For International Pronouns Day, here’s my latest roundup of kids’ books, music, and games all about pronouns, including a great new picture book just out this year—for you and her and him and them and xir!
The books below are ones specifically about pronouns. There are also many other great books that look more broadly at gender identity and expression and include discussions of pronouns in them. You can find them in my Database with the “Gender identity/expression” tag.
Click the titles or images below for full reviews, and filter my database by the “Pronouns” tag to see what’s new at any time.
Board Books
They, He, She: Words for You and Me, illustrated by Andy Passchier (Mudpuppy). A bright board book that introduces readers to a number of children and the various pronouns they use, including they/them and ze/zir. One child prefers no pronouns, just a name. The book includes a nonbreakable mirror and asks readers to think about which words feel best for them.
The Pronoun Book, by Chris Ayala-Kronos, illustrated by Melita Tirado (Clarion). Sometimes simplest is best. This bright board book poses one question: “How do you know what someone wants to be called?” The answer? “Ask.” The book then offers one spread for each of several pronouns, each filled with diverse people who use that pronoun. We see people of various gender expressions on every page, with different hair, clothing, and skin tones. The final two spreads show the people joyously gathering for a picnic as we read, “All together … us.”
Picture Books
New this year is Hooray for She, He, Ze, and They! What Are Your Pronouns Today? by Lindz Amer, illustrated by Kip Alizadeh (Simon & Schuster), is an affirming and exuberant picture book celebrating pronouns and the joy of finding the right one. In their Queer Kid Stuff video series and other work, Amer has always blended pedagogy with a sense of joy, and that skill is on full display here as they both explain pronouns in a kid-friendly way and show rather than tell us what gender euphoria can be.
A Kids Book About Pronouns, by Courtney Wells, Lee Wells, illustrated by Rick Delucco (A Kids Co). Clear, direct, affirming, and conversational, this is a terrific introduction to pronouns for ages 5 to 9—and for parents, teachers, and other adults reading with kids of that age. It also offers young readers the tantalizing idea that they will be experts in knowing about pronouns, “while grownups are mostly beginners.”
Payden’s Pronoun Party, by Blue Jaryn, illustrated by Xochitl Cornejo (Page Street Kids). A young child explores gender identity with the help of supportive parents and friends in this fun story of growing self-awareness. Even kids who don’t want a pronoun party themselves might be grateful to know that they could have one, should they want to—making this a welcome book indeed.
What Are Your Words? A Book About Pronouns, by Katharine Locke and illustrated by Anne Passchier (Little Brown) stars a nonbinary child named Ari, who is excited for the visit of Uncle Lior, who uses they/them pronouns and helps Ari to find pronouns that fit, too. Pronouns are presented as one of many types of words that can be used to describe oneself. I love the message that finding one’s words is a journey and not necessarily a linear one, and that we each must find our own words.
They She He Me: Free to Be! by Maya Gonzalez and Matthew SG (Reflection Press), is a beautifully illustrated book exploring and expanding ideas about pronouns and gender. Each spread offers a pronoun and beautiful images of people with differing gender expressions. It starts with “me”—a nice touch to connect with the reader, and proceeds to he, she, they, ze, and even “tree” (a nod to their later suggestion that readers can create their own pronouns). They finish with the community of “we.” Six pages at the end give simple, affirming explanations about pronouns.
They, She, He Easy as ABC, also by Maya Gonzalez and Matthew SG (Reflection Press), shows an alphabet of friends dancing their way from A to Ze. “Ari loves to arabesque. They hold their pose with ease,” it begins. Each new letter introduces us to another child (most of whom are children of color) with a different dance and pronouns. Once again, Gonzalez’ vibrant art helps make this an engaging read.
Jacob’s School Play: Starring He, She, and They, by Sarah and Ian Hoffman, illustrated by Chris Case (Magination Press), brings us the gender-creative children we met in Jacob’s New Dress and Jacob’s Room to Choose, and introduces a new character who uses “they” pronouns. Jacob learns the difference between what one wears and who one is on the inside, and how everyone has the right to choose their own pronouns.
The Pronoun Book: She, He, They and Me, by Cassandra Jules Corrigan and illustrated by Jem Milton (Jessica Kingsley Press), revolves around two main characters, Ellie, a younger child, and Casey, an older one, who talk directly to readers about pronouns and gender, offering examples from other characters along the way. The book’s conversational tone is engaging and warm, with helpful example dialogs, but some of its explanations could be clearer, and it uses the phrase “biological sex,” which some people I know (particularly trans people) object to for not capturing the full spectrum of human variation.
Jamie and Bubbie: A Book About People’s Pronouns, by Afsaneh Moradian and illustrated by Maria Bogade (Free Spirit Publishing), is a sequel to the duo’s Jamie Is Jamie, but either can be read independently. Here, Jamie’s Bubbie comes for a visit, but mistakenly misgenders several of the people they meet on their neighborhood walk. Jamie, a child whose gender is never specified, knows everyone’s correct genders and pronouns, though, and gently informs Bubbie, who is receptive to the feedback.
For Teens
A Quick & Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns, by Archie Bongiovanni and Tristan Jimerson (Limerence Press) is aimed at older teens but is so useful I’m going to include it here. It’s a collaboration between the genderqueer Archie Bongiovanni and cisgender man Tristan Jimerson, who appear in the book as illustrated versions of themselves. This great little volume gives us education without pedantry or patronization, making a serious topic into a fun read. It models allyship but also speaks to genderqueer people themselves. There’s a high level of snark, though; adults should assess whether that’s appropriate for younger readers.
Music
“She, He, They (A Pronoun Song),” by Carrie Ferguson, is a bouncy, bluesy tune that will have you tapping your feet along with the affirming lyrics. Queer and gender nonconforming singer-songwriter Ferguson sings about people she knows who use different pronouns (or no pronouns), and all the things they like to do, from playing the kazoo to painting the kitchen and watching movies in bed. And if you don’t know someone’s pronouns? “Just ask,” she says. Click through to watch the video for the song!
“What’s Your Name?” by Canadian singer-songwriter Mandy Morris is about meeting a new friend and respectfully asking what their name and pronouns are. Verses show what to do if one accidentally misgenders someone, and offer an example of why using the right pronouns is respectful. Click through to watch the video for the song.
Two tracks from The Trans and Nonbinary Kids Mix album emphasize pronouns (though all of the tracks are good): “Call Them ‘They’,” by Emily Joy, and “They/Them (Interlude)” from The Alphabet Rockers, “a tapestry of voices of the many artists on the album sharing their pronouns and reflections.”
Games
Playing with Pronouns, from Maya Gonzalez and Matthew SG at Reflection Press, is an educational card deck based on their above books, designed to counter gender stereotypes and offer kids an opportunity for self expression—all through a variety of fun games!
