This book is really aimed at older teens, but it’s so useful I’m going to include it under middle grade nonfiction in case some tweens may find it valuable, too (though read on for some cautions). The book is a collaboration between the genderqueer Archie Bongiovanni and cisgender man Tristan Jimerson, who appear in the book as illustrated versions of themselves (drawn by Bongiovanni). It’s a clever format, allowing readers to find resonance with at least one of the protagonists. “What can I contribute to a conversation that isn’t about me?” the fictionalized Tristan ponders, while Archie replies that if they (Archie) wanted to talk just with nonbinary people, they could do it themselves—“But we’re trying to address this topic for everyone.”
The book exists “so that you don’t have to do all the heavy lifting yourself,” Archie tells us. In short and punchy interactions, laden with Archie’s snark, they and Tristan explain what pronouns are, what it means to be misgendered, and how allies can be supportive, along with tips on living as a nonbinary person. At the end, there are “Quick and Easy Scripts for When You Don’t Know What to Say” in relation to gender neutral pronouns. (And while they focus on they/them, they acknowledge there are other options, too, like ze/hir.)
While the explanations are simple, some of the snark is intense enough that it might not be appropriate for younger children. “If education fails and folks are being jerks, you can also throw this book in their face,” Archie notes at one point. Teens will be able to recognize if this is called for; younger children may not. As always, parents should make the call based on their own kids. And references by Tristan to bringing gender neutral language into his workplace aren’t inappropriate, but mark the book as being aimed at an older crowd.
For teens and adults, though, this is a great little volume that 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, and should become a well-used resource.
