Experts Tell Us the Best Transgender Books For Schools

Sam knew she was not quite the same as the other girls, and she was not sure why. Sam has always felt like she doesn’t quite fit. She doesn’t like dresses and their swish-swish on her legs; she doesn’t like playing with dolls either, and she’d much rather climb on the jungle gym with the boys during her lunch. Although she’s not sure why she’s different, she knows that she is. Then one day Sam learns something that completely transforms her world…

I am Jazz’ by Jessica Herthel is a much-lauded book written by a woman who has herself lived through gender dysphoria and transition. It’s simple picture book about a child who grows up knowing she is a girl, even though others see her as a boy, until a doctor explains to her parents that she is transgender. I’d recommend it for other schools looking for good books on this subject, because it’s so easy to understand and paints a very clear picture of what it can be like to grow up as a transgender person.

This book comprehensively covers the different aspects in transgender. Its setting is suitable for parents, students, and teachers. Personally, I recommend this book since it broadly covers the complex topics on sexuality education not to mention transgender and cisgenderism.

This book is majorly written for children to learn why there is a need to support transgender. This is a kid’s guide to gender identity worth a purchase.

I Am Jazz is one of the most unique and moving childrens books I’ve ever read. Based on the real-life childhood of Jazz Jennings, this gorgeously-illustrated book chronicles the journey of Jazz and her family as they realize Jazz isn’t a boy, but a transgender girl. Using simple language that can both educate and move children, parents, siblings, teachers, and everyone, this book is a must for anyone trying to learn or teach more about trans issues and childhood.

I bought this for my nephew to demystify some of what he has heard or picked up from school. The book covers the topic of gender identity in a way that kids can understand without addressing sexuality which is important to many parents. The book has fantastic graphics, it sticks to the topic, it’s not character-based and appropriate for younger kids.

I have ordered several copies myself for various reasons. As a psychotherapist, I noticed a few of my non-binary and gender-nonconforming clients that worked with children sometimes struggled with the right words talk to little ones about gender identity. Bibliotherapy, or using books, is a wonderful way to introduce complex concepts to young ones. Next, as a parent myself, I found the book an excellent addition to our personal library for teaching our children about their potential to define themselves. I also ordered a hardback copy for their elementary school’s library and read the picture book to my child’s first grade class. It was heart warming to see the next generation already passionate about inclusion. They gravitated to the warm and creative illustrations and loved the message.