Grimm, Gavin and Kyle Lukoff. If You’re a Kid Like Gavin: A True Story of a Young Trans Activist. J Yang, Illus. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegan. 07/2022. 40pp. Picture Book. GRADES Kindergarten – 5. OUTSTANDING. $18.99. 978-0-0630-5756-2.
In this picture book for young readers Gavin Grimm (a white transgender boy) tells how he became a young activist when his high school refused to let him use the boys bathroom. The book opens by asking “What are some choices that kids get to make?” Gavin gives us some examples, but emphasizes that he did not choose who he is, only whether or not he tells people who he is. After being outed as transgender by a teacher at his school, Gavin is subjected to bullying and gossip and is told to stop using the boys bathroom at the school. Instead, Gavin chose to speak up and fight for himself and for other trans kids. This compelling modern civil rights story will inspire young readers of all genders. The storytelling is simple without being condescending and is well-paced for reading aloud. The artwork is cartoon-style portraits that capture serious feelings in simple expressions. The colors are bright with a palette that leans heavily on the trans pride flag colors of light blue, pink, and white. This is an outstanding book that should be included in all children’s libraries because of its unflinching support of transgender kids.
Rachael Reiley — Oakland Unified School District, Hillcrest Elementary K-8