"A beautiful, harmonious story that deftly documents Gavin's fight and explains why trans right are basic human rights. There's no choice here. Buy it!" — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Activist Grimm and author Lukoff’s voices blend powerfully in this autobiographical picture book. Crucially, readers can connect with the text both as people 'like Gavin' and people who, 'like Gavin,' understand that everyone has the right to be themselves." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"This true story of courage and resiliency is sure to inspire young advocates everywhere." — The Horn Book
"All kids should be challenged to think about the message of standing up and fighting for what is right. Here is a worthy discussion-starter on an important topic for all collections." — School Library Journal
"Gavin’s journey encourages young readers to ask questions, challenge assumptions and take action in order to change the world." — Duncan Tonatiuh, winner of the Pura Belpré Medal and the Jane Addams Children's Book Award
"A movingly told, brilliantly illustrated book about the power and humanity of trans kids. I wish I’d had this book growing up, and I’m so very grateful it’s here now." — Andrea Tsurumi, creator of Crab Cake and I'm On It!
"Important for its fostering of empathy, representation, and spotlighting Gavin as a role model for any kid wanting to effect change. Hopeful, empowering. " — Booklist
Praise for Call Me Max: "A welcome title for classrooms, libraries, and PFLAG and other support organizations' collections." — School Library Journal
Praise for When Aidan Became a Brother: “A much-needed and appealing addition to the picture book canon; both emotionally and visually satisfying.” — School Library Journal
"This picture book sets a new standard of excellence in transgender representation by centering the feelings of Aidan, a biracial (black and South Asian) transgender boy. Joyful and affirming, Aidan's story is the first of its kind among books for welcoming a new baby." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Lukoff writes with sensitivity and candor as Aidan takes his first steps toward claiming his identity. The creators' exploration of one transgender child's experience emphasizes the importance of learning "how to love someone for exactly who they are." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Together, the text and pictures create a heartfelt celebration of love that will be an ideal selection for trans children and for any who are expecting a new sibling.” — Booklist (starred review)
05/01/2022
Gr 3–5—The underlying theme of this true story about teenage trans student Gavin Grimm is that there are choices a kid can and can't make. Gavin had no choice about the fact that the world saw him as a girl when inside he knew he was a boy. He did have a choice to talk honestly about it. And when he got tired of using the nurse's bathroom as though he were a sick person, he had no choice but to try and get access to the boys' bathroom at school. Teachers gossiped and students bullied him, but he spoke out even louder about his rights—before the community, on the news, and in a successful court case brought by the ACLU. The kid-friendly and straightforward narration works with digitally created art that employs firm outlines and a muted palette to communicate Gavin's embarrassment, loneliness, and evolving courage. Framed throughout with the conditional "if" of the title, the text stumbles only once when it switches to, "Since you're a kid like Gavin Grimm," which unnecessarily narrows the audience. VERDICT All kids should be challenged to think about the message of standing up and fighting for what is right. Here is a worthy discussion-starter on an important topic for all collections.—Jan Aldrich Solow
★ 2022-06-08
Some choices are harder than others.
Growing up, student Gavin Grimm knew about choices. He knew whether to eat worms on a dare, whether to sneakily adopt a pet frog and hide it from his mother, and that he had to make a choice about standing up for his right to use the boys’ bathroom at school. This last choice, however, was deemed controversial by a transphobic teacher and by students who bullied Gavin. But Gavin still had a decision to make: He could stay silent, or he could fight back. In this picture-book, trans activist Grimm, with author Lukoff, documents his early life and his role fighting for trans rights, a battle that sadly is far from over. The story’s simple but direct text and vibrant digital illustrations work in tandem to create a beautiful, harmonious story that deftly documents Gavin’s fight and explains why trans rights are basic human rights. While librarians and educators will find this an essential title for their shelves, book clubs and individual readers will equally find it useful for discussion, contemplation, and as an excellent introduction to the discussion of trans rights from a humanist perspective. While Gavin’s story is far from over—and he may have many rocky roads ahead—this book will help readers and their caregivers better understand why it was necessary for him to make these difficult but vital choices.
There’s no choice here. Buy it! (Picture-book biography. 6-10)
