Who Are You by Brooke Pessin-Whebdee is an illustrated children's book with a straightforward introduction to gender for anyone aged 3+. It presents clear and direct language for understanding and talking about how we experience gender: our bodies, our expression and our identity. An interactive three-layered wheel included in the book is a simple, yet powerful, tool to clearly demonstrate the difference between our body, how we express ourselves through our clothes and hobbies, and our gender identity. A short page-by-page guide for adults at the back of the book further explains the key concepts and identifies useful discussion points. This is a one-of-a-kind resource for understanding and celebrating the gender diversity that surrounds us.

Who Are You is helpful and understandable resource for children, and the adults in their lives, in dealing with the idea of gender identity and all of its implications. I like that the book uses the ideas that everyone is unique and that how anyone feels about themselves is valid, and can change. My favorite point is that no one knows you better than you. While I can see some problems with the youngest children and this philosophy- like when my daughter decides she feels like a wolf and hence must act and be treated like one, however when the book is used to further or begin a discussion about gender and identity I do not think this will be a real issue. The additional questions and discussion information was thought provoking as a solo reader, but I think it could be a valuable tool for having or leading this discussion one on one or with a group.

The notes for adults are helpful and the message for kids is positive. It’s a good way to talk to kids about gender identity.

This is a great book to introduce children who they are and who others are/may be. It explains cisgender and how not only we look at ourselves, but how we look at others. A very important book for any library collection.

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This is a short, simple picture book that includes a detailed discussion guide and a list of references and other materials that adults can use to discuss gender identity with young children. The book claims to be for children age 4 and up, but could be read to younger children as well. I think this book can be useful for families, schools, and therapists. As the medical community is learning more about the human body and what factors contribute to our gender identity, parts of our society are becoming less fearful and judgmental of people who at various places on the gender spectrum. I hope that this book can help children and adults to gain a greater understanding and acceptance of all people, no matter what their gender identity may be.

I was very impressed with the way the information was presented in the book. It has a lot of possibilities for being scaled to different ages and groups, even just the basic introduction to what an identity is was great. The resources for adults and discussion guides really enhance its value.

I was excited to get this book from Netgalley. A book that helps children learn about gender identity and gender. The book talks about how people are different and how everyone is different. While it was a good book, I felt like it was geared more towards adults, though I think that the guide for adults in the back will be very helpful for a number of parents.

Ah, this is one of those books that I want so much to like, but am more like "eh", about it.

I love the premise, a picture book for children about gender identity. And yes, this is an important book to have out there, and yes, it needs to be discussed, and it is well discussed, and the pictures are bright an colorful.

So what is to "eh" about it? Despite all that, I find it very preachy. I don't think this is a book that children will read over and over again, and look at the pictures. I think this is more of a story read to them, as a jumping off point to read other books that will speak to them, such as <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/773951.The_Story_of_Ferdinand">The Story of Ferdinand</a> the Bull, one of the books suggested in resources. That is a classic, and I loved it as a kid, and I never stopped to think that it was odd that the bull did not want to do things that bulls were supposed to do. It is just a good story about following your own path. And that is what a good picture book on gender should be.

So, perhaps use this as a resource, as a jumping off point? But I don't think kids will love this on their own.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

RATING: 4 STARS
(I received an ARC from the NETGALLEY)
(Review Not on Blog)

I have been reading more children's books on gender identity, because I feel like in this world of technology you have to talk with kids at a younger age. You want a book that is simple yet explains the main concept to young children. I liked this book for its message, knowledge and story.