by Maddox Lyons and Jessica Verdi, Illustrated by Dana Simpson
Roaring Brook Press
8/4/20, hardcover
SKU: 9780374310684
Based on a true transgender identity journey, the picture book I'm Not a Girl is an empowering story from writers Maddox Lyons and Jessica Verdi about a boy who is determined to be himself, illustrated by Dana Simpson.
Nobody seems to understand that Hannah is not a girl.
His parents ask why he won't wear the cute outfits they pick out. His friend thinks he must be a tomboy. His teacher insists he should be proud to be a girl.
But a birthday wish, a new word, and a stroke of courage might be just what Hannah needs to finally show the world who he really is.
Reviews:
An important book that can serve as a conversation starter with gender-expansive children and as a tool for cis children to build empathy. --Booklist
Lyons, a 12-year-old trans boy, shares his story in clear, relatable language, sensitively assisted by Verdi and capably supported by Simpson's simple, emotive illustrations: throughout, the protagonist's green eyes express frustration, anxiety, and, finally, happiness. -- Publishers Weekly
About the Contributors:
Maddox Lyons is a twelve-year-old transgender boy who lives in California with his parents, sister, two dogs, and two pet rats. He does advocacy and outreach with LGBTQ+ organizations. Maddox loves drawing and writing, acting, figure skating, and getting lost in a good book.
Jessica Verdi is the author of several books for children and young adults, including And She Was, What You Left Behind, and The Summer I Wasn't Me. She lives in New York with her family, and loves traveling, hot sauce, theater, flip-flops, and all animals.
Dana Simpson, a native of Gig Harbor, Washington, is the creative force behind the internet strip Ozy and Millie and the comic phenomenon Phoebe and Her Unicorn, which is now syndicated in over 200 newspapers and has generated a robust publishing program. Simpson's books have appeared on the New York Times bestseller list, and won the Washington State Book Award and the Pacific Northwest Book Award.