Trans & Non Binary Books

This children's picture book helps adults to explain gender identity and expression to 4 to 8 year olds using simple language and engaging, diverse characters, covering the entire spectrum of gender. Includes a guide for parents and professionals and a lesson plan at the end of the book.

At lunchtime, all of Tom's friends gather at school to work together building their house. Each one of them has a special job to do, and each one of them has a different way of expressing their gender identity.

Jackson is a boy who likes to wear dresses. Ivy is a girl who likes her hair cut really short. Alex doesn't feel like 'just' a boy, or 'just' a girl. They are all the same, they are all different - but they are all friends.

A very simple story that challenges gender stereotypes and shows 4 to 8 year olds that it is OK to be yourself. An engaging story that is more than just an educational tool; this book will assist parents and teachers in giving children the space to explore the full spectrum of gender diversity and will show children the many ways they can express their gender in a truly positive light.

'In this era of gender revolution, A House for Everyone reminds us that gender isn't two boxes but a rainbow with room for children of every gender. Jo Hirst's brilliant book teaches all our children about gender identity and gender expressions while celebrating gender acceptance--let's bring it to every classroom and household.'
- Diane Ehrensaft, Ph.D. Author of The Gender Creative Child and Gender Born, Gender Made, Director of Mental Health of the Child and Adolescent Gender Center

'A vibrant, up-beat story about inclusion and acceptance, looking past stereotypes and embracing human differences. It's a much-needed resource in the Gender Identity category.'
- Rebecca Seymour, Little Parachutes

Author: Jo Hirst, illustrated by Naomi Bardoff
Format: Hardback
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9781785924484

Tiny prefers not to tell other children whether they are a boy or girl. Tiny also loves to play fancy dress, sometimes as a fairy and sometimes as a knight in shining armour. Tiny's family don't seem to mind but when they start a new school some of their new classmates struggle to understand.

'A lovely, sensitive, much-needed book that helps all children ask the big questions about identity and gender.' - Juno Dawson, author of This Book is Gay

Tiny loves costumes! Tiny likes to dress up as an animal, or a doctor, or a butterfly. Tiny also prefers not to tell other children whether they are a boy or a girl. Tiny's friends don't mind, but when Tiny starts a new school their new friends can't help asking one question:

"Tiny, are you a boy or are you a girl?"

This brightly illustrated book will open a dialogue with children aged 3+ about gender diversity in a fun and creative way. Featuring a gender neutral protagonist, the book imparts an important message about identity and being who you want to be. Tiny's story will assist parents, family and teachers in giving children the space to express themselves fully, explore different identities and have fun at the same time.

'Books on gender identity for young children are still very few and far between. Children who do not identify as boys or girls will find Are You a Boy or Are You a Girl? immensely reassuring. It will be extremely valuable too in schools, in families, and in other settings - for helping young children understand gender diversity and question gender stereotypes. At the end there are a number of useful discussion starters, for example 'Does it matter if Tiny is a boy or a girl?' and 'What would you ask Tiny if you met them?', followed by information about organisations that provide support on gender identity issues. A sensitive and important book, written by campaigners for transgender rights.'
- Anne Harding

'The real value for children and parents in this book stems from its simplicity, it puts the story across in a grounded manner and invites open discussion. The authors, Fox Fisher and Sarah Savage have collaborated to produce what I feel is an amazing book.'
- Sophie Smallman

Author: Sarah Savage and Fox Fisher, illustrated by Fox Fisher
Format: Hardback
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9781785922671

Kit, a 12 year old who identifies as a boy, explains all about gender variance, the experience of medical transition and how his family, friends and school can support him. This illustrated introduction to gender diversity will be a helpful guide and discussion starter for children 11+, as well as for older readers.

Meet Kit - a 12 year old undergoing medical transition - as he talks about gender and the different ways it can be explored. He explains what it is like to transition and how his friends, family and teachers can help through talking, listening and being proactive.

With illustrations throughout, this is an ideal way to start conversations about gender diversity in the classroom or at home and suitable for those working in professional services and settings. The book also includes a useful list of recommended reading, organisations and websites for further information and support.

'A much needed piece of work! The pedagogies outlined in this book have made a positive, significant difference to the lives of young trans people in our schools. By following the practical strategies we can together begin the journey to inclusion. This guide will help you take the first steps to educate and then support you to create an environment that actively celebrates gender diversity! A definite go-to-guide for all schools.'
- Dr Elly Barnes MBE, CEO of Educate & Celebrate

Author: Sarah Savage and Fox Fisher, illustrated by Fox Fisher
Format: Paperback
Pages: 64
ISBN: 9781785921056

Leading activist and essayist Brynn Tannehill tells you everything you ever wanted to know about transgender issues but were afraid to ask. The book aims to break down deeply held misconceptions about trans people across all aspects of life, from politics, law and culture, through to science, religion and mental health, to provide readers with a deeper understanding of what it means to be trans.

The book walks the reader through transgender issues, starting with "What does transgender mean?" before moving on to more complex topics including growing up trans, dating and sex, medical and mental health, and debates around gender and feminism.

Brynn also challenges deliberately deceptive information about transgender people being put out into the public sphere. Transphobic myths are debunked and biased research, bad statistics and bad science are carefully and clearly refuted. This important and engaging book enables any reader to become informed the most critical public conversations around transgender people, and become a better ally as a result.

Author: Brynn Tannehill
Format: Paperback
Pages: 432
ISBN: 9781785928260

Format: Paperback
Pages: 192
ISBN: 9781787752597

This true story by a family about raising their transgender son is both a captivating read and an invaluable support source for parents facing similar issues. A warm, insightful portrait of a family that includes tips on helping young transgender people navigate their transition, it will support, educate and inspire.

This inspiring and moving story, told from the heart of an extraordinary family, recounts the emotional and uplifting journey of raising a transgender son.

Janna Barkin's family has come a long way since their child, Amaya, first told them he was a boy and not a girl and this captivating memoir charts the family's experiences of raising Amaya, from birth through to adulthood. With powerful chapters written by Amaya's family and friends, Janna shares personal stories of the support and discoveries her family has encountered and provides a 'care package' of advice for families facing similar issues, including a glossary of terms and a list of hand-picked support sources.

Written with warmth and humour, He's Always Been My Son reminds us to accept others for who they are and will support, educate and inspire anyone who reads it.

'What I love about this book is that it is a wonderful balance between a mother's love for her son and resources available to families who are navigating a similar journey. With different family members contributing to the story, the reader can see what this transition looks like from varying viewpoints.'
- Roz Gould Keith, President/Founder of Stand with Trans, parent of a transgender teen, and Creator of Ally Moms

'He's Always Been My Son does what no other book has, weaving together a mother's own reflections with inspiring words from the other key players ... capturing the essential truth that it takes a village to grow a thriving gender creative child.'
- Diane Ehrensaft, Ph.D., Director of Mental Health, Child and Adolescent Gender Center, UCSF, and author of Gender Born, Gender Made and The Gender Creative Child

Author: Janna Barkin
Format: Paperback
Pages: 320
ISBN: 9781785927478

This book offers essential guidance to parents of transgender and non-binary teens to help them support and understand their children. It alleviates common concerns parents have and gives advice on hormones and surgery, use of pronouns and how to transition socially. It also includes sample family letters, case studies and further reading.

Going through puberty and adolescence presents unwelcome changes for many transgender youth, and this book provides advice to parents of transgender teens to help them understand what their child is experiencing and feeling during this challenging time.

Addressing common fears and concerns that parents of transgender teens share, the book guides them through steps they can take with their child, including advice on hormones and surgery and how to transition socially. It addresses the recent increase in teens presenting with non-binary identities, and reflects major legal, social and medical developments regarding transgender issues. The author's insights are gained from his professional experience of providing psychotherapy regarding gender identity. He provides resources and further reading to help parents expand their knowledge.

Although aimed predominantly at parents, this book is useful for anyone working with teenagers and young adults as it provides many answers to common questions about adolescent gender identity.

'Irwin Krieger has given parents the gift of a brilliant, empathic roadmap in their journey with their transgender teen. He stretches our horizons to bring into focus not just youth who tell us "I'm the opposite gender" but non-binary youth who identify as neither male nor female, but both or all. Elegant, streamlined and robust, a must read for anyone raising or promoting the gender health of a transgender teen.'
- Diane Ehrensaft, PH.D., Author of The Gender Creative Child and Director of Child and Adolescent Gender Center, University of California San Francisco

'An excellent and much needed resource for parents of transgender, non-binary, or gender questioning teens. With compassion and encouragement, Krieger provides a pathway for parents who are navigating this journey.'
- Janna Barkin, Author of He’s Always Been My Son

Author: Irwin Krieger
Format: Paperback
Pages: 112
ISBN: 9781785928017

This helpful guide presents ways we can all better understand gender, and how people can change and express their gender identity. Considering biological and cultural understandings of gender, gender expression, and relationships and sexuality, this is an excellent starting point for anybody thinking about what gender means to them.

'For anyone who's ever wished they had a smart, kind, friend with whom they could calmly and safely discuss gender issues: this most excellent book is that kind of friend'. - Kate Bornstein, author of Gender Outlaw

Have you ever questioned your own gender identity? Do you know somebody who is transgender or who identifies as non-binary? Do you ever feel confused when people talk about gender diversity?

This down-to-earth guide is for anybody who wants to know more about gender, from its biology, history and sociology, to how it plays a role in our relationships and interactions with family, friends, partners and strangers. It looks at practical ways people can express their own gender, and will help you to understand people whose gender might be different from your own. With activities and points for reflection throughout, this book will help people of all genders engage with gender diversity and explore the ideas in the book in relation to their own lived experiences.

'Wherever you are on your gender adventure, this book will be helpful to you. Beyond the headlines, gender is a personal journey - and for anyone struggling to find their way, this is the compassionate, accessible manual the world has been waiting for.'
- Laurie Penny, journalist, activist and author of Unspeakable Things

Author: Alex Iantaffi and Meg-John Barker. Foreword by S. Bear Bergman.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 288
ISBN: 9781785927461

Challenging society's rigid and binary ways of thinking, this original work shows the limitations that binary thinking has regarding our relationships, wellbeing, sense of identity and more. Explaining how we can think and act in a less rigid manner, this fascinating book shows how life isn't binary.

'Barker and Iantaffi have written the book we all need for this moment in time.' - CN Lester

Much of society's thinking operates in a highly rigid and binary manner; something is good or bad, right or wrong, a success or a failure, and so on. Challenging this limited way of thinking, this ground-breaking book looks at how non-binary methods of thought can be applied to all aspects of life, and offer new and greater ways of understanding ourselves and how we relate to others.

Using bisexual and non-binary gender experiences as a starting point, this book addresses the key issues with binary thinking regarding our relationships, bodies, emotions, wellbeing and our sense of identity and sets out a range of practices which may help us to think in more non-binary, both/and, or uncertain ways.

A truly original and insightful piece, this guide encourages reflection on how we view and understand the world we live in and how we all bend, blur or break society's binary codes.

Author: Meg-John Barker and Alex Iantaffi. Foreword by CN Lester
Format: Paperback
Pages: 240
ISBN: 9781785924798

A comic style children's book that tells the story of Stephie, a 7-year-old transgender girl, whose Dad is still struggling to recognise and accept her gender. It portrays a powerful message for children aged 6-9, that no one else other than ourselves gets to decide who we are.

'My Dad thinks I'm a boy named Stephen who likes wrestling and fishing. But that's what my Dad likes.'

Stephie is 7 years old. She likes bugs, books and spaghetti. Also, she's a girl... which should be pretty easy to understand, right? Well, not for her Dad! He's been mistaking her for a boy since she was born and struggles to see her for who she is.

This powerful and uplifting book for children aged 6 - 9 and their families humorously portrays a situation that is often too common, where a trans child is forced to negotiate between their true self and their parents' love.

With amusing illustrations, and a useful guide for adults, it's the perfect book to help show children that no one else other than ourselves gets to decide who we are.

'Sophie Labelle's My Dad Thinks I'm A Boy is a hilarious, tender, zany, and thoughtful story about growing up with a parent who doesn't always understand you. Readers will laugh, cry, and learn along with Stephie as she tries to help her dad see her for who she truly is.'
- Kai Cheng Thom, award-winning author of From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea

'A powerful, authentic and engaging story that shifts our understanding of trans kids to a new and a more real level. This book is a breath of fresh air, that allows the reader to get to know trans people from their own perspective. Often our stories are told from people from the outside looking in, but Sophie cleverly manages to shift that focus to the trans person and their experiences, which gives the story more authenticity, realness and power.'
- Owl (Ugla Stefanía Kristjönudóttir Jónsdóttir), writer, film maker and campaigner.

Author: Sophie Labelle
Format: Hardback
Pages: 48
ISBN: 9781787752214

Author: Heather Bryant
Format: Paperback
Pages: 304
ISBN: 9781787751224

Format: Paperback
Pages: 256
ISBN: 9781787753396

While trans masculine experience is often neglected in the media, this memoir captures what life is really like as a trans man today. Caspar Baldwin uses his experiences to open up wider debates about how we impose gender on children, what cis people don't understand about the transition process, and how to thrive as a trans masculine millennial.

This is the story of one trans man's exploration of gender identity, set against changing cultural attitudes from the 90s to the present day.

Caspar Baldwin grew up in a time when being trans was not widely accepted by society, and though progress has been made since then, trans men are still underrepresented and misunderstood. Grappling with the messy realities of gender expectations while giving a stark and moving account of his own experiences, Baldwin grants a nuanced understanding of what it's like to be a trans boy or man. With its unflinching portrayal of the vulnerability, confusion, dysphoria, empowerment, peace and joy that are all part of the transition process, this provides an invaluable support for trans men and is a memoir that breaks the mould.

Author: Caspar J. Baldwin
Format: Paperback
Pages: 248
ISBN: 9781785924637

Phoenix wants to wear her favourite purple dress to express her gender, but she is scared of being bullied on her first day of school. Follow Phoenix's journey as she arrives at school, makes some friends, stands up for herself, and helps us learn to be true to who we really are.

'With her handstands, towers and lavender flowers, Phoenix inspires brave young people to share their stories and be proud of who they are. She also shows us what can happen when communities come together to celebrate diversity.'
- Brook Pessin-Whedbee, author of Who Are You? The Kids Guide to Gender Identity

'Someday we'll live in a world where any child can wear a dress with freedom and delight, but until then, Phoenix Goes to School is a brilliant must-read for every child who either is a gender creative or transgender child or wants to be their ally.'
- Diane Ehrensaft, Ph.D. author of The Gender Creative Child and Gender Born, Gender Made, director of Mental Health, Child and Adolescent Gender Center

'This book is not only a delightful tale about being yourself straight from the mouth of a child living her truth, but it is also a critical tool for trans children, their families, educators, and anyone else who seeks to better understand the lives and realities of transgender youth. An essential to any affirming bookshelf.'
- Gavin Grimm, youth activist

Author: Michelle and Phoenix Finch, illustrated by Sharon Davey
Format: Hardback
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9781785928215

Teen life is hard enough with all of the pressures kids face, but for teens who are LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender), it's even harder. When do you decide to come out? To whom? Will your friends accept you? And how on earth do you meet people to date?

Updated in 2018, Queer is a humorous, engaging, and honest guide that helps LGBT teens come out to friends and family, navigate their new LGBT social life, figure out if a crush is also queer, and rise up against bigotry and homophobia.
Queer also includes personal stories from the authors and sidebars on queer history.

This updated and revised edition is a must-read for any teen who thinks they might be queer - or knows someone who is.

Author: Kathy Belge & Marke Bieschke
Format: Paperback
Pages: 224
ISBN: 9781942186489

'My Dad's name is Haley. She used to be a he but now she is a she! Last year she did this thing called transition. She grew her hair long, painted her nails in bright colours and started wearing different clothes.'

When Mini's cousin accidentally misgenders her dad Haley, Mini explains why misgendering is hurtful and why we need to treat trans people with respect. Mini speaks with confidence about transitioning and gender identity, and helps to educate and empower others with trans relatives or friends.

This brightly illustrated book for children aged 3 - 7 will aid discussion with children about a loved one transitioning or about trans people in general. Featuring a child with a dad who has transitioned, this book passes on an important message about acceptance and respect, and covers pronouns, dysphoria, family diversity and misgendering.

Author: Sarah Savage, illustrated by Joules Garcia
Format: Hardback
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9781785926150

A memoir of a mother's experience of raising both a gay son and a gay, transgender son that acknowledges her own upbringing in an adopted family. Through the personal narrative of raising children from birth to adulthood, the author offers insights and further resources for other parents of LGBT children.

Ever since they were young, Peggy Cryden noticed her children's gender expression did not correspond with society's expectations of their biological gender. In this moving and honest memoir, Peggy details the experiences and challenges of raising both a gay son and a gay, transgender son and shares her family's journey of adversity and growth, which has helped inform her work as a psychotherapist.

Beginning with her own unconventional upbringing and personal relationships, the second half of the book follows her children from birth to adulthood and through their numerous experiences including coming out, depression, hate crime, relationships, school and various aspects to do with transitioning (legal, physical, medical, social) as well as their appearances in the media as a family. This book is insightful, charming and thought-provoking, and through levity and humour, offers a positive approach to parenting outside of convention.

'Cryden writes with the emotional clarity of a seasoned therapist and also as one who's done her own soul searching.'
- Ami B. Kaplan, LCSW New York City Psychotherapist and Gender Specialist.

Author: Peggy Cryden
Format: Paperback
Pages: 184
ISBN: 9781785927485

Illustrated fairytales teaching children age 6 - 9 about gender identity and relationships. This engaging workbook will support inclusive learning environments in schools and the fun activities help children connect with and explore the ideas raised in each story.

With 5 fun tales featuring merpeople, a rainbow wedding and a back-to-front horse, this captivating guide to LGBTQ+ identities takes you on a journey through Clear Sky Castle to promote inclusion for children aged 6 to 9.

The interactive stories and games - including drawing, sculpting, word searches and quizzes - raise awareness of different kinds of families, as well as identities such as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and non-binary, and teach acceptance for all.

The resourceful 'Guide for Adults' at the end of the book offers advice, answers to activities throughout, and signposts to helpful organisations for the adult reading the book with the child.

Author: Amie Taylor
Format: Paperback
Pages: 144
ISBN: 9781787753372

A detailed step-by-step look at the different stages of transitioning for partners of trans people. With personal reflections from over 15 trans partners in healthy and successful relationships, this insightful guide provides practical advice for those supporting a partner as they transition.

Individuals who transition from one gender to another are often in some degree of a relationship, and over 55% of these relationships endure through the transition process.

While more resources are emerging for trans people themselves, there is very little information available for their partners. Through first-hand accounts and vignettes of successful partnerships, this book presents detailed descriptions of everything involved in the transition process, with specific guidance for those supporting a partner in transition. Topics include disclosure, mental health, coming out, loss and grief, sex and sexuality and the legal, medical and social practicalities of transitioning. In this essential guide, people whose partners are across the transgender spectrum speak out on their own experiences with personal advice and support for others.

'The Trans Partner Handbook provides a wealth of information and ideas, to become more fluent with the terminology and lingo used when discussing trans matters. When you transition, everyone around you does too. It's a time of adjustment for all. This book is absolutely jam-packed full of information on the topic of being trans, particularly for those at the start of their transition.'
- Fox Fisher, Trans activist and author of Are You a Boy or Are You a Girl?

'The Trans Partner Handbook is just that - a step-by-step guide for how to approach a partner transitioning. Jo Green addresses this topic with sincerity, honesty, and openness, weaving together their experiences with those of other partners of trans people to paint a picture of the breadth of challenges and joys a partner's transition can bring.'
- Laura Erickson-Schroth, author of Trans Bodies, Trans Selves

'The essential topics in this handbook offer critical information that trans partners can use throughout their partner's transition.'
- D.M. Maynard, Author and Educator

Author: Jo Green
Format: Paperback
Pages: 184
ISBN: 9781785922275

Showing what life is like as a nonbinary or genderqueer person, this book explores relationships, mental and physical health, language use and identity and appearance, providing advice for nonbinary people and how friends and family can support them.

In this insightful and long-overdue book, Eris Young explores what it's like to live outside of the gender binary and how it can impact on one's relationships, sense of identity, use of language and more.

Drawing on the author's own experiences as a nonbinary person, as well as interviews and research, it shares common experiences and challenges faced by those who are nonbinary, and what friends, family and other cisgender people can do to support them. Breaking down misconceptions and providing definitions, the history of nonbinary identities and gender-neutral language, and information on healthcare, this much-needed guide is for anyone wanting to fully understand nonbinary and genderqueer identities.

Author: Eris Young
Format: Paperback
Pages: 288
ISBN: 9781785924835

A funny and pertinent book about being lesbian, bisexual, gay, queer, transgender or just curious - for everybody, no matter their gender or sexuality

Former PSHCE teacher and acclaimed YA author Juno Dawson gives an uncensored look at what it's like to grow up as LGBT. Including testimonials from people across the gender and sexual spectrums, this frank, funny, fully inclusive book explores everything anyone who ever dared to wonder wants to know - from sex to politics, how to pull, stereotypes, how to come-out and more. Spike Gerrell's hilarious illustrations combined with funny and factual text make this a must-read.

Author: Juno Dawson
Format: Paperback
Pages: 288
ISBN: 9781471403958

An empowering, heartfelt collection of letters from celebrated trans women addressed to those who are transitioning. Each letter offers honest advice from their own experience on everything from make-up and dating, through to deeper subjects like battling dysphoria and dealing with transphobia.

Lambda Literary Award Finalist - LGBTQ Anthology

Dedicated to trans women everywhere, this inspirational collection of letters written by successful trans women shares the lessons they learnt on their journeys to womanhood, celebrating their achievements and empowering the next generation to become who they truly are.

Written by politicians, scientists, models, athletes, authors, actors, and activists from around the world, these letters capture the diversity of the trans experience and offer advice from make-up and dating through to fighting dysphoria and transphobia.

By turns honest and heartfelt, funny and furious or beautiful and brave, these letters send a clear message of hope to their sisters: each of these women have gone through the struggles of transition and emerged the other side as accomplished, confident women; and if we made it sister, so can you!

Author: Edited by Charlie Craggs
Format: Paperback
Pages: 344
ISBN: 9781785923432

Format: Paperback
Pages: 256
ISBN: 9781787750197