THE BOLD WORLD, by Jodie Patterson

Author: Jodie Patterson
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Review by: Giselle Bloch, Pflag Parent

I have read numerous memoirs written by parents of transgender children, and The Bold World is one of my favourites!

One of her five children is just able to speak when he declares that he’s a boy, and Jodie describes her struggles and breakthroughs with raw honesty. She eventually learns and grows as her family evolves and changes around her. Jodie not only explores gender identity; she incorporates culture, racism and sexism into her narrative.

Jodie’s experiences propel her toward activism for her own child and the trans community, and her memoir is a powerful and intimate glimpse into the power of one parent’s love for her child. I highly recommend this beautiful and transformative book!

A HOUSE FOR EVERYONE By Jo Hirst

BOOK REVIEW: A HOUSE FOR EVERYONE

Author: Jo Hirst,
Illustrator: Naomi Bardoff
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley
Review by: Giselle Bloch, Pflag Parent

A House For Everyone is a wonderful children’s book challenging gender stereotypes. It is appropriate for children aged approximately 4-8. When I read this book to my 5 year old loved one earlier this week, she was intrigued by the child with short hair who wasn’t a boy. She asked numerous questions, which sparked some fascinating discussion around gender. She began to understand that we tend to make assumptions about people based on our visual cues, yet those cues may be wrong. She learned that we all are who we are, and that’s okay! It was a wonderful teachable moment for the next generation who will be breaking existing boundaries and paving the way for a more inclusive society. I highly recommend A House For Everyone to folks looking for a good bedtime story and interesting conversation around gender with the young ones in their lives!