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If You’re a Kid Like Gavin: The True Story of a Young Trans Activist
A celebratory and empowering story from young trans activist Gavin Grimm, two-time Stonewall Award-winning and Newbery Honor-winning author Kyle Lukoff, and illustrator J Yang follows the true story of how a young boy stood up for himself--and made history along the way.
When you're a kid like Gavin Grimm, you know yourself best. And Gavin knew that he was a boy--even if others saw him as a girl. But when his school took away his right to something as simple as using the boy's restroom, Gavin knew he had a big decision to make.
Because there are always more choices than the ones others give you.
Gavin chose to correct others when they got his pronouns wrong. He asked to be respected. He stood up for himself. Gavin proved that his school had violated his constitutional rights and had the Supreme Court uphold his case--bringing about a historic win for trans rights. There are many kids out there, some just like Gavin Grimm, and they might even be you.
What choices will you make?
When you're a kid like Gavin Grimm, you know yourself best. And Gavin knew that he was a boy--even if others saw him as a girl. But when his school took away his right to something as simple as using the boy's restroom, Gavin knew he had a big decision to make.
Because there are always more choices than the ones others give you.
Gavin chose to correct others when they got his pronouns wrong. He asked to be respected. He stood up for himself. Gavin proved that his school had violated his constitutional rights and had the Supreme Court uphold his case--bringing about a historic win for trans rights. There are many kids out there, some just like Gavin Grimm, and they might even be you.
What choices will you make?
40 pages, Hardcover
Published July 12, 2022
221 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
September 11, 2023
A difficult topic for some, I could see how this picture book would be a great help to explain and help kids and parents. Many of these books are being challenged in my state, proving how important it is to keep them on the shelves for those who need them. 🧡
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July 18, 2022This colorful picture book written by trans activist Gavin Grimm is a relateable story about things kids can choose (like which way to ride a bike or whether to listen to their mom) and things kids can't choose (like the color of their skin or where they grow up). And Gavin couldn't choose whether he was a girl or a boy, but he could choose to talk about it and to be honest about who he is. This is a wonderful book that puts the reader in a story about the stand Gavin had to take - to be able to use the boys' restroom at school. This is a wonderful book for any family, whether raising cis allies or trans kids who might benefit from knowing they are not alone and there are others fighting for their rights. I especially loved the vibrant artwork that uses colors from the trans flag in the end papers and in the spread where Gavin chooses to stand up and fight for his rights. A must-read.
February 3, 2023
Both a biographical picture book and an empowering story, If You're A Kid Like Gavin is a story about identity and finding your voice. Gavin is very different from other kids, and he felt very alone when the issue of using a bathroom becomes a major incident at his school. Unable to win over the school board, he was bullied by his peers. But if you are like Gavin, you don't give up. He believed it was his right as a trans person to use the bathroom he identified with and became a speaker for many causes that fight for letting trans people have the voice to speak.
While very short, and with minimal text, Gavin Grimm shows that you should never back down on causes you believe in. He is now one of the many icons in the LGBTQ+ community due to his efforts, bringing trans identity some recognition to the public. And like the message of this story, what choices we do will impact the causes we believe in. Every deserves basic human rights and this shows what fighting for your rights mean.
And thanks to Andrew for recommending this book!
While very short, and with minimal text, Gavin Grimm shows that you should never back down on causes you believe in. He is now one of the many icons in the LGBTQ+ community due to his efforts, bringing trans identity some recognition to the public. And like the message of this story, what choices we do will impact the causes we believe in. Every deserves basic human rights and this shows what fighting for your rights mean.
And thanks to Andrew for recommending this book!
July 9, 2022
A wonderful picture book about trans activist Gavin Grimm told through the lens of every child who has many choices of who they want to be and what they believe in.
December 4, 2022
A straight-forward autobiographical story about a trans boy who'd been accepted at his high school with no problems and his principal supported him when he asked to use the boys' restroom instead of a special one at the nurse's office. He says a gossiping teacher got some folks riled up, and he found himself unexpectedly speaking up for himself at a school board meeting and then nationally. The message is to fight for what you believe in and stand up for yourself.
It's co-authored by the ACLU, and it's got the feel of a book that tries too hard to inspire. That said, the message is good and the art is good.
It's co-authored by the ACLU, and it's got the feel of a book that tries too hard to inspire. That said, the message is good and the art is good.
September 22, 2025
If You're a Kid Like Gavin: The True Story of a Young Trans Activist follows the story of a young transgender boy and his struggles to fit in and to be treated fairly at school when some teachers didn't like that he was using the boy's bathroom instead of the girls bathroom. The story talks about how we all have choices to make and it's up to us to stand up for ourselves and for what is right and just. This book is intended for readers in ~grades 1-3. This book could be an age-appropriate introduction to the topic of transgender and human rights. Key themes and topics include: identity, self-acceptance, social justice, LGBTTQ+, and community. I chose this book because it can be a good introduction for children to learn about what it means to be transgender and the importance of accepting people different than ourselves.
August 16, 2022
I love that this book is about and co-written by a trans-activist who continues to work with the ACLU to help other trans-kids who have faced discrimination and human rights violations. This book also dispels the idea that there is an age limit on activism and that youth are not experienced enough to stand up for social justice. It also shows how adults are often the problem and less open minded than youth.
The core message is about choices and what people can and cannot change about themselves. It's also about the importance of standing up for yourself and others who are treated unfairly because of the things they cannot change about themselves. These are attacks on who they are as human beings and remaining silent when lives are at stake does not bring about impactful change, such as legislation. Gavin showed great strength and fortitude and took his fight to the media and the ACLU.
I am always engaging in works that decolonize and build new perspective and this book is perfect for those of you seeking to evoke change in your communities. Children's literature is powerful and is a great tool to spark conversations about equity, human rights and freedom. One great key to building self esteem in marginalized groups and building empathy for others is to expose them to literature that they can identify with on a personal level or give them a window into an experience they are not familiar with. I highly recommend this one for classrooms and libraries.
The core message is about choices and what people can and cannot change about themselves. It's also about the importance of standing up for yourself and others who are treated unfairly because of the things they cannot change about themselves. These are attacks on who they are as human beings and remaining silent when lives are at stake does not bring about impactful change, such as legislation. Gavin showed great strength and fortitude and took his fight to the media and the ACLU.
I am always engaging in works that decolonize and build new perspective and this book is perfect for those of you seeking to evoke change in your communities. Children's literature is powerful and is a great tool to spark conversations about equity, human rights and freedom. One great key to building self esteem in marginalized groups and building empathy for others is to expose them to literature that they can identify with on a personal level or give them a window into an experience they are not familiar with. I highly recommend this one for classrooms and libraries.
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July 14, 2023Going in to this book, I wasn't sure how accessible it would feel to a kid who isn't trans (after all, the title is literally, "If you're a kid like Gavin..."), but this book works really well.
It opens with, "What are some choices that kids get to make?" and after the page-turn says, "If you're a kid like Gavin Grimm..." and lists various kid-relatable things.
After that two-page spread:
It opens with, "What are some choices that kids get to make?" and after the page-turn says, "If you're a kid like Gavin Grimm..." and lists various kid-relatable things.
After that two-page spread:
But what are some choices kids don't get to make?
If you're a kid like Gavin Grimm (or any other kind of kid),
you don't get to choose who you are.
You don't choose your skin color.
Or your parents.
Or where you grow up.
[page turn]
And if you're a kid like Gavin Grimm,
you don't choose if you're a boy or a girl.
But if you're transgender like Gavin Grimm,
you might choose to talk about it.
September 7, 2022
Bravo, Gavin!
August 22, 2022
Content warnings are listed at the end of my review!
All trans made, and absolutely gorgeous- this book exceeded expectations and left me feeling invigorated. It’s a nonfiction account of Gavin Grimm’s experience being a trans boy amid a nation fearmongering something as simple as him going to the bathroom at school. J Yang’s work here is one of the most beautifully illustrated children’s books, or books in general that I’ve ever seen. This combined with seasoned writer Kyle Lukoff accompanying Grimm to convey his story, it’s an absolute S Tier team that ends up creating such a breathtaking rendition of his story.
It starts off talking about choices you can make, and some things that you can’t choose, helping introduce that Gavin didn’t chose to be trans, but chose to share that information with those in his life. After that, we watch how Gavin navigates knowing his gender as a trans boy, but being aware that others don’t understand or accept this. He starts by using a private restroom tucked away in the nurse’s office, but with time as he lives openly as a boy at school, he gains the comfort to ask his principal about using the boys bathroom. His principal supports him, but a teacher began gossip snowballing to local adults manufacturing outrage against a child spurring a school meeting to decide what to do. We see Gavin’s hardships following this journey of self advocacy that lead to his partnership with the ACLU, displaying the impact that his fight made.
The only issue I had is I wish it had said more. It’s primary focus is on the bathroom discrimination and school board meeting, missing other ways the school system mistreated Gavin, and not talking about how the case concluded (It’s mentioned in the blurb but… that doesn’t count towards the actual content of the book, so it’s an incredibly odd choice? Not sure how late this book was written, but since it was published recently I’m not sure how this couldn’t have been added). This story is so essential, so to have a resource talking about it- I want to know about it, but for a nonfiction, if I wasn’t already familiar with Grimm’s case, I wouldn’t be able to describe it aside from vague and broad descriptions after reading this. It’s an amazing start, I just wanted it to go all the way for a home run.
Summary:
Readability: ★★★★☆, It is such a pretty picture book, conveying so much life and emotion to accent the story told. I’d buy prints of this just to hang on my wall, it’s genuinely amazing. It’s a very humanizing and personal look at Grimm’s experiences, and that’s such a valuable angle. Only downfall, like I said, was I want more! I want to see what Grimm has been up to and the impact he has had.
Entertainment: ★★★★☆, This story needs to be told, and I’m glad I can hold a copy of a book telling it from the source. I remember reading articles about Gavin in high school, as we are the same age, relating deeply as someone living in a conservative area as the first out trans student at my school. Seeing that I wasn’t fighting alone helped me feel better amid my struggles, so I hope more kids like me can see Gavin’s story and gain hope from it. I just wanted a more clear picture of what happened for kids who this is the only way they can learn about this.
Audience: Everyone! Trans people, especially trans youth in school will be able to see themselves in Gavin, or know more about the history of the fight for trans rights in schools. Trans allies and those wanting to learn more about trans people, Gavin is a major figure in the modern trans rights movement, so his story is an important one to learn about. I strongly recommend to everyone.
Content Warnings: anxiety, bullying, ostracism, sadness, transphobia
All trans made, and absolutely gorgeous- this book exceeded expectations and left me feeling invigorated. It’s a nonfiction account of Gavin Grimm’s experience being a trans boy amid a nation fearmongering something as simple as him going to the bathroom at school. J Yang’s work here is one of the most beautifully illustrated children’s books, or books in general that I’ve ever seen. This combined with seasoned writer Kyle Lukoff accompanying Grimm to convey his story, it’s an absolute S Tier team that ends up creating such a breathtaking rendition of his story.
It starts off talking about choices you can make, and some things that you can’t choose, helping introduce that Gavin didn’t chose to be trans, but chose to share that information with those in his life. After that, we watch how Gavin navigates knowing his gender as a trans boy, but being aware that others don’t understand or accept this. He starts by using a private restroom tucked away in the nurse’s office, but with time as he lives openly as a boy at school, he gains the comfort to ask his principal about using the boys bathroom. His principal supports him, but a teacher began gossip snowballing to local adults manufacturing outrage against a child spurring a school meeting to decide what to do. We see Gavin’s hardships following this journey of self advocacy that lead to his partnership with the ACLU, displaying the impact that his fight made.
The only issue I had is I wish it had said more. It’s primary focus is on the bathroom discrimination and school board meeting, missing other ways the school system mistreated Gavin, and not talking about how the case concluded (It’s mentioned in the blurb but… that doesn’t count towards the actual content of the book, so it’s an incredibly odd choice? Not sure how late this book was written, but since it was published recently I’m not sure how this couldn’t have been added). This story is so essential, so to have a resource talking about it- I want to know about it, but for a nonfiction, if I wasn’t already familiar with Grimm’s case, I wouldn’t be able to describe it aside from vague and broad descriptions after reading this. It’s an amazing start, I just wanted it to go all the way for a home run.
Summary:
Readability: ★★★★☆, It is such a pretty picture book, conveying so much life and emotion to accent the story told. I’d buy prints of this just to hang on my wall, it’s genuinely amazing. It’s a very humanizing and personal look at Grimm’s experiences, and that’s such a valuable angle. Only downfall, like I said, was I want more! I want to see what Grimm has been up to and the impact he has had.
Entertainment: ★★★★☆, This story needs to be told, and I’m glad I can hold a copy of a book telling it from the source. I remember reading articles about Gavin in high school, as we are the same age, relating deeply as someone living in a conservative area as the first out trans student at my school. Seeing that I wasn’t fighting alone helped me feel better amid my struggles, so I hope more kids like me can see Gavin’s story and gain hope from it. I just wanted a more clear picture of what happened for kids who this is the only way they can learn about this.
Audience: Everyone! Trans people, especially trans youth in school will be able to see themselves in Gavin, or know more about the history of the fight for trans rights in schools. Trans allies and those wanting to learn more about trans people, Gavin is a major figure in the modern trans rights movement, so his story is an important one to learn about. I strongly recommend to everyone.
Content Warnings: anxiety, bullying, ostracism, sadness, transphobia
April 26, 2023
2 1/2 stars.
Elegant and colorful illustrations with a sophisticated comic-book vibe. (Think dark contour lines and ink infill.) Tells the kid centered story of a young trans boy who fought for his right to use the school bathroom he identified with. The author makes a mostly successful effort to center this on experience all kids can identify with - what do you get to choose and what don't you. Mostly this is swell - as a kid you don't choose skin color, where you live, or who your parents are. However, I winced at the preface to this litany -"you don't get to choose who you are." Not only is it a big bummer to start a book with an assertion many are likely to question, it also seems to absolutely counter to the central message. Does the author really mean to imply that 'who' you are is your skin color, parents, and birthplace?
The pages about Gavin acting are strong and make this book worth showcasing and reading aloud. Gavin meets with the principal and shows up at the school meeting discussing the bathroom problem to point out he's just a kid, not a problem to be solved.
The final pages let the story slip away. We know Gavin meets with organizations, is interviewed and "work[s] to get the law on his side.", but we are not told what happened next. No story reader wants to be faced with a class-full of kids asking, did he get to use the boys room? Did he change the law? (of course it is a learning opportunity.) Instead of wrapping up the specific story, the narrative pans out - asserting "...since your a kid like Gavin Grimm, you can always decide to believe in yourself and fight for what you believe in. What is a choice that your going to make?" To me this loses the narrative and is syntactically confusing. What is the point of 'since' and 'always'? Not all kids are brave and determined to assert their identity and this may make them feel inadequate, or like adults need and expect them to know right now who they are and what they want to fight for. Why not say 'like Gavin you can decide to believe in yourself and fight for what you believe in.' And the final line - What is a choice your going to make? feels both too general and too specific. Why choice in the singular? and why use 'is', which makes it feel like kids need to decide right now? I can imagine second and third graders I taught calling out "I am going to eat pizza! Cue general uproar and teachers hectoring students about respect and sensitivity.
I wanted to love this book as the story is inspiring, the art is great and I have admired Lukoff's other books. Unfortunately I think as adults we read this and gloss over some glitchy bits that undercut the intended message and may derail read-alouds. To me it came off as heavy-handed, preachy and vague, unintentionally doing a disservice both to the subject and to the audience. A couple editorial fixes would have solved these problems and made this easily a 4 star.
Elegant and colorful illustrations with a sophisticated comic-book vibe. (Think dark contour lines and ink infill.) Tells the kid centered story of a young trans boy who fought for his right to use the school bathroom he identified with. The author makes a mostly successful effort to center this on experience all kids can identify with - what do you get to choose and what don't you. Mostly this is swell - as a kid you don't choose skin color, where you live, or who your parents are. However, I winced at the preface to this litany -"you don't get to choose who you are." Not only is it a big bummer to start a book with an assertion many are likely to question, it also seems to absolutely counter to the central message. Does the author really mean to imply that 'who' you are is your skin color, parents, and birthplace?
The pages about Gavin acting are strong and make this book worth showcasing and reading aloud. Gavin meets with the principal and shows up at the school meeting discussing the bathroom problem to point out he's just a kid, not a problem to be solved.
The final pages let the story slip away. We know Gavin meets with organizations, is interviewed and "work[s] to get the law on his side.", but we are not told what happened next. No story reader wants to be faced with a class-full of kids asking, did he get to use the boys room? Did he change the law? (of course it is a learning opportunity.) Instead of wrapping up the specific story, the narrative pans out - asserting "...since your a kid like Gavin Grimm, you can always decide to believe in yourself and fight for what you believe in. What is a choice that your going to make?" To me this loses the narrative and is syntactically confusing. What is the point of 'since' and 'always'? Not all kids are brave and determined to assert their identity and this may make them feel inadequate, or like adults need and expect them to know right now who they are and what they want to fight for. Why not say 'like Gavin you can decide to believe in yourself and fight for what you believe in.' And the final line - What is a choice your going to make? feels both too general and too specific. Why choice in the singular? and why use 'is', which makes it feel like kids need to decide right now? I can imagine second and third graders I taught calling out "I am going to eat pizza! Cue general uproar and teachers hectoring students about respect and sensitivity.
I wanted to love this book as the story is inspiring, the art is great and I have admired Lukoff's other books. Unfortunately I think as adults we read this and gloss over some glitchy bits that undercut the intended message and may derail read-alouds. To me it came off as heavy-handed, preachy and vague, unintentionally doing a disservice both to the subject and to the audience. A couple editorial fixes would have solved these problems and made this easily a 4 star.
March 15, 2024
This true story about an LGBTQ activist named Gavin Grimm who shares his story about growing up transgender and navigating the world to try to be who you are when the world tries to tell you it is wrong.
I liked how this story began by asking “What are some choices that kids get to make?” because as a kid you are constantly being told what to do, wear, dress, eat, etc. But we still make choices for ourselves even as children like when your mom says you can’t have any pets and your curiosity brings in a pet frog while mom isn’t looking. It also asks “What are choices kids don't get to make.” such as race, their parents, where they live, and their gender. This is tricky for kids like Gavin who know they identify as something else than who they truly are.
The story follows Gavin as he grows up and navigates school when he realizes he Identifies as a boy and how he struggles with peers and his school as he tries to be who he fully is. Gavin stood up to be who he is and correct people when they misnamed him and used the wrong pronouns and he was brave enough to begin using the boy's bathroom like any other boy would. When teachers began to say that he stopped because it was not right Gavin stopped up to the school and his story and the case ended up making it to the Supreme Court where trans rights were granted and made LGBTQ history.
I gave this story 4/5 stars because I loved the illustrations of the story and watching Gavin overcoming every obstacle was inspiring as I believe would be for younger and older elementary students. This book was in the youth section 3 and up area at the library and I believe it would be a good story for any grade in elementary school as it teaches about trans history that many people who identify in the LGBTQ+ community do not get to read and talk about. I would use this story in a literacy lesson with young students to discuss what they learned and write about something new to them that they may still wonder about. I think it is good to open the conversation and appropriately answer questions for students who may not have that safe space at home.
I liked how this story began by asking “What are some choices that kids get to make?” because as a kid you are constantly being told what to do, wear, dress, eat, etc. But we still make choices for ourselves even as children like when your mom says you can’t have any pets and your curiosity brings in a pet frog while mom isn’t looking. It also asks “What are choices kids don't get to make.” such as race, their parents, where they live, and their gender. This is tricky for kids like Gavin who know they identify as something else than who they truly are.
The story follows Gavin as he grows up and navigates school when he realizes he Identifies as a boy and how he struggles with peers and his school as he tries to be who he fully is. Gavin stood up to be who he is and correct people when they misnamed him and used the wrong pronouns and he was brave enough to begin using the boy's bathroom like any other boy would. When teachers began to say that he stopped because it was not right Gavin stopped up to the school and his story and the case ended up making it to the Supreme Court where trans rights were granted and made LGBTQ history.
I gave this story 4/5 stars because I loved the illustrations of the story and watching Gavin overcoming every obstacle was inspiring as I believe would be for younger and older elementary students. This book was in the youth section 3 and up area at the library and I believe it would be a good story for any grade in elementary school as it teaches about trans history that many people who identify in the LGBTQ+ community do not get to read and talk about. I would use this story in a literacy lesson with young students to discuss what they learned and write about something new to them that they may still wonder about. I think it is good to open the conversation and appropriately answer questions for students who may not have that safe space at home.
November 30, 2024
from Goodreads: "A celebratory and empowering story from young trans activist Gavin Grimm, two-time Stonewall Award-winning and Newbery Honor-winning author Kyle Lukoff, and illustrator J Yang follows the true story of how a young boy stood up for himself--and made history along the way."
When a kid, named Gavin this time, grows up and realizes he has a choice to make, he does, first told to his mother, and supported. Gavin, as written above, with trans author, Kyle Lukoff and trans illustrator, J Yang, shows readers all about the choices for trans people, those supporting and what's supported, and by whom. This time, it's a focus on his school. It's the journey that led Gavin to choose to stand for what he thought was his right, to use the bathroom as himself! He has continued his fight, working for everyone's choices, and working with the ACLU.
Notes from Gavin and Kyle are at the back! I wish this book could be accessible to all kids. It's new to me, but out in 2022. I'm so glad to have found it!
When a kid, named Gavin this time, grows up and realizes he has a choice to make, he does, first told to his mother, and supported. Gavin, as written above, with trans author, Kyle Lukoff and trans illustrator, J Yang, shows readers all about the choices for trans people, those supporting and what's supported, and by whom. This time, it's a focus on his school. It's the journey that led Gavin to choose to stand for what he thought was his right, to use the bathroom as himself! He has continued his fight, working for everyone's choices, and working with the ACLU.
Notes from Gavin and Kyle are at the back! I wish this book could be accessible to all kids. It's new to me, but out in 2022. I'm so glad to have found it!
March 27, 2024
I really liked how this was phrased, in terms of the questions especially. I wasn't particularly bothered by the lack of resolution to the story, as this wasn't a biography per se. It's framed around asking what's important and worth standing up for, and including a resolution would not only have made it seem like this is a one-and-done closed issue, but also been rather disingenuous regarding the ongoing discourse.
I found the switch between questions and factual past-tense statements somewhat jarring, but I liked everything else. It's interesting that this is a story about a teenager, but aimed at much younger readers. I think this is why the book focuses more on the idea of standing up for yourself than on Gavin's fight exclusively.
Somewhere between a 4 and a 5 for me, and I'll consider adding it to the local LGBTQIA+ library. :)
I found the switch between questions and factual past-tense statements somewhat jarring, but I liked everything else. It's interesting that this is a story about a teenager, but aimed at much younger readers. I think this is why the book focuses more on the idea of standing up for yourself than on Gavin's fight exclusively.
Somewhere between a 4 and a 5 for me, and I'll consider adding it to the local LGBTQIA+ library. :)
July 10, 2025
Like most kids, Gavin could choose some things not others. He could choose what kind of ice cream flavor he wanted, but he couldn't choose his gender. Then he'd go to school, where he was faced with a choice that would come to define his activism: which bathroom to use. When folks started bullying him based on his being trans, Gavin chose not to hide: instead, he became an activist.
I really appreciate how this book explains the illusion of choice when it comes to gender. Sure, one could choose to hide and pretend, but a part of one's soul dies when one has to act inauthentically. This book has a good balance of plot and explanation, and it's presented in a gentle but firm way that offers real-life examples for kids who are both on the inside or who are just peeking into the issue of transgender bathrooms and activism.
I really appreciate how this book explains the illusion of choice when it comes to gender. Sure, one could choose to hide and pretend, but a part of one's soul dies when one has to act inauthentically. This book has a good balance of plot and explanation, and it's presented in a gentle but firm way that offers real-life examples for kids who are both on the inside or who are just peeking into the issue of transgender bathrooms and activism.
April 1, 2023
If You're a Kid Like Gavin is the true story of trans activist Gavin Grimm's fight to be able to use the right restroom at school, written by Grimm and Kyle Lukoff, a trans author, and illustrated by trans artist J Yang.
This book is also beautifully illustrated, and I really appreciate all the fat representation, which is so rare in picture books. Gavin himself is fat, and the people around him are portrayed with a wide range of body sizes.
The book is powerful and encourages kids to stand up for what they know is right, which is really important - although no kid should have to fight for their basic human rights!
This book is also beautifully illustrated, and I really appreciate all the fat representation, which is so rare in picture books. Gavin himself is fat, and the people around him are portrayed with a wide range of body sizes.
The book is powerful and encourages kids to stand up for what they know is right, which is really important - although no kid should have to fight for their basic human rights!
December 11, 2023
I am usually not a huge fan of books like this, based solely upon my personal beliefs and morals. However, I decided to give this book a try. After reading, I had some mixed opinions about the book. However, the book was written very well by Gavin Grimm, as it was a personal true story. When all of the emotions were explained in the book, I truly felt for Gavin. He fought for what he believed in and in the end was able to make the world a better place for himself anf for others going through something similar.
September 29, 2022
A true tearjerking affirming wonderful picture book that really does help to illustrate just how cruel some people in our country try to treat kids for something that is not even their business. The illustrations in here are so wonderfully lifelike while being very cartoonist, and is great to see an “action piece” (what someone did to fight an injustice!) - Something that I think is extremely important for kids books. I wish I could give this another five stars.
November 30, 2022
If you're a kid like Gavin, you may feel like others don't understand you.
You may feel bullied or not feeling as though you don't belong.
All you have to do is communicate and keep fighting for your voice.
If you're a Kid like Gavin, just know that you are not alone and that you do belong and you are loved, no matter your identity.
Gavin Grimm, Kyle Lukoff and illustrator J Yang, give us the relevant, true and respectful story of standing up for transgender activism!
You may feel bullied or not feeling as though you don't belong.
All you have to do is communicate and keep fighting for your voice.
If you're a Kid like Gavin, just know that you are not alone and that you do belong and you are loved, no matter your identity.
Gavin Grimm, Kyle Lukoff and illustrator J Yang, give us the relevant, true and respectful story of standing up for transgender activism!
October 18, 2023
Age group is 3- 10 year olds. Can show Students to stand up for themselves when they know they are being mistreated. Gavin is a transgender boy that could not choose their gender.in school he was scared to use the boys bathroom so he used the bathroom in the nurse office.when he finally used the schools boy bathroom a teacher started a rumor that he used to be a girl and should not be using the boys bathroom • later Gavin stood up for himself and he had a meeting with the school because he e is just a student not a problem to be solved.
April 27, 2025
The animated picture book "If You're a Kid Like Gavin" chronicles the real-life experiences of trans activist Gavin Grimm, who battled for the opportunity to use a restroom at school that coincided with his gender identity. The book is a great resource for young readers and anybody interested in learning about transgender rights since it highlights the value of respecting oneself, standing up for oneself, and fighting for what one believes in.
July 25, 2022
Such a good, accessible book.
I appreciate how it is framed through the idea of making choices. And that being trans wasn't a choice, but that both stepping into that identity/sharing it with others and then speaking up/advocating was a choice.
Not too "babyish" to use with my high school ELL students. Will definitely bring to the class. (Hoping for a Spanish edition as well).
I appreciate how it is framed through the idea of making choices. And that being trans wasn't a choice, but that both stepping into that identity/sharing it with others and then speaking up/advocating was a choice.
Not too "babyish" to use with my high school ELL students. Will definitely bring to the class. (Hoping for a Spanish edition as well).
October 23, 2022
Gavin has some decisions to make. A trans child, he decides he wants to use the boys' bathroom at school. School members meet and decide he must continue to use the separate closet-like bathroom. But Gavin is determined and fights for his rightful choice. Illustrations seem a bit too light and cartoonish for this important topic.
November 5, 2022
A really nice affirmation for trans people in picture book form. I really liked the art, even though I really wonder what the exact age group for this book is supposed to be. I loved a lot of the panels, but unfortunately, I don't know how it stands out from the rest of the pack, especially since I've seen other LGBT picture books that had more memorable staying power. Still, it's really lovely, and YMMV.
March 20, 2023
Loved reading this with my kids, one of them being trans themselves, and they absolutely loved it. They are having the same issue at their school, and we are trying to get that fixed. Sad that we have to do this for something as simple as which bathroom someone is allowed to go into. Thank you for writing this book, the work you’ve done, and helping my son feel seen and heard.
June 23, 2023
A memoir about the choices Gavin Grimm made to secure equality and acceptance as a transgender person.
Criteria
Timeline: no
Author's Note:yes
Primary Source/Summary of Source: no
Text Level- good for MS
Quotes: no
Topics: biography, picture book, narrative style
NO- highlights 1 event
* Use RS copy- different author
Criteria
Timeline: no
Author's Note:yes
Primary Source/Summary of Source: no
Text Level- good for MS
Quotes: no
Topics: biography, picture book, narrative style
NO- highlights 1 event
* Use RS copy- different author
September 5, 2022
Fabulous. Pair with books about trans kids & books about kid activists & books about perseverance & books about doing what's right.
Possible Pairings:
Jacob's Room to Choose
When Aidan Became a Brother
All the Way to the Top
Call Me Max
Possible Pairings:
Jacob's Room to Choose
When Aidan Became a Brother
All the Way to the Top
Call Me Max
March 2, 2023
Detailed text, based on real life events, bright expressive illustrations, recommended for 3rd grade+ just because I don't know if a younger child could sit through the book? If they're interested in this topic, of course, I'd say give them the book.
June 1, 2023
A nonfiction picture book story about a young trans man who had to learn to advocate for himself and became an activist. Some beautiful art and a great message of decisions that are inside and outside of your control, especially as a kid.
June 15, 2023
Powerful story about a trans activist told in a really straightforward and well distilled way for picture book age kids. The mom in me didn't love that he was sneaking illicit pets into his room...but honestly, a really great and very necessary book.
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