids (or adults) to read it themselves but it’s also a good book to read out loud to your child (or to your grandchildren or nephew and niece etc.)
Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone for this E-ARC!
This is a book about friendship, working together and that there aren’t “girls” or “boys” costumes and that everybody should be who they want to be!
I really liked the introduction and how the different genders etc. were explained. The chapters themselves had a good length and the little comics after each chapter were really fun to read. This book is a good way to teach children Non-binary and the questions in the end of the book give a good ideas to discuss this topic even more.
Altogether I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it. It’s good for kids (or adults) to read it themselves but it’s also a good book to read out loud to your child (or to your grandchildren or nephew and niece etc.)
Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone for this E-ARC!
Read
July 31, 2022how absolutely charming is this gem of a chapter book? it's got the cutest illustrations and is fairly short so it's easy to digest for younger readers without alienating older audiences, especially teachers who might want to teach the material in their classes. riley reynolds crushes costume day is a picture of inclusivity, as it features a nonbinary character as its lead, and the storytelling is upbeat, with the cast being all truly supportive and encouraging of each other. thank you, netgalley, for the ARC!
February 26, 2022
Riley Reynolds
I just finished reading this amazing early chapter book by Jay Albee. Jay Albee is actually a joint pen name for a team of author and illustrators, Jen Breach and J. Anthony. The book I read was Riley Reynolds Crushes Costume Day, and is one of at least four books in the series. The story centres around Riley, a nonbinary 4th grader, and their friends/classmates as they prepare for a costume party at school. While the story features several diverse and LGBTQ+ characters it is really a story for kids about a kid being a kid. As a teacher, I know how badly my colleagues and I just want diverse stories that are not about being diverse, ie. overcoming gender stereotypes, dealing with the emotion of transitioning, etc. We know how important those books are too, but we really just want a bunch of books that feature diverse characters and give students an opportunity to see themselves represented in the books they are reading.
This book is divided into 7 chapters and each chapter has a graphic novel style set of pictures at the end. The book ends with discussion questions, writing prompts and information about the creators and starts with a glossary of LGBTQ+ terms. I think this book (and series) offers a great opportunity for young readers to learn about LGBTQ+ people and enjoy a short chapter book at the same time. I look forward to purchasing this series for my Grade 3 classroom in the future!
I am so appreciative of Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this awesome book! I can't wait to share my opinions with my teaching partners and colleagues! I know they will also want to get their hands on these books for their students too.
I just finished reading this amazing early chapter book by Jay Albee. Jay Albee is actually a joint pen name for a team of author and illustrators, Jen Breach and J. Anthony. The book I read was Riley Reynolds Crushes Costume Day, and is one of at least four books in the series. The story centres around Riley, a nonbinary 4th grader, and their friends/classmates as they prepare for a costume party at school. While the story features several diverse and LGBTQ+ characters it is really a story for kids about a kid being a kid. As a teacher, I know how badly my colleagues and I just want diverse stories that are not about being diverse, ie. overcoming gender stereotypes, dealing with the emotion of transitioning, etc. We know how important those books are too, but we really just want a bunch of books that feature diverse characters and give students an opportunity to see themselves represented in the books they are reading.
This book is divided into 7 chapters and each chapter has a graphic novel style set of pictures at the end. The book ends with discussion questions, writing prompts and information about the creators and starts with a glossary of LGBTQ+ terms. I think this book (and series) offers a great opportunity for young readers to learn about LGBTQ+ people and enjoy a short chapter book at the same time. I look forward to purchasing this series for my Grade 3 classroom in the future!
I am so appreciative of Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this awesome book! I can't wait to share my opinions with my teaching partners and colleagues! I know they will also want to get their hands on these books for their students too.
June 7, 2022
This review is based on an Unedited ARC.
Riley is a second grader who is excited about the upcoming school book costume day, Through this adorable early reader chapter book, Riley and friends discuss their favorite books and make costumes to match. This is a book that I think many of my younger students would enjoy.
Unfortunately, it’s also a book that I probably couldn’t buy for my classroom library or read in class. Because, you see, Riley is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. Furthermore, the school librarian uses the Mx. title. And apparently some people think that any mention of gender identity whatsoever is not acceptable for schools to do.
This is exactly the kind of book kids need. Riley’s gender isn’t an issue to their friends and doesn’t make any difference in context of the story. Riley is just there, being an individual, being a good friend, and making amazing costumes. But, to the child who is trans, or who has a friend who is, seeing a protagonist who reflects that is a big deal. Just as it is a big deal to have protagonists who match a child’s race, or disability, or even hair color. Kids deserve that. Kids deserve Riley. I’ll be adding this book (and the others in the series) to my list for my little free library. I only wish I could add it to my class library, too.
Riley is a second grader who is excited about the upcoming school book costume day, Through this adorable early reader chapter book, Riley and friends discuss their favorite books and make costumes to match. This is a book that I think many of my younger students would enjoy.
Unfortunately, it’s also a book that I probably couldn’t buy for my classroom library or read in class. Because, you see, Riley is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. Furthermore, the school librarian uses the Mx. title. And apparently some people think that any mention of gender identity whatsoever is not acceptable for schools to do.
This is exactly the kind of book kids need. Riley’s gender isn’t an issue to their friends and doesn’t make any difference in context of the story. Riley is just there, being an individual, being a good friend, and making amazing costumes. But, to the child who is trans, or who has a friend who is, seeing a protagonist who reflects that is a big deal. Just as it is a big deal to have protagonists who match a child’s race, or disability, or even hair color. Kids deserve that. Kids deserve Riley. I’ll be adding this book (and the others in the series) to my list for my little free library. I only wish I could add it to my class library, too.
March 12, 2022
I was immediately drawn to this book because of its depicts the life of a nonbinary fourth grader named Riley. As someone who is non-binary and genderqueer, I always feel a jump of excitement when I come across children's books with representation of people like me.
So, let's dive into it!
The book begins with a quick introduction of Riley by sharing the things they love in addition to announcing their gender identity. The introduction is followed by Riley's teacher, Mx. Aude, who provides definitions of some LGBTQ+ terms young readers and parents may be unfamiliar with.
Plotwise, the story follows young Riley and their friends as they prepare for Dress Like Your Favorite Character Day. It's a peek into Riley's life that is full of humor and good fun. Over the course of seven chapters, we see Riley and their friends pick out what costumes they'd like to wear, casually confront binary gender roles, create their costumes, and finally reveal their finished costumes on the big day!
I enjoyed reading this latest installment of the Riley Reynolds Series. It's a wonderful chapter book for readers in grades 1-4. Additionally, the book includes writing prompts and discussion questions to engage your little reader at the end of the story.
So, let's dive into it!
The book begins with a quick introduction of Riley by sharing the things they love in addition to announcing their gender identity. The introduction is followed by Riley's teacher, Mx. Aude, who provides definitions of some LGBTQ+ terms young readers and parents may be unfamiliar with.
Plotwise, the story follows young Riley and their friends as they prepare for Dress Like Your Favorite Character Day. It's a peek into Riley's life that is full of humor and good fun. Over the course of seven chapters, we see Riley and their friends pick out what costumes they'd like to wear, casually confront binary gender roles, create their costumes, and finally reveal their finished costumes on the big day!
I enjoyed reading this latest installment of the Riley Reynolds Series. It's a wonderful chapter book for readers in grades 1-4. Additionally, the book includes writing prompts and discussion questions to engage your little reader at the end of the story.
June 8, 2022
Riley is a creative non-binary fourth grader who loves to dress up and loves to help their friends find and build their perfect costumes. This is a sweet and inclusive story of making their costumes for book week at school.
This book was adorable. I read it to my kids (ages 7 and 10) and they both loved it. My 10 year old said he wants to read the other Riley books. (And then he immediately ran to tell his older sister about the book).
I really appreciated the beautiful mix of representation of many gender identities and people from various cultural backgrounds.
We also very much enjoyed that this book mentioned other books that we have read and love (my son’s favorite book is Prince and Knight!).
The discussion questions at the end of the book were an excellent touch. It gave us time to process the book together and think a bit deeper about our own feelings.
Riley Reynolds Crushes Costume Day was really meaningful to my kids. We are a Cosplay family and a family with several queer people. The fact that there is a book that celebrates costume making as well as other gender expressions and identities really brought a lot of joy to my kids.
Also the art was adorable.
This book was adorable. I read it to my kids (ages 7 and 10) and they both loved it. My 10 year old said he wants to read the other Riley books. (And then he immediately ran to tell his older sister about the book).
I really appreciated the beautiful mix of representation of many gender identities and people from various cultural backgrounds.
We also very much enjoyed that this book mentioned other books that we have read and love (my son’s favorite book is Prince and Knight!).
The discussion questions at the end of the book were an excellent touch. It gave us time to process the book together and think a bit deeper about our own feelings.
Riley Reynolds Crushes Costume Day was really meaningful to my kids. We are a Cosplay family and a family with several queer people. The fact that there is a book that celebrates costume making as well as other gender expressions and identities really brought a lot of joy to my kids.
Also the art was adorable.
June 19, 2022
Thank you so much to Capstone/Stone Arch books and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.
I loved how much of an inclusive book this was, so wonderful to find a book like this it offers so much to young kids, giving them a great way to see inclusion. You got a really cool teacher glosssary at the start to teach all the facts, terms to help guide correctly.
Riley has all the great ideas for what costumes to wear, that every kid in school wanted their help on what they should do too. They were such a perfect helper for all their friends and never let anyone down in ensuring they all had the very best costumes they could for costume day at school. I really loved that even thoughRiley wanted to work on their own costume they still were kind enough to help all the other children.
Though I loved aspects of the story I wasn’t the biggest fan of it all, it just seemed a bit too long to me personally. A lot of the same kept happening through each chapter that could have been shortened a little bit. However it was really unique and interesting story with great inclusion and I like seeing all school costume day having the kids to all decide what they wanted to wear and all needing Riley’s help.
I loved how much of an inclusive book this was, so wonderful to find a book like this it offers so much to young kids, giving them a great way to see inclusion. You got a really cool teacher glosssary at the start to teach all the facts, terms to help guide correctly.
Riley has all the great ideas for what costumes to wear, that every kid in school wanted their help on what they should do too. They were such a perfect helper for all their friends and never let anyone down in ensuring they all had the very best costumes they could for costume day at school. I really loved that even thoughRiley wanted to work on their own costume they still were kind enough to help all the other children.
Though I loved aspects of the story I wasn’t the biggest fan of it all, it just seemed a bit too long to me personally. A lot of the same kept happening through each chapter that could have been shortened a little bit. However it was really unique and interesting story with great inclusion and I like seeing all school costume day having the kids to all decide what they wanted to wear and all needing Riley’s help.
Read
April 1, 2023Not much happens in this book, but it's a cute, upbeat story about an openly nonbinary kid with zero angst around being nonbinary. It's a heavily illustrated chapter book / semi-graphic novel. I enjoyed the shoutout to Melissa.
I was a bit disappointed that the book chose not to explore body diversity and/or class diversity. The book centers on Riley and their classmates creating costumes for their school dress-up day, and Riley (who loves dressing up) has a classmate, Maddie, who dislikes dressing up and always goes as a ghost for Halloween. I thought the book might (briefly) explore the difficulty of finding clothes that fit fat bodies, or the struggle for some families to afford costumes, but Maddie's dislike of costumes is never explained. Of course, it's also fine to just not enjoy dressing up even if you have money and a normative body! Still, this seemed like a missed opportunity.
Rep: Main character is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns; they are probably white but it's not explicitly specified. Side characters include a Black girl and a white, nonbinary (they/them) librarian.
I was a bit disappointed that the book chose not to explore body diversity and/or class diversity. The book centers on Riley and their classmates creating costumes for their school dress-up day, and Riley (who loves dressing up) has a classmate, Maddie, who dislikes dressing up and always goes as a ghost for Halloween. I thought the book might (briefly) explore the difficulty of finding clothes that fit fat bodies, or the struggle for some families to afford costumes, but Maddie's dislike of costumes is never explained. Of course, it's also fine to just not enjoy dressing up even if you have money and a normative body! Still, this seemed like a missed opportunity.
Rep: Main character is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns; they are probably white but it's not explicitly specified. Side characters include a Black girl and a white, nonbinary (they/them) librarian.
June 12, 2022
This was a fabulous story aimed at 7-10-year-olds that normalizes gender fluidity. I love the mix of illustrations and story as well as the discussion questions and writing prompts at the end. This series and others like them are needed in every school library and I love their celebration of costume making and books and allowing kids to fully express themselves. This story mentioned several of my favorite books and the costumes were adorable. I loved that Riley helped their classmates not by telling them what to do, but instead by asking them questions, listening to them, and helping them figure out what would make them happiest. I love that the parents, neighbors, and school were all loving and supportive towards all of the neighborhood kids--a true community. I highly recommend this book and will be looking for the other Riley Reynolds books.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book will be published on August 1 along with 3 other books in the series.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book will be published on August 1 along with 3 other books in the series.
February 16, 2022
*Thank you to NetGallery and Capstone for the eARC of this book*
TW: None.
Note: I am a non-binary person
This is a simply charming book about a great kid named Riley and a peek into their life at home and school. It is fully of heart, humour, and brilliant interactions. I loved all the fun costume ideas and how all the kids ended up making their ideas come to life.
As a non-binary librarian who used the Mx honourific, it was so personal for me to see myself on these pages with Mx. Aude the school librarian. Not only is young Riley flourishing living as their true self, but seeing my adult self in the pages too? That meant the world to me.
This is an accessable, fun early read for children wanting to read chapter books, but that are small and easy enough to not overwhelm. The illustrations are charming, somehow new but still nostalgically comforting.
TW: None.
Note: I am a non-binary person
This is a simply charming book about a great kid named Riley and a peek into their life at home and school. It is fully of heart, humour, and brilliant interactions. I loved all the fun costume ideas and how all the kids ended up making their ideas come to life.
As a non-binary librarian who used the Mx honourific, it was so personal for me to see myself on these pages with Mx. Aude the school librarian. Not only is young Riley flourishing living as their true self, but seeing my adult self in the pages too? That meant the world to me.
This is an accessable, fun early read for children wanting to read chapter books, but that are small and easy enough to not overwhelm. The illustrations are charming, somehow new but still nostalgically comforting.
February 17, 2022
I’d like to thank the publishers for sending me an Arc of the book through NetGalley!
I absolutely loved this book, I finished reading Melissa’s story a few weeks back and the references to the book made this book much more special to me. Gender and sexuality can be confusing for children at a young age and this book does an excellent job at breaking things down and making it understandable.
I appreciated the fact that Riley’s gender identity wasn’t the main focus of the book, we continue throughout the book which gives a sense of normality to a queer kid reading it without making it a huge deal.
The chapters are short and the illustrations are beautiful which makes this perfect for younger readers who have just gotten into reading.
I absolutely loved this book, I finished reading Melissa’s story a few weeks back and the references to the book made this book much more special to me. Gender and sexuality can be confusing for children at a young age and this book does an excellent job at breaking things down and making it understandable.
I appreciated the fact that Riley’s gender identity wasn’t the main focus of the book, we continue throughout the book which gives a sense of normality to a queer kid reading it without making it a huge deal.
The chapters are short and the illustrations are beautiful which makes this perfect for younger readers who have just gotten into reading.
Read
April 15, 2022Riley Reynolds Crushes Costume Day follows Riley, a non-binary fourth grader, as they prepare for their school’s Costume Day. The prompt for Costume Day is to “Dress Like Your Favorite Character,” and Riley can’t wait to start planning their costume! However, some of the other kids are having trouble coming up with costume ideas. Don’t worry, Riley is happy to use their creativity to help other kids prepare for Costume Day!
Riley Reynolds Crushes Costume Day was a joy to read! Riley loves to help their classmates, and their creativity and spirit shines through on every page. The pictures are a wonderful addition to keep kids engaged, and the language is perfect for early chapter book readers!
Riley Reynolds Crushes Costume Day was a joy to read! Riley loves to help their classmates, and their creativity and spirit shines through on every page. The pictures are a wonderful addition to keep kids engaged, and the language is perfect for early chapter book readers!
November 2, 2022
All hail Riley Reynolds, the costume visionary! I have to say that for a fourth grader Riley and their friends are pretty smart designing dope costumes like that. Schools really need to encourage going all the way for activities like these, it was so fun to read about Costume Day!
Riley was an absolute sunshine and I enjoyed the cute costume descriptions, being a cosplayer myself. I really connected to Riley when they said that though they couldn't design the costume as extravagantly as they imagined it inside their head, doing so with their friends and whatever material they had was what made it so fun, and I sooo agree with them.
Read this one after a long day at work and felt full. Wish the book had more graphics though hehe.
Thank you Netgalley for the e-copy.
Riley was an absolute sunshine and I enjoyed the cute costume descriptions, being a cosplayer myself. I really connected to Riley when they said that though they couldn't design the costume as extravagantly as they imagined it inside their head, doing so with their friends and whatever material they had was what made it so fun, and I sooo agree with them.
Read this one after a long day at work and felt full. Wish the book had more graphics though hehe.
Thank you Netgalley for the e-copy.
March 29, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
I want to say that I have not read any other books in this series, and don’t have to to read this one.I found this book to be cute, a fast read and great way to learn something about LGBTQ+ people. I liked Riley and the other characters. The story was original and fun. Would be great for a classroom or library.
The pictures that went with the book were simple yet well done. I really liked them.
Overall, I would read more in this series and by this author.
I want to say that I have not read any other books in this series, and don’t have to to read this one.I found this book to be cute, a fast read and great way to learn something about LGBTQ+ people. I liked Riley and the other characters. The story was original and fun. Would be great for a classroom or library.
The pictures that went with the book were simple yet well done. I really liked them.
Overall, I would read more in this series and by this author.
June 13, 2022
I got to read it from NetGalley a little early. Im so surprised how much I liked it. It’s written for children, it’s an amazing read aloud for the classroom. The authors even made questions in the end about the book and explained hard words like cis gendered to start the conversation about being non-binary. It was really diverse which I loved because it showcases how the classroom really looks like. I would really recommend reading this in school, for your child or really anyone who wants a fun read while learning more about lgbtq+.
December 21, 2022
This is an important story, in that it features a nonbinary child living their happy life surrounded by loving family and friends. The artwork could be more effectively integrated with the text--I found it disruptive to get to the end of a chapter of text and then to be shown images (in graphic novel layout) of events that had already happened. Perhaps it was related to the production of the book to have the full color comics bunched together, but it really disrupted the reading for me. Nonetheless, it's important for readers to see characters like Riley and their community.
February 20, 2022
4,5⭐
I absolutely l love this book
The illustrations were stunning and whole story was just adorable
The fact, how smooth and natural topics like gender and gender expression were shown in a children's book-
Also, can we talked for a moment how Riley being non-binary wasn't a thing the plot is about. They were presented as normal kid, not much different than their friends or classmates (as it should be).
What else could you want✋🏻
I absolutely l love this book
The illustrations were stunning and whole story was just adorable
The fact, how smooth and natural topics like gender and gender expression were shown in a children's book-
Also, can we talked for a moment how Riley being non-binary wasn't a thing the plot is about. They were presented as normal kid, not much different than their friends or classmates (as it should be).
What else could you want✋🏻
June 14, 2022
Thank you to the publisher for giving me a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
Wow this was amazing, I loved the swap between a comic to a written out story.
Riley's stories are always fun to read however I find it so important that not only the children are educated on Riley's dun adventures but also on the whole Non-Binary behalf of the story.
I think it's a beautiful way to educate while entertaining and cannot express that more.
Absolutely loved it!
Wow this was amazing, I loved the swap between a comic to a written out story.
Riley's stories are always fun to read however I find it so important that not only the children are educated on Riley's dun adventures but also on the whole Non-Binary behalf of the story.
I think it's a beautiful way to educate while entertaining and cannot express that more.
Absolutely loved it!
June 16, 2022
Riley Reynolds Crushes Costume Day (Hardcover)
by Jay Albee
An inclusive book to introduce and explain some of the terms and ideology of LGTBQ+ society. It gives a very personal look at a child who identifies but does not have all the answers yet. It shows the slow understanding, and acceptance of their identity, and the helpful acceptance of the adults around them. In a relatable story about preparing for a holiday and anticipating something that culturally inclusive.
by Jay Albee
An inclusive book to introduce and explain some of the terms and ideology of LGTBQ+ society. It gives a very personal look at a child who identifies but does not have all the answers yet. It shows the slow understanding, and acceptance of their identity, and the helpful acceptance of the adults around them. In a relatable story about preparing for a holiday and anticipating something that culturally inclusive.
May 18, 2023
3.5
A solid school story for early elementary readers. I loved the community that Riley Reynolds lives in. They have a walking carpool, a convenient local thrift store and craft store, and a school that celebrates books and characters in joyful ways.
There are some gentle tweaks at gender stereotypes that would offer some good opportunities for conversation, but the bulk of the story is just a slice of life as Riley's class works on costumes for their Book Day celebration.
A solid school story for early elementary readers. I loved the community that Riley Reynolds lives in. They have a walking carpool, a convenient local thrift store and craft store, and a school that celebrates books and characters in joyful ways.
There are some gentle tweaks at gender stereotypes that would offer some good opportunities for conversation, but the bulk of the story is just a slice of life as Riley's class works on costumes for their Book Day celebration.
March 4, 2022
This is a sweet and fun children's story about Riley and their friends wanting to dress up like their favorite character. No one questions each other's choices and everyone is supportive of each other. I loved that Riley is non-binary and no one cares. They're just a normal child. I think is a wonderful book to add to anyone's collection.
January 16, 2023
An easy read for younger readers with plenty of representation.
Though quick, I appreciated the flow of the narrative. The friendship among the characters was nice, and though the story could have benefited from a more tangible conflict, I'm happy that tension between characters wasn't it.
Though quick, I appreciated the flow of the narrative. The friendship among the characters was nice, and though the story could have benefited from a more tangible conflict, I'm happy that tension between characters wasn't it.
April 15, 2023
I love the representation and would love to see more!
One note: It's important to have the informational page, though it reads as much more advanced than the rest of the text and might dissuade kids who would otherwise love to read about Riley. Young kids should definitely learn about the honorific Mx., but I'm not sure any of them are familiar with the term "honorific" to begin with.
One note: It's important to have the informational page, though it reads as much more advanced than the rest of the text and might dissuade kids who would otherwise love to read about Riley. Young kids should definitely learn about the honorific Mx., but I'm not sure any of them are familiar with the term "honorific" to begin with.
June 16, 2023
A great book to read with or to young kids that explains being non-binary, without it being a source of conflict. Everyone accepts Riley for who they are.
I also loved the illustrations at the end of each short chapter that sort of summarized what has happened, rather than being imbedded within the chapter. I’ve never seen illustrations done quite that way, but it worked surprisingly well.
I also loved the illustrations at the end of each short chapter that sort of summarized what has happened, rather than being imbedded within the chapter. I’ve never seen illustrations done quite that way, but it worked surprisingly well.
August 17, 2023
This reminds me of the Kids of Polk Street series from back in the day… except that it also teaches about gender identity, though it is not the main plot point in the story. The main plot point is that Riley and their friends are extremely excited for costume day at school, and they spend the week excitedly getting ready.
June 15, 2024
Really sweet book, although I would definitely say that it reads young -- Riley is in 4th grade, but it feels more like 2nd-3rd to me. I love that the book is all about Riley's talents and interests -- they are great at costuming ideas, and they are great at helping people and they really enjoy combining the two. Adorable!
March 3, 2022
I absolutely loved this! The combination of text story and images is a fantastic touch to add some color and whimsy to the tale. Reading a younger aimed book about a non-binary main character was so incredibly refreshing and it put such a great perspective on identity. Not everything has to be some big over complicated process, as Riley said "I dont have to be a boy or a girl. I can just be me!"
Representation is so important from a young age as we really do start learning more about ourselves and the world around us with an innocent open mind. Positive representation can be life changing for children as it can not only teach them about themselves, but teach them about the people around them and how to better understand and accept the differences we all may have. I wish books like this had been around when I was young!
Representation is so important from a young age as we really do start learning more about ourselves and the world around us with an innocent open mind. Positive representation can be life changing for children as it can not only teach them about themselves, but teach them about the people around them and how to better understand and accept the differences we all may have. I wish books like this had been around when I was young!
August 10, 2022
This was a delightful read about a young child who love glitter, friends, and using their creativity to solve problems. I am ordering a second copy for the library, because some of the children in our community will really appreciate seeing it on our shelves.
March 13, 2022
I requested and received an ARC on Netgalley. Thank you to Stone Arch Books.
Oh how i loved it, an how i wish i had a physical book to read to my kids. They mention « The prince and The Knight » a book that my 5yo love and that i had read for my kids at work for Valentine’s day theme.
This book is about Riley, who they are, what they love. I loved seeing how Riley started to give their opinion and helping other kids at school coming up with ideas on what do to for costume day. I also loved the way Riley question themselves when they realized others are coming to them for ideas. They took the time to learn what the other person like, the pertinent information in order to help them come up with something that they would like to wear. Instead of giving their opinions and telling others what to wear, Riley help them find out. This is a +++ in childhood development. Such a great example.
I loved the fact that we had definition at the start of the books to better understand labels, and word that most kids might not understand. I also adore the question at the end of the books.
Riley gender wasn’t the main focus of the book but rather the adventure leading to Costume day. It gives me so much hope seeing book like this being written and available for lgbtq+ people. We love seeing a positive environment where we can all be accepted for who we are and love.
As a childhood educator who is queer herself i was so happy. I will pick it up in English so we can read at bedtime but also please please if we can have it in french( we are a francophone family and i know my kids will adore the book)
Oh how i loved it, an how i wish i had a physical book to read to my kids. They mention « The prince and The Knight » a book that my 5yo love and that i had read for my kids at work for Valentine’s day theme.
This book is about Riley, who they are, what they love. I loved seeing how Riley started to give their opinion and helping other kids at school coming up with ideas on what do to for costume day. I also loved the way Riley question themselves when they realized others are coming to them for ideas. They took the time to learn what the other person like, the pertinent information in order to help them come up with something that they would like to wear. Instead of giving their opinions and telling others what to wear, Riley help them find out. This is a +++ in childhood development. Such a great example.
I loved the fact that we had definition at the start of the books to better understand labels, and word that most kids might not understand. I also adore the question at the end of the books.
Riley gender wasn’t the main focus of the book but rather the adventure leading to Costume day. It gives me so much hope seeing book like this being written and available for lgbtq+ people. We love seeing a positive environment where we can all be accepted for who we are and love.
As a childhood educator who is queer herself i was so happy. I will pick it up in English so we can read at bedtime but also please please if we can have it in french( we are a francophone family and i know my kids will adore the book)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews