What is Gender? How Does it Define Us? and Other Big Questions

What Is... And Other Big Questions

by Juno Dawson

What's the difference between sex and gender? What does it mean to be defined by your gender? Are there only two genders? This informative book helps readers to explore these questions and more, explaining that there are differences of opinion and that answers are not always straightforward. A range of views are on hand from people who have thoughtfully considered the concept of gender in their own lives. Aimed at young people aged 10 and upwards, the book encourages readers to think for themselves about the issues involved. Part of the groundbreaking and important 'And Other Big Questions' series, which offers balanced and considered views on the big issues we face in the world we live in today. Other titles in the series include: What is Humanism? How do you live without a god? What is Feminism? Why do we need It? Who are Refugees and Migrants? What makes people leave their homes? What is Consent? Why is it important?

Genres: Nonfiction, LGBT, Queer, Gender and Sexuality

48 pages, Hardcover

First published July 13, 2017

Reviews

[Claire (Book Blog Bird) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book would 100% not have made it through the front door when I was a kid, so as a result I’m determined that my kids will read it. Plus it’s written by Juno Dawson, who is amazeballs in everything she writes. PLUS it’s just really really interesting.

[Nic Ramos · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was written by and for those who already believe in the gender ideology cult. Shocking? Not really. It is targeted at the most vulnerable demographic. Try reading Irreversible Damage by abagail shrier to get a more nuanced look on gender ideology and how books like these essentially open the door to the grooming of the gender ideology cult. This book also fails to properly address important feminist issues. It's a propaganda book plain and simple.

[Bookweasel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good introduction to gender, sex, and sexual orientation. Easy and quick to read, it is a good book to get your brain understanding the basics before reading something more in depth.

[Tyrannogina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very important and probably the only one of its kind out there. Overall, the information in the book is quite OK, but it has a lot of small mistakes (like saying chromosomes are in our genes, when chromosomes contain genes). I think it is a useful book, but I also think it could use a review.

[Mr Alister Cryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful guide for anyone with questions

This is a useful resource for those with questions about their gender identity. I wish it had been available when I was younger, it might have helped me feel less alone. I would describe this as a pamphlet rather than a book and comment that there is far less of Juno in this than in her other books.

[Tegan (Slant Postscripts) · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the idea is good, the execution is lacking. There are several mistakes and also a lot of misleading instances, resulting I think from trying to synthesise big and complex ideas. The quotes from famous people are especially problematic, several coming from individuals who have said harmful things about gender

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book treats what can be a difficult topic with sensitivity. It provides lots of information and reassurance in a simple way to young people who might not want to broach the subject with their peers or the adults in their life.

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really informative and thoughtful

[Gecko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative! Especially with the inclusion of global third genders.

[Andrew Corsini · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book but quite brief.

[Alli_aye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great explanations