Let Kids Be Their Authentic Selves

As we see all the coverage of Caitlyn Jenner on the news, it may bring up questions for your kids.  I don't believe in skirting around the issue. There is a new book out that is a lovely way to discuss not only the issue of transgender, but also the general issue of being labeled as one thing - the athlete, the good student, the artist - but feeling like you may not live up to those titles.  It is a wonderful time to start discussing being your authentic self, whatever packaging or expectations you may come with.

Don't forget to Follow One Great Book on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or by email so that you won't miss a single book that talks about the life and times of a mislabeled crayon.  I see a TV movie in the works!

Title: Red: A Crayon’s Story

Author: Michael Hall

Target: Preschool - Grade 2

What this book is about: 
In this story a blue crayon is labelled as red.  Everything he tries to draw red, comes out blue.  After following a plethora of advice of practicing, mingling with other colors and applying himself, his pictures still come out blue.  Finally one of the other crayons suggests he try being blue, and what do you know - success!

What I love about this book: 
This book is wonderful way to talk to kids about issues of transgender, but it doesn't fall into the trap of being a book about one particular situation.  Perhaps a child comes from a family that is good at sports but she isn’t, or is academically blessed and he struggles.  It is really for anyone who is labeled one thing but doesn’t feel that they can live up to that.

I just loved the reactions of the other crayons in the book.  As they give advice as to why red can’t draw in that color and then when he turns out to be blue, of course they knew it all along.  They offer funny  and insightful comments that certainly lighten the mood of the story, although the fact that it is crayons makes it fairly amusing to begin with.

I also loved the alternating black and white backgrounds.  It makes the visuals extremely striking!

Who this book is for: 
A fun book for any kid but especially relevant now.

Final thoughts: 
I love that the narrator is a pencil.

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Red: A Crayon's Story  A portion of each purchase will go back to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.