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Gender Heroes: 25 Amazing Transgender, Non-binary and Genderqueer Trailblazers from Past and Present!
Prepare to meet the gender trailblazers of past and present - who dress and express themselves however they choose!
Featuring icons from across art, sports, fashion, music, politics, civil rights and the media, this vibrantly illustrated book introduces children age 5+ to transgender, non-binary and genderqueer role-models who dare to be different - and are conquering the world as they go.
Packed with the triumphant tales of 25 gender heroes - including Laverne Cox, Elliott Page, Marsha P. Johnson, Gavin Grimm and Alok Vaid-Menon, as well as a glossary of key terms, this is an inspirational introduction for kids and educators alike - and a timely reminder that not all heroes wear capes.
Featuring icons from across art, sports, fashion, music, politics, civil rights and the media, this vibrantly illustrated book introduces children age 5+ to transgender, non-binary and genderqueer role-models who dare to be different - and are conquering the world as they go.
Packed with the triumphant tales of 25 gender heroes - including Laverne Cox, Elliott Page, Marsha P. Johnson, Gavin Grimm and Alok Vaid-Menon, as well as a glossary of key terms, this is an inspirational introduction for kids and educators alike - and a timely reminder that not all heroes wear capes.
- GenresPicture BooksNonfiction
64 pages, Hardcover
Published April 28, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 7, 2023
Content warnings are listed at the end of my review!
I could have given this a higher rating, but I'm honestly just getting really frustrated. It has got to be something up with this publisher because this is the second book now that they have made that has done a total joke of a job trying to capture and honor the work of Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. This claims Marsha and Sylvia started the Stonewall uprising, overly focusing on this event that Sylvia was not at, and Marsha didn't arrive at until the riots had begun- devaluing and even ignoring other substantial work the two did. It only mentions Sylvia's participation in the Gay Liberation Front, though Marsha was involved too, didn't mention Marsha's participation in ACT UP or Sylvia's ongoing activism- STAR isn't even mentioned by name! I'd rip into this more but I already did for the other book in my review. Fool me once with Sylvia and Marsha Start a Revolution!, shame on me, fool me twice with erroneous revisionist facts again for two important figures covered, shame on you Jessica Kingsley Publishers! Seriously, do better because this is a pattern of absolutely obnoxious ahistorical representation of trans history!
Aside from that, the book was fine, though majorly contemporary with 22 out of the 25 featured people being active activists in the early 2000s or later, mostly mid 2010s (This wouldn't be such an issue if the title didn't say "Past and Present"). We see all kinds of folks like actors, athletes, models, musicians, politicians, and writers with small biographies of accomplishments and a fact about them. Usually the fact is another accomplishment, but for a few the corners were cut and the fact was just a relevant definition, despite the back having a whole glossary making it feel like misutilized space. Before I forget, another incorrect fact I saw: Tyler Ford is stated to be the founder of them which as far as I can find is at best partially true, they are listed as a founding editor but not the lone creator. It's a nice enough idea with good accompanying art and representation, but the execution was just incredibly shaky.
Summary:
Readability: ★★★☆☆, I wasn't a big fan of how the names/headings were displayed because some were in a pastel neon yellow and lime green which were not the easiest to read on a white background, especially the text under the names which was not bolded. I wasn't a huge fan of the font used either, but I was able to read it without it being too big of a deal. The bios were relatively short, but they primarily focused on what the people did, feeling distant and non-personal.
Entertainment: ★★★★☆, 3.5 The range of featured folks was nice, for someone navigating trans spaces I recognized a big chunk of the folks listed and their associated projects, but there were a few new faces I hadn't met yet. As much as I liked what was shown, I was just as upset with the glaring issues with the instances of incorrect information provided.
Audience: Overall it's beneficial to show kids that there's other trans people out there, and trans adults who have grown up to live fulfilling lives- I just have some basic standards like providing factual information, I think these people depicted deserve that respect. This works if you can overlook this- as it only impacts 3/25 entries. The rest of them are fine enough although short, so I recommend with caution if you're interested.
Content Warnings: bathroom discrimination, houselessness, legal discrimination, pregnancy, transphobia
I could have given this a higher rating, but I'm honestly just getting really frustrated. It has got to be something up with this publisher because this is the second book now that they have made that has done a total joke of a job trying to capture and honor the work of Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. This claims Marsha and Sylvia started the Stonewall uprising, overly focusing on this event that Sylvia was not at, and Marsha didn't arrive at until the riots had begun- devaluing and even ignoring other substantial work the two did. It only mentions Sylvia's participation in the Gay Liberation Front, though Marsha was involved too, didn't mention Marsha's participation in ACT UP or Sylvia's ongoing activism- STAR isn't even mentioned by name! I'd rip into this more but I already did for the other book in my review. Fool me once with Sylvia and Marsha Start a Revolution!, shame on me, fool me twice with erroneous revisionist facts again for two important figures covered, shame on you Jessica Kingsley Publishers! Seriously, do better because this is a pattern of absolutely obnoxious ahistorical representation of trans history!
Aside from that, the book was fine, though majorly contemporary with 22 out of the 25 featured people being active activists in the early 2000s or later, mostly mid 2010s (This wouldn't be such an issue if the title didn't say "Past and Present"). We see all kinds of folks like actors, athletes, models, musicians, politicians, and writers with small biographies of accomplishments and a fact about them. Usually the fact is another accomplishment, but for a few the corners were cut and the fact was just a relevant definition, despite the back having a whole glossary making it feel like misutilized space. Before I forget, another incorrect fact I saw: Tyler Ford is stated to be the founder of them which as far as I can find is at best partially true, they are listed as a founding editor but not the lone creator. It's a nice enough idea with good accompanying art and representation, but the execution was just incredibly shaky.
Summary:
Readability: ★★★☆☆, I wasn't a big fan of how the names/headings were displayed because some were in a pastel neon yellow and lime green which were not the easiest to read on a white background, especially the text under the names which was not bolded. I wasn't a huge fan of the font used either, but I was able to read it without it being too big of a deal. The bios were relatively short, but they primarily focused on what the people did, feeling distant and non-personal.
Entertainment: ★★★★☆, 3.5 The range of featured folks was nice, for someone navigating trans spaces I recognized a big chunk of the folks listed and their associated projects, but there were a few new faces I hadn't met yet. As much as I liked what was shown, I was just as upset with the glaring issues with the instances of incorrect information provided.
Audience: Overall it's beneficial to show kids that there's other trans people out there, and trans adults who have grown up to live fulfilling lives- I just have some basic standards like providing factual information, I think these people depicted deserve that respect. This works if you can overlook this- as it only impacts 3/25 entries. The rest of them are fine enough although short, so I recommend with caution if you're interested.
Content Warnings: bathroom discrimination, houselessness, legal discrimination, pregnancy, transphobia
July 12, 2024
A little long (or perhaps, rather, a little overly wordy) for a traditional picture book but it has great info! I loved the colors and depictions of the heroes. I'd say this one might be the type of book that (at least for a child) you'd pick up and read one or two at a time here and there. Definitely couldn't see a little one (or heck even my ten year old) willing to sit through all 25 descriptions.
So if you buy it or check it out you can plan to do a few here and there. It would be a great book to own and just have around the house or on a coffee table where anyone could pick it up and explore. I think anyone of any age could learn something from it. Picture books are WAY less intimidating than some of the nonfiction adult tomes floating around out there.
It also has a great succinct glossary in the back that would be a good jumping off point for people who are not familiar with some of the newer terms. I've heard several gen x'ers complain that they don't understand all the different ways to categorize oneself and that it was easier (in the good old days LOL) when it was just LGBT. Let's face it, our boomer parents didn't do us any favors by discussing jack shit with us. Mental health? no. Do not discuss. Sex? Do not discuss. Sexual health or gender identification. Haha no. So anyway, don't let the fact that this is a picture book scare you off if you're an adult. Picture books are awesome and great for everyone! A lot of good info shoved into this one :)
So if you buy it or check it out you can plan to do a few here and there. It would be a great book to own and just have around the house or on a coffee table where anyone could pick it up and explore. I think anyone of any age could learn something from it. Picture books are WAY less intimidating than some of the nonfiction adult tomes floating around out there.
It also has a great succinct glossary in the back that would be a good jumping off point for people who are not familiar with some of the newer terms. I've heard several gen x'ers complain that they don't understand all the different ways to categorize oneself and that it was easier (in the good old days LOL) when it was just LGBT. Let's face it, our boomer parents didn't do us any favors by discussing jack shit with us. Mental health? no. Do not discuss. Sex? Do not discuss. Sexual health or gender identification. Haha no. So anyway, don't let the fact that this is a picture book scare you off if you're an adult. Picture books are awesome and great for everyone! A lot of good info shoved into this one :)
August 28, 2023
Pride is all year long. Fighting for LGBTQIA+ rights is a 24/7 job.
Gender Heroes is a colorful portray of individuals who have and continue to fight for equal rights, making a difference and making history! Each page gives a short bio of the person (basically a quick page about how amazing they are) and pairs it with a bright and cheerful illustration. Not only will your little reader learn about great activists like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera but also about individuals making an impact in politics, media, and even sports!
Some fun facts from the book:
“Sarah McBride is the first and highest-ranking openly transgender elected official in American History.”
“Mauree Turner is the first openly non-binary state legislator in the history of the United States of America.”
“Chris Moser was the first openly transgender man to represent the United States in an Olympic trial event”
I don’t want to spoil all of the amazing information but I strongly urge you to check out this book from your local library or grab a copy to own. You and your little reader will be left feeling inspired by all of these Gender Heroes!
Gender Heroes is a colorful portray of individuals who have and continue to fight for equal rights, making a difference and making history! Each page gives a short bio of the person (basically a quick page about how amazing they are) and pairs it with a bright and cheerful illustration. Not only will your little reader learn about great activists like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera but also about individuals making an impact in politics, media, and even sports!
Some fun facts from the book:
“Sarah McBride is the first and highest-ranking openly transgender elected official in American History.”
“Mauree Turner is the first openly non-binary state legislator in the history of the United States of America.”
“Chris Moser was the first openly transgender man to represent the United States in an Olympic trial event”
I don’t want to spoil all of the amazing information but I strongly urge you to check out this book from your local library or grab a copy to own. You and your little reader will be left feeling inspired by all of these Gender Heroes!
August 8, 2023
I was expecting this book to be full of the most well known trans celebrities and was very delighted that that wasn't necessarily the case. There were a lot of folks I had not heard of that I was introduced to in this book. It was lovely learning about them. Of course some of the most well known celebs are in here (Elliot Page, Kim Petras, Laverne Cox) but a decent amount of people doing great work outside of acting as well!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews