Not He or She, I'm Me

Starred review from October 1, 2023
A day in the life of a nonbinary kid. From the first page, Yangni's mixed-media art sets a dynamic tone for this exuberant story. Accompanied by rich layers of acrylic paint, newsprint, crayon, watercolor, and more, gently rhyming text follows the young narrator as they get dressed, eat breakfast with Mom, and ride the bus to school. Throughout, the child repeats the titular mantra: "Not he or she, I'm me." Instead of offering an explicit definition of nonbinary, Wild opts to represent one child's version of it through a day brimming with wonder, connection, and play. An afternoon spent riding bikes with friends depicts young people embracing differences without fanfare. And how affirming it is for the protagonist when they get to be "them with friends / and them at home / them even when alone." Amid a growing landscape of gender-focused picture books, this title shines for its effervescent illustrations and simple, utterly normalizing narrative. A perfect addition to any school, public, or home library, this story will delight young readers of any gender. The child at the heart of this charming story is Black, with a puff of coily hair; their mom is Black, with darker brown skin and long red hair, and the child's classmates are racially diverse. How refreshing to see nonbinary joy so lovingly depicted. (Picture book. 3-9)

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Starred review from October 15, 2023
Preschool-Grade 1 *Starred Review* In their debut children's book, Wild beautifully weaves personal experiences as a queer, nonbinary person into a heartwarming narrative that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. The simple story follows a nonbinary child with brown skin as they go about their day, from waking up in the morning, getting dressed, and having breakfast with their mom, to going to school, playing with friends, and falling asleep in their bed. In one relatable scene, the character enthusiastically runs toward the school bus, proclaiming, "Not he or she, I'm me." This simple yet profound statement repeats throughout the book. Wild's storytelling humanizes the experiences of nonbinary children, offering a positive depiction of embracing one's true identity. Marvelous illustrations also add to the book's celebratory feel. Yangni's vibrant mixed-media artwork layers textures and rainbow hues into joyful collages that show the much-loved child confidently and happily moving through their day. Not He or She, I'm Me would be at home among Todd Parr's many affirming titles and vitally promotes empathy, understanding, and validation as it normalizes nonbinary identities and experiences. Books such as this allow us to foster a world where every child can proudly say, "I'm me."

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