The new LGBTQ-inclusive kids’ books out today include a lovely ode to the changing seasons, starring a two-mom family; a picture book celebrating “gender freedom”; and a middle-grade mystery inclusive of asexual and bisexual identities. Read on for reviews!
Firsts and Lasts: The Changing Seasons, by Leda Schubert and illustrated by Clover Robin (Candlewick). In this lovely book about the intertwining harmonies of nature and family life, a child talks about the different activities that start—and end—in each season for her, her sister, and her moms. This is not just a book about the seasons, but also about what we welcome and say goodbye to in each one. It is about cycles, rhythms, transitions, and finding the new even as we bid farewell to the old. Because the fact that it includes a two-mom family is incidental to the tale, this one may slip off the radar of people seeking LGBTQ-inclusive kids’ books—but now you know. Full review.
My Own Way: Celebrating Gender Freedom for Kids, written and illustrated by Joana Estrela, translated from the Portuguese by poet Jay Hulme (Quarto/Wide Eyed Editions). This simple poem asks readers to reflect on their gender and what it can mean. “‘Girl or boy?’ What brings you joy?” it begins, then asks readers to consider hairstyle, clothing, and activities before reassuring them, “You’ll find your own way.” That’s commendable, as is the advice, “Boy or girl doesn’t cover everyone. You might be both … You might be none!” but unfortunately the book still presents most choices in terms of gender dichotomies, e.g., “‘Girlfriend? Boyfriend?’ ‘Mom or dad?’ Only they can tell you that,” offering no ideas or language for what other ways there might be. A well-meaning effort, but best supplemented by other books. Full review.
Drew LeClair Gets a Clue, by Katryn Bury (Clarion). Seventh-grader Drew LeClair is on her way to becoming a great detective, following the footsteps of her hero, a criminal profiler. What Drew didn’t have a clue about, however, was her mother running off to Hawaii with the school guidance counselor. Drew doesn’t share this news at school, but when a cyberbully starts targeting students and reveals Drew’s secret, she must use her skills to find the culprit. Her two closest friends want to help, but what happens when Drew feels she must profile them, too?
Add in the complication that while kissing is on the minds of many of her peers, and Drew has crushes on both boy and girl characters in the books she reads, she doesn’t know if she wants to kiss anyone in real life. Even though Drew is still figuring herself out, it is great to see more exploration of both asexual and bisexual identities in middle grade books. The story also lightly but clearly touches on issues of race and privilege. Mystery fans will love this middle grade tale, but the story is as commendable for the social and emotional arcs of its characters as for the puzzle that confounds them. Full review.