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My Sister, Daisy

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Daisy's older brother is thrilled when he gets a new sibling. They are best buddies who do everything together. But in kindergarten, things change. His sibling tells him she is a girl and wants to be called Daisy. Daisy's brother must adjust to the change—including what it means for him and their relationship. A powerful, moving picture book based on a true story, My Sister, Daisy handles a sensitive subject with warmth and love.

34 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2021

6 people are currently reading
249 people want to read

About the author

Adria Karlsson

1 book20 followers
Adria Karlsson lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts with her family. Currently she is writing and parenting, but she has a history of teaching people, training cats and dogs, and tutoring kids with dyslexia.

When she isn’t writing, Adria can often be found reading with a cat on her lap, attempting to replicate pastries from a certain British baking show, or zipping around town with a pile of children in the family cargo bike.

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5 stars
155 (52%)
4 stars
106 (35%)
3 stars
24 (8%)
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4 (1%)
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9 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
Profile Image for Rosh.
2,403 reviews5,040 followers
February 16, 2021
This is unlike any story I've ever read; it is so sweet and tender and touching.

The lead character loves his new baby brother and enjoys playing with him. But a few years later, when this little "brother" declares that she's a girl, it leaves the elder boy initially confused. But with the help of his parents, he soon understands the situation and does his best to make his sister feel accepted and loved.

There are books on trans children but none of them are from a sibling's perspective as far as I know. That gives this book a unique voice. It shows wonderfully not just how to accept the gender identity of your sibling but also on how to cope with your feelings of being ignored. The author's personal experience makes the story more genuine and heartfelt. I loved how the book depicts the insecurities of the elder brother and the support of the parents towards both the children.

I feel the book would have worked even better if it were not written in 1st person. Of course, the author might be targeting only siblings, which warrants the use of first person. But a third person perspective would have given the book a wider audience. After all, acceptance of gender identity is something to be understood not just by immediate family but by everyone. But this is a minor issue and the book is still beautiful and worth reading.

The illustrations are sweet and add beautifully to the story.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Thank you, NetGalley and Capstone Editions, for the Advanced Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Reviews Published


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Profile Image for Bandita.
590 reviews97 followers
June 10, 2021
This is the story of an elder brother coming in terms with the fact that his younger brother is actually his younger sister. She identifies as a girl and goes by she/her. This book is all about accepting identity and loving others despite their gender. The illustrations were beautiful. Loved this book! This book will be very informative for younger readers.
Profile Image for Trio.
3,619 reviews210 followers
August 4, 2021
Beautifully written, Adria Karlsson’s picture book My Sister, Daisy is based on a true story. What an excellent addition to libraries and to read at home!

From the moment his new sibling is born, big brother enjoys showing his little brother the ropes. Charming illustrations show the two growing closer, as they enjoy all the best moments of childhood.

When Daisy discovers the gender she was assigned at birth was wrong, and she’s really a girl, she tells him, “I know who I am, and I know I’m a girl.” Knowing this is a world where children as young as Kindergarten are exposed to things which help steer them on their journey of self-knowledge literally brings tears to my eyes. I’m so happy!

As Daisy explains her feelings to her family, they are receptive and supportive. But big brother expresses his concerns: what if he forgets, will his sibling change, and how will this affect his relationship with his sibling? All valid concerns, and insightfully expressed.

I adored the rich and vibrant illustrations by Linus Curci. Little touches, like the charming purple octopus toy which reappears throughout the tale, are subtle and contribute to the continuity. The overall effect is truly lovely.


thank you to Capstone and NetGalley for the advanced copy of My Sister, Daisy, my opinions are my own
Profile Image for Maritina Mela.
493 reviews98 followers
August 25, 2021
This is a children's book about a little boy and his relationship to his younger sibling whom he loves very much.
The sibling is assigned male at birth but as he grows older, he comes out as a girl and takes the name Daisy.
This is basically a story about a child coming out as trans and how that affects the parents and the relathionship with her sibling.
In the end of the day tho, it's a very positive and lighthearted story because the parents are very supporting of their kid's choice and the older brother realises that even tho he now has a younger sister, she is still the same person.

It was a very simple yet very nice story and I was also really surprised to find out that this was based on real events, since she too is the mother of a little trans girl, and what made her write this was the lack of children's books (and not only children's books, let's be honest here) about trans people.

As a kindergarten teacher who also believes in equality and would definitely want to introduce such topics in a classroom, this book feels like a nice introduction to the topic of trans people.

If you made it this far, congratulations!
'Til next time, take care :) :) :)


I was sent a free e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kimmylongtime.
1,338 reviews131 followers
September 5, 2021
*Update: this lovely picture book has officially hit all digital platforms* go give it a look 👀!

This book was absolutely adorable 🥰. The writing style was perfect for ages 3-7. I just spoke to a friend of mine about positive exposure about transgender 🏳️‍⚧️ culture in literature. Lately, I have noticed that more fiction and non fiction books are written about Transgender Men and women for children than adults.

This is awesome because children are naturally inquisitive but adults need help to understand too. I appreciate that this was easy to understand and Daisy had such a loving family. There are many horror stories where families deny how their children view themselves for many years.

Daisy wasn’t born as a cisgender girl but around the age of 5 she knew that she was a girl. Daisy explained this to her parents and they were very supportive. Her older brother thought this would change things in their relationship because they grew up together as brothers. But he spoke to his parents and they worked through his questions as a family. This book made me smile and even tear up a little bit.

I love seeing this type of exposure to LGBTQIA culture in books. Please write ✍🏽 more and thank you for sharing Daisy’s story with us.

Special thanks to the author and NetGalley for an ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Mesho 👾.
264 reviews65 followers
March 25, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this beautiful childrens story book.
i loved every page of it, and i could feel all the love that the family gave to Daisy. such a heartwarming and touching story.
i thank the author for writing this amazing book and i am sure it will help children everywhere, to understand what they are going through. Adria your book is amazing , i can see myself reading it to my children one day.
Profile Image for Reading_ Tamishly.
5,308 reviews3,476 followers
July 18, 2021
Such a beautiful book on the bond of siblings and understanding pronouns. I feel parents should introduce such words and understanding when the kids are growing up. I liked how the story focused on this specifically. I wish I liked the illustrations better than I did.

An important storybook. I am so glad to have read it.

Thank you, author/artist and the publisher, for the advance reading copy.
Profile Image for *JEN the booknerd*.
242 reviews52 followers
April 27, 2023
Everyone should read this book!! The message is simple. If someone tells you their gender, believe and accept them. It's really that easy.
Profile Image for Albine Eien.
412 reviews10 followers
August 28, 2021
QUELQU'UN DOIT TRADUIRE CE BOUQUIN EN FRANCE !
Sérieusement, je suis encore en train de pleurer rien qu'en y pensant. Les mots sonnent juste, on a le ressenti du frère, qui naturellement se pose des questions, vit cette situation, essaie de la comprendre et de s'adapter, même si c'est difficile parfois.
Daisy et le narrateur ont les parents les plus géniaux et aimants du monde, patients, même si certainement ils ont des interrogations aussi. Le narrateur peut exprimer librement son amour pour sa soeur, mais aussi ses craintes, sa jalousie, et autres sentiments négatifs.

Ce livre est un must read, must have, il parlera autant aux parents qu'aux enfants. Il est juste magnifique.
73 reviews3 followers
February 18, 2021
This book is so important.

As a child life specialist, I look for books to help patients and families process emotions regarding life changes — medical or otherwise. I have never found a children’s book to help process thoughts or emotions about having a friend or loved one who is transgender and this one does it so beautifully. It provides education and addresses misconceptions in a developmentally appropriate manner.

What I love most about it though, is that it also acknowledges and validates feelings someone who is growing up with a transgender sibling may have. I also love how it focuses on the sibling perspective as siblings in any situation where one child needs additional support may often feel lost, left out, or in need of additional tailored support themselves. The story is warm, the illustrations are beautiful.

I can’t recommend this enough for teachers and child life specialists to have in their library. Also highly recommended to parents, not just those with a similar circumstance, but all parents to help start conversations with their children around LGBTQ.

Thank you, Adria Karlsson, for providing this beautiful resource!
Profile Image for Misse Jones.
579 reviews47 followers
May 5, 2021
My Sister Daisy is a critical and powerfully moving picture book written by Adria Karlsson and illustrated by Linus Curci. It takes a sensitive subject and engages the reader and helps to begin a dialogue among children, parents, teachers and families alike about gender identity, sexuality, and self-discovery.

This is a story about a little boy who is ecstatic to have a baby brother. They do everything together and until now it’s been a picturesque relationship between the two. That is until one day the baby brother (who is now in Kindergarten) tells his big brother that he is a girl and prefers to be called Daisy. Daisy’s brother must now adapt to changes in their relationship as well as help others to do the same. There are overlapping themes of patience, understanding, love, family, and connection shared here.

My Sister Daisy is such a beautiful and positive read and in some respects a guide on how even sensitive subjects can be handled with loving kindness.

Thanks to NetGalley and Capstone for gifting me a copy of this lovely story in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: September 1, 2021
Profile Image for Mrs. Walker Reads.
59 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2021
My Sister, Daisy is a refreshing read and needs to be included in bookshelves in the community, at school and in your own home. This sweet story follows a boy who is thrilled to be a big brother and from the early pages of the book, we listen to the boys relationships grow and one day he learns that his sibling is transgender and is now his sister, Daisy.

Through this journey, children will see the worries the boy has wondering if their relationship will change, the supportive parents as they accept their child's identity and observe Daisy's happiness and confidence as she embraces her true self.

In the end, readers will enjoy watching and listening as the siblings bond grows even stronger and all the boy worries are washed away when he sees that Daisy is the best little sister we could have ever imagined.

A beautiful story about love and acceptance. I appreciate that the author included correct terminology which allows for great discussions following this book. Thank you to Capstone and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Alexandra Power.
95 reviews10 followers
March 9, 2021
Rating: 5/5 stars.

“My Sister Daisy” is a beautiful and heartwarming story about a boy learning that his younger sibling is transgender. The storyline covers a lot of important topics related to LGBTQIA+ issues for young children. It also handles issues that can sometimes be overlooked, with the focus being on how younger people react to a sibling or friend coming out as transgender, and the effect it can have own their own identity (as a friend or older brother/sister) and their own life. The art style is simple but suits the story well. I loved that the author included illustrations showing racial diversity as well. The author note at the end of the book was very touching and inspiring. I recommend this book for all children ages 4 and up to enjoy, with the help of an older reader or parent.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book on NetGalley and have provided an honest review.*
Profile Image for Zoe.
156 reviews6 followers
March 30, 2021
ARC sent by NetGalley

That was an adorable children's book that discusses gender identity, the illustrations were beautiful and the way the story was told was ina an easy and simple way. I loved that we explored the sibling relationship and how confusing it could potentially be for a small sibling of a transgender kid but how in the end love, acceptance and honesty is all that is truly needed for siblings who are best friends. Children's books are not my go-to genre but i ended up appreciating the story for what it teaches to the reader. I think this would be a great book to start discussions on gender identity with young children.
Profile Image for Philip.
491 reviews57 followers
May 2, 2021
I have to admit I read this book because my dog's named Daisy. I had no idea what it would be about, other than it was on the LGBTQ page of NetGalley. My Sister, Daisy is a story from the perspective of an older brother whose sibling starts out a brother until she realizes she's a girl. It's a very supportive book and would be a great addition to any families wanting to explore gender identity in children.

Many thanks to Capstone and Net Galley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of My Sister, Daisy. Publication date is set for September 2021.
Profile Image for Michaela.
402 reviews34 followers
December 1, 2021
Such a lovely book about a boy getting a little brother who finds out he´s a girl! This transgender theme is handled with compassion and care, and the parents are shown as very open to the theme. Though the boy has to get used to his sister and calling her by her new name, he´s always glad that they can still play together and be their own self. Written after a real story.
Thanks to Raintree Publishers and Netgalley for an arc ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Mrs. Arvia.
109 reviews5 followers
June 20, 2021
I absolutely enjoyed how this book started and how it ended. I want this book on my coffee table. What a conversation book for children off all ages and adults as well. What you will learn from this family about gender identity, gender spectrum.

This book’s categories: Parenting & Families, LGBTQIA

I recommend this book ***** Star’s
Profile Image for miu.
51 reviews
February 27, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc
I found this story very captivating, beautiful and it made me cry. It tells a story of acceptance and growth. I love how the story showed all different identities in a respectful way and I would definitely show this to younger kids someday.
Profile Image for Melissa.
253 reviews83 followers
April 9, 2021
Based on the the author’s own childhood experiences, this book teaches all ages that sometimes who we are on the inside is the person we are born to be. Must read for those struggling with identifying and/or accepting transgender family members.
Profile Image for Rory.
619 reviews8 followers
September 2, 2021
Merci Capstone and NetGalley for the e-arc of this book.
This book is so cute and powerful. The characters are great. The story is heartwarming. I just love them, the family.
No transphobia, question about a kid who has a transgender little sister and he’s afraid to make mistakes.
Anyway. Just read it. It’s perfect.
Also the author is non binary and use they/them and the illustrator is also transgender
Rep: Black trans character, Black character
Profile Image for Paige Bernard.
48 reviews
August 3, 2021
Received ARC from NetGalley. Would love to see own voices review to know if this is accurate to be able to put into the education sphere.
Profile Image for Akriti Purbey.
141 reviews4 followers
June 27, 2021
Book: My Sister, Daisy
Author: Adria Karlsson
Illustrator: Linus Curci
___
//“mom and dad thought i was a boy when i was born, but they were wrong. i know who i am, and i know i’m a girl.”//
___
✨ The story is about a young boy who is very excited to have a baby brother. They are the lovable brothers until one day the baby brother realises that he is comfortable with his identity as a girl and so wants to be called Daisy.
Now, the elder brother must learn and adapt to the changes - including what it means for him and their relationship.
✨ This was my first LGBTQ+ community children's book and I loved it. As a child, I never read any literature book regarding the topic and that was the reason I learnt about the community only when I was in high school. I think books like this must be included in the school curriculum since they may help children learn about identities and also help queer children's with their confusion.
✨ The story feels very genuine as it is written from the author's own experiences. It also shows a fresh perspective of a child who have to come to terms with his sibling's identity and also with his own insecurities.
✨ The artworks were great as well and went well along with the storyline. The book is very short yet very emotional.
✨ I would recommend this sweet and amazing book to everyone.
Profile Image for Ellie.
501 reviews23 followers
March 25, 2021
✨Review✨ My Sister, Daisy by Adria Karlsson

I just want to say upfront that I am so happy to be living in a time when books being published are so diverse and there is basically a book about everything. This one is a really special one and I hope you check it!

📚Story
The story follows Daisy’s brother who is grappling with the emotions and worries when he learns his brother identifies as a girl. His mixed feelings are expressed throughout the book which I feel can be informative for kids. I will say that the way the book explains these big concepts, is really easy to understand and is provided in a simple yet very impactful way. I really liked how the book highlights both positive and negative emotions. This book is based on the author’s real experiences with her daughter, which adds a personal and realistic touch to the story.

📚Art
l love the art style. It looks somewhat like mixed media and collage mixed together. They definitely enhance the reading experience and story.

📚Age
This book would be a wonderful addition to any home library. Reading the book to younger children could help expose them to the idea of identities and being transgender. Then, once they are a little older, you can use the book as a way to start a conversation about it. I also think this book can be valuable for older readers because it is a really good entry point to understanding the emotions that surround knowing someone close to you is transgender.

I did receive an e-arc of this book from @netgally. Thank you so much Capstone Publishing for letting me read and review early! All my opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kelleen (booms.books).
299 reviews49 followers
March 29, 2021
This is a really beautiful picture book that tells the story of the brother of a transgender girl with dignity and nuance. The story is told from a first person point of view, and presents Daisy's gender identity with the simplicity appropriate for a young audience. However, Karlsson masterfully handles the complexities of Daisy's brother's feelings about his sister's transition as he experiences his own questions, frustrations, and uncertainties while still holding his love for his sister at the center. This book allows Daisy's brother the grace to adjust to his new reality, while still celebrating and championing his sister's identity.

The book also depicts an interracial family, and both of the children in this book (including Daisy, who is a trans girl) are Black, which is such great representation. The illustration style is so unique, with a blend of collage, watercolor, and sketch styles to form a beautiful, dynamic book.

This is a book for all children, and especially children to learn about gender identity in themselves and the people they care about.

Thanks to NetGalley and Capstone Editions for the ARC.
Profile Image for July C. B.
797 reviews22 followers
September 18, 2021
4 stars.

What a gorgeous, heart-warming little book.

The story is about a young boy who loves his brother, they do everything together and they’re partners in life. When kindergarten starts, his sibling tells him she’s actually a girl, and that her new name is Daisy. The boy has lots of questions, he fears that everything will change! But soon he realizes that Daisy is the same sibling he’s always loved.

Based on a true story, this book warmed my cold, pessimistic heart. I love seeing LGBTQIA+ kids being represented in literature, they deserve to see themselves in the stories they consume. Besides, it’s a great read for classmates or siblings of trans kids because it's a great conversation starter. It poses the questions that lots of kids may ask regarding Daisy’s identity and answers them in an honest and loving way. Also, the illustrations are simple yet beautiful.

My Sister, Daisy, would be a great addition to our local library, and I can’t wait to buy a physical copy to read with the little ones in my family.
Profile Image for Sarah.
201 reviews3 followers
March 29, 2021
My Sister, Daisy is so beautiful and special! The illustrations were very cute and really contributed to the story. The simplicity worked well with the writing style, which made it easy to understand and appropriate for the intended age group. I'd say this book is an extremely important read. The perspective was very interesting! I haven't seen many books about young siblings of trans kids.

Honestly, the author's note at the end was one of the best aspects of this book. It made the book that much more heartwarming and personal. Thank you for being the loving, accepting parent so many LGBTQIA+ kids and adults wish we had.

This book is perfect for young children and their parents to read together, though anyone would enjoy it! This is exactly the type of book I wish I could have read growing up.

*I received an eARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!*
Profile Image for Mindy Alyse Weiss.
135 reviews32 followers
August 30, 2021
I love that more and more kids are able to see themselves in books now. It’s so important for them…and also for others to understand and respect who a person truly is on the inside.

This book is told from the point of view of an older brother who discovers his younger brother (and best friend) is really his sister, Daisy. Some books have a child trying to figure out who they are…but in this book, Daisy absolutely knows who she is. It’s awesome that we get to see what the big brother goes through, worrying he’ll accidentally say the wrong thing and wondering what his relationship will be to his new sister (I won’t give away the answer…but absolutely LOVE it).

The author note shares the struggle her older son had when he discovered his brother was really his sister. The author wished she had a book to help him through it. Luckily, both children have an amazing, supportive mom…and thanks to their experience, this much-needed book is out in the world.
Profile Image for Violeta.
158 reviews
February 26, 2021
Digital ARC provided by Netgalley

An extremely touching book. Like the author mentions, we lack literature to support parents and siblings when one of the children is transgender. It is important to make distinctions between instances where “kids are being kids” and when they’re asserting things about themselves that are critical to their identity and development -- as is the case with gender identity and expression.
The images, messages, and the questions the little one is considering when he notices that now he has a sister and not a brother are vividly represented by the author and the illustrator.
Transgender children are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and at greater risk of substance abuse and homelessness when their immediate caregivers are rejecting or hostile. That is why this kind of books help and offer a support that is much needed in these situations.
Profile Image for S.
136 reviews63 followers
April 5, 2021
What a wonderful picture book this was!

My Sister, Daisy is a story about a boy who slowly learns that his sibling is in fact not his brother but his sister. Kids generally take time to understand any sort of change. Similarly, even in this, the boy couldn't fathom how he suddenly has a sister whom he considered to be a boy. But never once, he disrespected her decision or insulted her.

Gradually, with the help of his parents and school friends, he starts to understand the difference and begins to love his sister even more. He realises that underneath, his sister is still the same person and supports her in every way he can.

I highly recommend this book for children because it's a great way to introduce lgbt+ families and children can learn to understand themselves more freely.

I read this eARC through netgalley and my review isn't biased because of that.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews

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