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My Own Way: Celebrating Gender Freedom for Kids
Small children are often asked to choose between a gendered binary–"boy" or "girl", "pink" or "blue". This colorful picture book smashes these stereotypes and encourages the reader to follow their own way!
"Girl or Boy?"
What brings you joy?
"Pink or blue?"
It’s up to you.
With vibrant illustrations and concise, poetic text , this powerful book teaches young children that there are no limits in what you can do and who you can be. You are unique!
Translated from the original Portuguese by award-winning transgender poet Jay Hulme, My Own Way is an important, timely, and beautiful celebration of identity, difference, and respect .
"Girl or Boy?"
What brings you joy?
"Pink or blue?"
It’s up to you.
With vibrant illustrations and concise, poetic text , this powerful book teaches young children that there are no limits in what you can do and who you can be. You are unique!
Translated from the original Portuguese by award-winning transgender poet Jay Hulme, My Own Way is an important, timely, and beautiful celebration of identity, difference, and respect .
40 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2020
3 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
July 18, 2022
Staff Review:
I read this book after a patron submitted a complaint saying it was inappropriate and pushing a gender dysphoria agenda on children.
This book does none of that.
It is completely appropriate for the intended audience and has a strong message of treating others with kindness. The book points out examples of ambiguously-gendered people basically saying that it doesn't matter if they are a boy or a girl, they are expressing themselves in a way that makes them happy. Whether that be cutting their hair short or painting their nails.
This is a nice book to read to children showing them it's okay for them to not conform to arbitrary gender roles such as things like boys not being able to wear pink.
I read this book after a patron submitted a complaint saying it was inappropriate and pushing a gender dysphoria agenda on children.
This book does none of that.
It is completely appropriate for the intended audience and has a strong message of treating others with kindness. The book points out examples of ambiguously-gendered people basically saying that it doesn't matter if they are a boy or a girl, they are expressing themselves in a way that makes them happy. Whether that be cutting their hair short or painting their nails.
This is a nice book to read to children showing them it's okay for them to not conform to arbitrary gender roles such as things like boys not being able to wear pink.
January 27, 2022
Thank you, Quarto Publishing, for the advance reading copy.
I do feel this picture book is a must now to introduce to kids both at home and at preschools.
The concept and the illustrations are basic. As much as learning ABC is basic, this book is basic too for the kids.
Basic gender education at a good start I say.
I do feel this picture book is a must now to introduce to kids both at home and at preschools.
The concept and the illustrations are basic. As much as learning ABC is basic, this book is basic too for the kids.
Basic gender education at a good start I say.
August 2, 2024
"Boy or girl.... doesn't cover everyone
you might be both, you might be none"
"Woman? Man?
Just be as kind as you can"
"Let's all say...
I will follow my own way"
you might be both, you might be none"
"Woman? Man?
Just be as kind as you can"
"Let's all say...
I will follow my own way"
May 26, 2022
tão simples, mas tão especial 🖤
“menino, menina” da Joana Estrela é leitura obrigatória. para toda a gente, para todas as idades.
é um livro infantil que nos fala de identidade de género. brilhantemente ilustrado, imensamente colorido, transmite-nos uma beleza infantil palpável, uma inocência, um mundo infinito de possibilidades. a beleza de ser-se quem é sem restrições.
Joana Estrela brinca com as palavras no feminino e no masculino, e com aquelas que foram feitas para pertencerem a toda a gente (”menino ou menina? traquina ou traquina?”).
existem cores para meninos e cores para meninas? roupas para meninos e roupas para meninas? desportos para meninos e desportos para meninas?
o que é, realmente, ser-se menino e ser-se menina? será isso, sempre, suficiente? conseguiremos nós identificar apenas olhando? “pois caras vemos, o resto não sabemos”.
não é uma escolha, mas cada pessoa é o que quiser ser. as identidades de género são várias e somos todos muito mais do que aquilo que nos diz o nosso sexo. somos todos muito mais do que sexo e género. e cada percurso deve ser vivido como melhor nos convém. de acordo com aquilo que somos, porque só nós sabemos aquilo que somos.
“menino, menina” da Joana Estrela é leitura obrigatória. para toda a gente, para todas as idades.
é um livro infantil que nos fala de identidade de género. brilhantemente ilustrado, imensamente colorido, transmite-nos uma beleza infantil palpável, uma inocência, um mundo infinito de possibilidades. a beleza de ser-se quem é sem restrições.
Joana Estrela brinca com as palavras no feminino e no masculino, e com aquelas que foram feitas para pertencerem a toda a gente (”menino ou menina? traquina ou traquina?”).
existem cores para meninos e cores para meninas? roupas para meninos e roupas para meninas? desportos para meninos e desportos para meninas?
o que é, realmente, ser-se menino e ser-se menina? será isso, sempre, suficiente? conseguiremos nós identificar apenas olhando? “pois caras vemos, o resto não sabemos”.
não é uma escolha, mas cada pessoa é o que quiser ser. as identidades de género são várias e somos todos muito mais do que aquilo que nos diz o nosso sexo. somos todos muito mais do que sexo e género. e cada percurso deve ser vivido como melhor nos convém. de acordo com aquilo que somos, porque só nós sabemos aquilo que somos.
January 19, 2022
My Own Way is a short children’s picture book about the fluidity and possibility of gender identity. Kids are not often raised with the understanding of what gender actually means, and it can be complex, but this picture book gives a great way to show very young kids that “pink” and “blue” aren’t the only options, just because people are telling you it is. The art is beautiful and the simplicity is wonderful. I hope to have it on my future kids’ shelves someday.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for providing me with an ARC of this title!
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for providing me with an ARC of this title!
January 19, 2022
This is a bright and colorful picture book that discusses gender, in a light handed way.
It asks if you want to be a boy or a girl, or both or neither.
With simple rhyming text like:
Originally written in Portuguese, this translation is very assessable, with easy concepts for children.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
It asks if you want to be a boy or a girl, or both or neither.
With simple rhyming text like:
Boy or Gril
Doesn't cover everyone.
You might be both.
You might be none.
Your truth isn't hidden underneath your clothes
Originally written in Portuguese, this translation is very assessable, with easy concepts for children.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
April 23, 2022
This book was a gentle celebration of gender diversity and finding the gender that fits you best through looking inside yourself as opposed to through what you are told from outside. I wish the book had front-loaded the "Boy or girl? Neither or both?" question instead of starting with simply "Boy or girl?" and other binary formulations, but I am glad it got there eventually.
Themes: Gender expression, gender diversity, pride, be yourself
Age range: 2-6
Themes: Gender expression, gender diversity, pride, be yourself
Age range: 2-6
June 14, 2023
“Woman or man? Just be as kind as you can… You are not only a boy or a girl. Inside you is a whole, wide world!”
This is a cute book about gender! I think it’s for very young children, as a nice foundation. Even cisgender children can benefit from the knowledge that you’re more than the label given to you. You’re so much more than the category given to you by a doctor at birth.
Thank you Netgalley for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This is a cute book about gender! I think it’s for very young children, as a nice foundation. Even cisgender children can benefit from the knowledge that you’re more than the label given to you. You’re so much more than the category given to you by a doctor at birth.
Thank you Netgalley for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
February 2, 2022
This picture book is a well-crafted, beautiful poem on the freedom of gender identity and gender expression. Jay Hulme has made such as amazing job in translating the original text from Portuguese and Joana Estrela’s illustrations are charming and captivating as always. This is the book that so many children need and deserve to feel confident and inspired to follow their own way!
April 12, 2022
Uma maneira divertida e simples de falar sobre a identidade de género aos mais pequenos. Para que se promova a liberdade, tolerância e respeito pelo outro, desde cedo. Não consigo recomendar vezes suficientes!
June 17, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
August 6, 2024
"Everyone has their own way."
Pekna kniha pre deti a dospelych o slobode v rodovych prejavoch.
Pekna kniha pre deti a dospelych o slobode v rodovych prejavoch.
August 11, 2024
Amo amo amo
January 2, 2022
Note: I downloaded a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
My Own Way is an engaging, easy-to-understand and heartwarming picture book written by Portuguese author Joana Estrela and translated by poet Jay Hulme. The colorful pencil scribble effect of the art shows how many different ways there are for people to look that doesn't have to be restrained by traditional binaries of gender- of course, without throwing kids through jargon about the gender binary just yet. Like many kids books, it preaches kindness and celebration of differences, but to a group that's not often afforded that- trans kids and adults. Kids are at a pivotal moment in their lives where they're just understanding "pink and blue" and quickly learning how to categorize the people and things around them into boy and girl. This book is a great resource in providing another view with age-appropriate language. I was thrilled that in addition to saying that boys and girls can do whatever hobbies they want (the soccer page spoke to my heart as a little kid who loved soccer but was the only "girl" on the field most days), the book opened up the concept of gender fluidity and nonbinary identities to kids. Again, not in those words, which is probably for the better, but kids are told that everyone has autonomy over their own gender, it's not a set of harsh rules you have to follow. The rhyming melody of Jay Hulme's translation makes this feel like any other sweet kids book, and specifically the lines "You can see the different faces/ but the rest is theirs to say" really tugged at my heartstrings. Sometimes, when kids are learning about gender they when they might say rude things, or feel like they need to correct someone who's gender expression they don't understand, which can be unintentionally really harmful, so gently teaching kids about gender freedom (which is such a good phrase too) in turn teaches them about respect, that they shouldn't put someone in a box, especially not before hearing what they have to say. This is a lesson that some days, I, as a trans person am still learning, so teaching kids this young means so much. I think this is a hopeful, lyrical book and I hope it finds a lot of love and home in classroom libraries when it comes out.
My Own Way is an engaging, easy-to-understand and heartwarming picture book written by Portuguese author Joana Estrela and translated by poet Jay Hulme. The colorful pencil scribble effect of the art shows how many different ways there are for people to look that doesn't have to be restrained by traditional binaries of gender- of course, without throwing kids through jargon about the gender binary just yet. Like many kids books, it preaches kindness and celebration of differences, but to a group that's not often afforded that- trans kids and adults. Kids are at a pivotal moment in their lives where they're just understanding "pink and blue" and quickly learning how to categorize the people and things around them into boy and girl. This book is a great resource in providing another view with age-appropriate language. I was thrilled that in addition to saying that boys and girls can do whatever hobbies they want (the soccer page spoke to my heart as a little kid who loved soccer but was the only "girl" on the field most days), the book opened up the concept of gender fluidity and nonbinary identities to kids. Again, not in those words, which is probably for the better, but kids are told that everyone has autonomy over their own gender, it's not a set of harsh rules you have to follow. The rhyming melody of Jay Hulme's translation makes this feel like any other sweet kids book, and specifically the lines "You can see the different faces/ but the rest is theirs to say" really tugged at my heartstrings. Sometimes, when kids are learning about gender they when they might say rude things, or feel like they need to correct someone who's gender expression they don't understand, which can be unintentionally really harmful, so gently teaching kids about gender freedom (which is such a good phrase too) in turn teaches them about respect, that they shouldn't put someone in a box, especially not before hearing what they have to say. This is a lesson that some days, I, as a trans person am still learning, so teaching kids this young means so much. I think this is a hopeful, lyrical book and I hope it finds a lot of love and home in classroom libraries when it comes out.
April 29, 2021
Lembra um pouco os poemas de Ana Pessoa para pequenos leitores, mas, se os poemas da Ana são bem cortados e exatos e cerebrais (cerebrais até demais), este aqui é fraturado e desajeitado; não me agrada. Tudo que está dito aqui precisa mesmo ser dito, mas falta imaginação, brincadeira e vivacidade (e muita) às palavras ("Não há só dois tipos de pessoa/ que entre si são iguais // As identidades são múltiplas/ somos todos muito mais!"). Já as imagens não me dizem muita coisa, não têm nada da doçura de MANA e A RAINHA DO NORTE.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=445yv...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=445yv...
November 24, 2020
Un libro bastante original y pertinente que permite contarle a los niños que no importan los colores o el exterior, incluso lo que está dentro de la ropa para definirse. Mi hijo de 4 años lo adoró y le ayudó a debatir conceptos que lamentablemente toma de la sociedad (en la escuela, por ejemplo) como que el rosa es únicamente de niña y el azul es únicamente de niño. Gracias al libro consiguió ver un panorama diferente.
Read
January 28, 2022Queer content: most of the book sets up a binary, but the end gives options for both or none. There's a background person with a cane, but no other obvious disabilities. Multiple spreads showing bathrooms, etc. Not great.
March 15, 2021
Para pôr as crianças a pensar sobre os papéis sociais (que a maior parte das vezes são impostos injustificadamente) e as questões de género.
September 10, 2022
Says kids can pick their gender. That gender is not your biology. This is for ages 4-8. I am confused.
August 27, 2022
There are no content warnings I find necessary for this book.
"YOU CAN SEE THE DIFFERENT FACES, BUT THE REST IS THEIRS TO SAY."
I'm in awe- this is such a great example of simple yet fun, affirming, and thoughtful exploration of gender transgressing gender stereotypes and gender binary. It has bright, bold, and contrasting colors, simple shapes, and fun textures. I can almost see the pages move with how the elements combine for such a dynamic look. The story itself is short yet impactful, where someone asks a question involving picking an option, followed with an announcement of affirming freedom of choice such as:
" "GIRL OR BOY?" WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY? "
It shares other similar sentiments, then continues on with the narrator giving advice from their grandmother, and giving the reader positive encouragement and affirmations. The rhyme and overall flow of story makes this a super smooth and energetic read, great for reading outload or during storytime. Through the story, it uplifts the reader's individuality, self expression, and challenges the reader to not make assumptions of others, gently challenging gender stereotypes and enbyphobia. (There was a strange 2 star review claiming "they really focused on binary examples to get across the idea that you don't have to fall into 1 of 2 categories", but there are straightforward acknowledgements of nonbinary genders "BOY OR GIRL DOESN'T COVER EVERYONE." and it continues from there!)
Summary:
Readability: ★★★★★, It's simple, rhyming, and poetic! I think it does a great job as an introduction to the topic of gender diversity for young readers.
Entertainment: ★★★★★, I love how vibrant and positive the book is!
Audience: This will work great for very young audiences, but I think anyone of any age could appreciate this book. I highly recommend for reading out loud!
"YOU CAN SEE THE DIFFERENT FACES, BUT THE REST IS THEIRS TO SAY."
I'm in awe- this is such a great example of simple yet fun, affirming, and thoughtful exploration of gender transgressing gender stereotypes and gender binary. It has bright, bold, and contrasting colors, simple shapes, and fun textures. I can almost see the pages move with how the elements combine for such a dynamic look. The story itself is short yet impactful, where someone asks a question involving picking an option, followed with an announcement of affirming freedom of choice such as:
" "GIRL OR BOY?" WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY? "
It shares other similar sentiments, then continues on with the narrator giving advice from their grandmother, and giving the reader positive encouragement and affirmations. The rhyme and overall flow of story makes this a super smooth and energetic read, great for reading outload or during storytime. Through the story, it uplifts the reader's individuality, self expression, and challenges the reader to not make assumptions of others, gently challenging gender stereotypes and enbyphobia. (There was a strange 2 star review claiming "they really focused on binary examples to get across the idea that you don't have to fall into 1 of 2 categories", but there are straightforward acknowledgements of nonbinary genders "BOY OR GIRL DOESN'T COVER EVERYONE." and it continues from there!)
Summary:
Readability: ★★★★★, It's simple, rhyming, and poetic! I think it does a great job as an introduction to the topic of gender diversity for young readers.
Entertainment: ★★★★★, I love how vibrant and positive the book is!
Audience: This will work great for very young audiences, but I think anyone of any age could appreciate this book. I highly recommend for reading out loud!
May 17, 2022
"Rise up like an ocean wave, be yourself: free and brave!"
Estrela and Hulme do a fantastic job of encouraging children to think critically about themselves and make their own decisions regarding hobbies, hair, and clothes. The illustrations are certainly professional, but evoke an art style that children can easily mimic with the materials they have at home. However, in encouraging children to find "[their] own way", they refashion old gender tropes and stereotypes. Instead of expanding what it might mean to be a boy or a girl or a mother or a father, Estrela insists that it's possible for children to be "none or both". Which, really, who are we as adults to make suggestions to their identity that they don't (more or less, in this screen- and advertisement-driven society) naturally come to?
Furthermore, the line, "Your truth is something only you can know" paired with open doors to both the men and women's bathrooms is an interesting combination. This posits gender as some sort of mystery for the outsider (totally fine, strangers don't need to know this!), and a potential source of distress for the child (not a great idea, considering children don't need to experience anxiety about what I personally consider to be a non-issue especially at such a young age).
However, the excited cry of "I will follow my own way!" at the end of the book is truly what this book is all about, regardless of any criticisms. It is all about children being comfortable with themselves and having the autonomy to make their own decisions. And what a great message, that is!
Estrela and Hulme do a fantastic job of encouraging children to think critically about themselves and make their own decisions regarding hobbies, hair, and clothes. The illustrations are certainly professional, but evoke an art style that children can easily mimic with the materials they have at home. However, in encouraging children to find "[their] own way", they refashion old gender tropes and stereotypes. Instead of expanding what it might mean to be a boy or a girl or a mother or a father, Estrela insists that it's possible for children to be "none or both". Which, really, who are we as adults to make suggestions to their identity that they don't (more or less, in this screen- and advertisement-driven society) naturally come to?
Furthermore, the line, "Your truth is something only you can know" paired with open doors to both the men and women's bathrooms is an interesting combination. This posits gender as some sort of mystery for the outsider (totally fine, strangers don't need to know this!), and a potential source of distress for the child (not a great idea, considering children don't need to experience anxiety about what I personally consider to be a non-issue especially at such a young age).
However, the excited cry of "I will follow my own way!" at the end of the book is truly what this book is all about, regardless of any criticisms. It is all about children being comfortable with themselves and having the autonomy to make their own decisions. And what a great message, that is!
August 12, 2023
I’ve been searching for the right gender freedom book for my child. This one isn’t it.
“Girl or boy, what brings you joy? Pink or blue, it’s up to you.” It’s starts really good (though I wish the color preference choice wasn’t presented as a binary). Hair, clothes, sports, nails, all great.
“Be yourself, free and brave!” Gets into pressuring children to outwardly express individualism which is unnecessary. Individualism (especially through material objects) is unnecessary, as is this sort of pressure.
Then “Mom or dad? Only they can tell you that.” Gets into denial of reality and gaslighting territory. Not cool.
“You can see the different faces, but the rest is theirs to say. Woman or man? Just be as kind as you can.” This one is dangerous. We know males are much more likely to be perpetrators of violent and sexual crimes, so yes, it does matter (especially to female children) to know if a person in their space is a male or not. The drawing is of a person with legs spread in a skirt, which feels like potential exhibitionism. If your child sees a man lying in the grass in a skirt with their legs spread, don’t tell them to “just be kind.” Tell them to get away quickly and tell a trusted adult.
“Your truth isn’t hidden underneath your clothes, your truth is something only you can know.” “Inside of you is a whole wide world!” “It’s your heart that matters most.” Yes! This is the message- we’re so much beyond our genitals, which is the message I wanted. Can we have more of this, please?
“Girl or boy, what brings you joy? Pink or blue, it’s up to you.” It’s starts really good (though I wish the color preference choice wasn’t presented as a binary). Hair, clothes, sports, nails, all great.
“Be yourself, free and brave!” Gets into pressuring children to outwardly express individualism which is unnecessary. Individualism (especially through material objects) is unnecessary, as is this sort of pressure.
Then “Mom or dad? Only they can tell you that.” Gets into denial of reality and gaslighting territory. Not cool.
“You can see the different faces, but the rest is theirs to say. Woman or man? Just be as kind as you can.” This one is dangerous. We know males are much more likely to be perpetrators of violent and sexual crimes, so yes, it does matter (especially to female children) to know if a person in their space is a male or not. The drawing is of a person with legs spread in a skirt, which feels like potential exhibitionism. If your child sees a man lying in the grass in a skirt with their legs spread, don’t tell them to “just be kind.” Tell them to get away quickly and tell a trusted adult.
“Your truth isn’t hidden underneath your clothes, your truth is something only you can know.” “Inside of you is a whole wide world!” “It’s your heart that matters most.” Yes! This is the message- we’re so much beyond our genitals, which is the message I wanted. Can we have more of this, please?
March 15, 2022
Book about children living their own way not bound by common constraints. Living without gender identity issues. This is definitely an interesting hypothesis and one I think should be applauded. It shows children doing what gives them joy., Left to their own devices, kids are always the little daredevils. Can find themselves in dangerous situations (hanging up side down on the top bar of swing).here and eating as much ice cream that they can possibly pack in a bowl are a couple of activities that are not a good idea left on their own. Cutting their own hair, not a good idea, however they will learn there are consequences for their actions and have to live with their haircut...hair will grow back over time. Boys practicing ballet, Simply marvelous. How will you dress? Miss matched? Does it really matter if that is what brings them joy. Thanks to #NetGalley, for allowing me to view early. In exchange for an honest review. Yes, I will be recommending this book. They are free to choose their own path.. the book is filled with brightly illustrated pictures full of activities. Children can read this. From an early age.
February 10, 2022
My Own Way is a lovely celebration of individuality that is perfect for the intended age range: 3-6 year olds! The text is lyrical and rhyming, with repetitive schemes and paired with vibrant and playful illustrations this easily draws the young child in to the narrative. The message is really so simple: "Your truth is something only you can know."
I think this book does a great job of celebrating and communicating so intrinsic that many children will understand this before many adults. Our identities are not solely defined by gender-binaries (and corresponding stereotypes like pink v. blue). I think kids today will see themselves in the pages here and feel freedom to explore their identities in ALL it entails and to respect others and their identities in turn.
Again, I think this poetic tribute to gender freedom is perfect for the intended age range and I celebrate that a transgender poet created this gem.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Quarto Kids. Opinions are my own.
I think this book does a great job of celebrating and communicating so intrinsic that many children will understand this before many adults. Our identities are not solely defined by gender-binaries (and corresponding stereotypes like pink v. blue). I think kids today will see themselves in the pages here and feel freedom to explore their identities in ALL it entails and to respect others and their identities in turn.
Again, I think this poetic tribute to gender freedom is perfect for the intended age range and I celebrate that a transgender poet created this gem.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Quarto Kids. Opinions are my own.
January 27, 2022
*Special thanks to NetGallery and Wide Eyed Editions for the eARC of this book*
This little book is the perfect introduction for little ones about the wonderful adventure that is exploring their gender. First, they do not need to conform who the box they've been put in. Second, they get to explore what makes them happy. That's it. That's the whole message, and it's wonderful.
If I had been read this as a child, been given that permission to explore my gender and what makes me happy, I can only imagine how much happier and free I would have been. Children deserve to be themselves, not just free to like the toys or games that make them happy, being adventurous or into reading, etc, but able to be themselves in regards to their gender and exploration of that expression.
The illustrations and colours are so fun and colourful, and the simples shapes and easy prose make it a great book for all ages.
This little book is the perfect introduction for little ones about the wonderful adventure that is exploring their gender. First, they do not need to conform who the box they've been put in. Second, they get to explore what makes them happy. That's it. That's the whole message, and it's wonderful.
If I had been read this as a child, been given that permission to explore my gender and what makes me happy, I can only imagine how much happier and free I would have been. Children deserve to be themselves, not just free to like the toys or games that make them happy, being adventurous or into reading, etc, but able to be themselves in regards to their gender and exploration of that expression.
The illustrations and colours are so fun and colourful, and the simples shapes and easy prose make it a great book for all ages.
March 3, 2023
"Boy or girl?
None or both?
It's your heart that matters most."
I'm keeping an eye on this one at the branch. Our current political climate may make this standout title an unfortunate target. It has been cataloged not as a picture book, but as J 869.35 - under "Portuguese Fiction" because the author is of Portuguese descent. Pretty sneaky... Illustrations are bright and beautiful. I would be proud to read this to young children.
"Joana Estrela is an illustrator and author living in Porto, Portugal. She studied Communication Design in Porto’s Fine Art Faculty, and still lives and works next door to the school. In 2014, Plana published her first book: a graphic novel called Propaganda. In 2016, Planeta Tangerina published Mana, the winner of the 1st Serpa International Award for Picture Books. The book received the award for Best Illustration of a Picturebook (Portuguese Author) at the Amadora BD comics festival, the same year."
None or both?
It's your heart that matters most."
I'm keeping an eye on this one at the branch. Our current political climate may make this standout title an unfortunate target. It has been cataloged not as a picture book, but as J 869.35 - under "Portuguese Fiction" because the author is of Portuguese descent. Pretty sneaky... Illustrations are bright and beautiful. I would be proud to read this to young children.
"Joana Estrela is an illustrator and author living in Porto, Portugal. She studied Communication Design in Porto’s Fine Art Faculty, and still lives and works next door to the school. In 2014, Plana published her first book: a graphic novel called Propaganda. In 2016, Planeta Tangerina published Mana, the winner of the 1st Serpa International Award for Picture Books. The book received the award for Best Illustration of a Picturebook (Portuguese Author) at the Amadora BD comics festival, the same year."
March 20, 2022
A refreshingly innovative and empowering picture book about celebrating gender freedom and expression.
The message is a powerful one namely that we can decide who we are ourselves. We all have our own way. That there are no rules and we are so much more than just boys or girls. It's also ok to be neither.
How freeing to be told this at a young age! I wish there had been a book like this when I was growing up.
The text encourages children to be kind to others regardless of gender identity and keep an open mind.
The text is simple and the illustrations are bold, which makes it appropriate for younger children as well as older ones.
This definately is a picture book to keep on the shelves long term. To revisit and discuss gender freedom and expression more deeply as a child grows and has more questions on the topic of gender.
The message is a powerful one namely that we can decide who we are ourselves. We all have our own way. That there are no rules and we are so much more than just boys or girls. It's also ok to be neither.
How freeing to be told this at a young age! I wish there had been a book like this when I was growing up.
The text encourages children to be kind to others regardless of gender identity and keep an open mind.
The text is simple and the illustrations are bold, which makes it appropriate for younger children as well as older ones.
This definately is a picture book to keep on the shelves long term. To revisit and discuss gender freedom and expression more deeply as a child grows and has more questions on the topic of gender.
May 6, 2022
This is fun and rhythmic to read, which counts for a lot in little kids' books. The drawing is a bit simplistic but it is colorful and active which keeps your eyes moving but doesn't invite you to linger on the pages. There are a few pages where images and text go beyond the binary, but not many which really surprised me for a book all about choosing what you want because a choice between two things isn't much of a choice, is it?
The book claims to be about gender but it never uses that word, nor does it use the terms gender role or gender identity. I think that was a purposeful choice because little kids are probably not hearing those words very often but are certainly hearing "boy" and "girl" quite often.
The book claims to be about gender but it never uses that word, nor does it use the terms gender role or gender identity. I think that was a purposeful choice because little kids are probably not hearing those words very often but are certainly hearing "boy" and "girl" quite often.
January 21, 2022
This book is brilliant, and so long overdue in my opinion.
I am not LGBTQ+ myself, so I can't speak personally about this book, but as an alley of the community I think this book is fab!
I will be buying this for all my family and friends children! I love the rhymes, I love the illustrations.
I also love how subtle it is - it isn't too in your face or preachy, and you can go into more detail with it, or it can just be a positive book for your little people. I have read a few books recently on this topic, and this is by far the best as it fundamentally just focusses on being kind, and being positive. I loved this and think it should be in every community and school library right now!
Perfect!
I am not LGBTQ+ myself, so I can't speak personally about this book, but as an alley of the community I think this book is fab!
I will be buying this for all my family and friends children! I love the rhymes, I love the illustrations.
I also love how subtle it is - it isn't too in your face or preachy, and you can go into more detail with it, or it can just be a positive book for your little people. I have read a few books recently on this topic, and this is by far the best as it fundamentally just focusses on being kind, and being positive. I loved this and think it should be in every community and school library right now!
Perfect!
March 8, 2022
Full review here - https://busybusylearning.com/my-own-w...
At times a book just makes you stop as you start to read it and go WOW! WOW, why has this book only just been released, as it's a book that should be in every home, children's setting and library in the world.
I requested My Own Way to review on #NetGalley mainly due to the front cover and didn't really know what the content would be. It's by Joana Estrela and adapted by Jay Hulme as it was originally written in Portuguese. When I read the first page "GIRL... OR BOY?" I thought, is this maybe the book I've been looking for. Then from the next spread "PINK OR BLUE" I knew it was the book I had been looking for. It's interesting to think, but also scary, that there are set thoughts on gender in very small children. This book helps to dispel the stereotypical gender myths in a fun, rhythmic way. The illustrations are vibrant with a beautiful simplicity.
The most powerful message from the book is that it's not up to someone else to decide who you are, it's up to you. There's something incredibly clever about being able to write a unique book that explores such a complex theme but can be shared and understood by very little children. This one gets a highly recommend from me.
At times a book just makes you stop as you start to read it and go WOW! WOW, why has this book only just been released, as it's a book that should be in every home, children's setting and library in the world.
I requested My Own Way to review on #NetGalley mainly due to the front cover and didn't really know what the content would be. It's by Joana Estrela and adapted by Jay Hulme as it was originally written in Portuguese. When I read the first page "GIRL... OR BOY?" I thought, is this maybe the book I've been looking for. Then from the next spread "PINK OR BLUE" I knew it was the book I had been looking for. It's interesting to think, but also scary, that there are set thoughts on gender in very small children. This book helps to dispel the stereotypical gender myths in a fun, rhythmic way. The illustrations are vibrant with a beautiful simplicity.
The most powerful message from the book is that it's not up to someone else to decide who you are, it's up to you. There's something incredibly clever about being able to write a unique book that explores such a complex theme but can be shared and understood by very little children. This one gets a highly recommend from me.
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