picture books to address same-sex parenting and non-normative sexuality, they expressed concerns about potentially upsetting classroom parents, being perceived as pushing a “gay agenda,” or being too “in-your-face.” They also worried parents would question the age-appropriateness of the material. Yet what is discussed at home, or the beliefs and cultural upbringing at home, should not silence the different viewpoints students may encounter at school. Social justice in education calls on students and teachers to dialogue about difference and refrain from judgement of what is right or wrong, but rather understand the context for beliefs and opinions and act equitably and respectfully. Picture books are a great way to approach conversations about diverse gender and sexual identities with young children. I ask teachers and parents alike, what gendered stories do you perpetuate to your children? Do they believe all identities are acceptable? Let’s prepare our children to live and work in a world of diversity and inclusion. Engage in critical questioning, be mindful of your bias, and develop respect for perspectives that are not your own. Create opportunities for children to see same-sex relationships, even if this falls outside your personal values. I invite you to find ways to challenge gender stereotypes and encourage multiple viewpoints with these books. Have you read? ’How do we solve LGBTQ+ discrimination? One word: visibility’ 1. Annie’s Plaid Shirt By Stacy B. Davids (2015, Upswing Press) Annie loves her plaid shirt and wears it all the time. One day, her mom announces her uncle’s wedding and tells Annie that she must wear a dress. This makes Annie miserable as she hates wearing dresses and wishes her mom understood. 2. The Sissy Duckling By Harvey Fierstein (2002, Simon & Schuster) Elmer likes to clean, do crafts and bake, but he is not accepted by his peers or his own father. Through Elmer’s struggles, he learns about acceptance and difference, and eventually, so do the others. 3. King and King By Linda De Haan & Stern Nijland (2000, Tricycle Press) A mother introduces her young prince to various princesses with the intention of marriage. One day a princess arrives escorted by her brother, Prince Lee. To everyone’s surprise the prince is much more interested in the brother than he is the princess. 4. 10,000 Dresses By Marcus Ewert and Rex Ray (2008, Triangle Square) Bailey dreams about magical dresses, but no one ever wants to hear about them. Then Bailey meets Laurel who is inspired by Bailey’s imagination and courage. They begin making dresses together and Bailey becomes the girl she always dreamed of becoming. 5. Pink is for Boys By Robb Pearlman (2018, Running Press) This book challenges stereotypes around blue for boys and pink for girls and empowers kids and adults to express themselves in every colour of the rainbow. 6. A Tale of Two Daddies By Vanita Oelschlager (2010, VanitaBooks) A boy on the playground questions a girl about her two Dads, wondering which Dad does what. The girl explains, quite simply, that one Dad does some things and the other Dad does the others. 7. Worm Loves Worm By J.J. Austrian (2016, Balzer + Bray) Two worms fall in love and decide to get married. Their friends want to know who will wear the dress or the tux, but the worms assure them that it doesn’t matter because they love each other. 8. Mom and Mum are Getting Married! By Ken Setterington (2004, Second Story Press) Rosie comes home to happiness when one of her two mothers announces, “Your Mum and I are getting married!” They can’t wait to start planning the big day. At this party, family, friends and fun come together for a joyous celebration of love.
PRIDE Villager
Page 9 Issue 4 • Spring 2020
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