Since last week was both World Book Day and International Women’s Day, I’ve been thinking about books that show balanced examples of boys: boys who like things that boys aren’t expected to like, wear things that boys aren’t expected to wear, and represent ethnicities, racial identities, religions that aren’t front and centre in our society. We’re lucky to have a growing number of books like these being printed - but it still takes a bit of digging to find books that represent a range of boyhoods and masculinities. Here’s a few to get you started - I’ll have updates of new finds every now and then.
Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
I love everything about this book - the stunning illustrations, the gentle message, and the representations of women like Julian’s grandmother who you rarely get to see drawn at all, much less so beautifully. The story is about a little boy who loves mermaids, and who wants to be one. Although he’s worried about what his grandmother might think, she has a lovely surprise for him. This one is great for all ages - older kids will pick up on the tension of Julian doing something gender-transgressive, and little kids will just like the idea of being a mermaid.
2. My Princess Boy by Cheryl Kilodavis
I like this one a lot, except for the princess language! It is great for younger children - very clear about how much they love their ‘princess boy’, who loves to wear dresses and sparkly things, and how everyone should be kind to boys who want to wear dresses. There is one mention of someone laughing at the princess boy, but nothing too negative or scary happens. The illustrations are simple and gentle, and leave space for younger readers to imagine the scenes in more detail. I might even overlook the ‘princess’ bit because it is really likeable otherwise.
3. Jacob’s New Dress by Sarah Hoffman
Jacob wants to wear a dress at school. He has to listen to a lot of negative stereotypes from the other children, but ultimately they come around.
This book is better for older kids who have already been introduced to the idea that there are ‘girls’ and ‘boys’ clothes and interests. It’s a good way to talk about what they might have heard from peers. I wouldn’t recommend it for younger children who may have not heard these stereotypes before, because it could introduce the idea to them. The style is a bit didactic but it does get the message across.
4. How to be a Lion by Ed Vere
This one doesn’t pass my Montessori test of ‘no talking animals’, but it is excellent and worth breaking the rules for. It tells the story of a gentle lion, who likes to write poems and refuses to eat a duck he befriends, despite peer pressure from the other lions. A great way to talk about how there are lots of ways to be a boy. The message of this will probably be too mature for the younger set who may find the idea of lions chomping up ducks quite scary!
5. One of a Kind by Chris Gorman
I have this one on order so I can’t vouch for it completely, but it looks really great. It talks about a boy who dresses differently than other boys, who likes different music, and who dances in a different way. It shows a different kind of masculinity that isn’t mainstream but also doesn’t involve dress-wearing or being a princess. I think A will really love it.
Do you have any favourites? I’d love to hear what you’ve been reading!
This post contains some affiliate links, which means that if you purchase something through a link, it won’t cost you any more, but I will earn a small commission which helps to support my work. Thank you!!