Member Reviews
A great book geared towards children to discuss how easy it is to ask folx for their pronouns and why it is important to do so.
this is a must-own for libraries!
This is a sweet, pretty simple book about pronouns. I'm glad it exists and think it does its job pretty well! I liked the diversity of people shown in the book's illustrations.
I didn't love the reliance on the word "identifies" as that feels more like a mircoaggression than a correct word describing one's gender. I wasn't always sure that the language or presentation was that well targeted for very young audiences as the book seems to be meant for. It seemed to be trying to focus on gender identity, intersex experience, and pronouns in a very short picture book and I think it might have missed its mark on meeting all three needs - at one point it kind of seemed like it was implying that intersex people were the main people using neo-pronouns, but it moved away from that idea later on. It also didn't really explain what a pronoun IS in the actual grammar sense, which even as it's meant for young kids would probably be helpful... I did like and appreciate the note in the back for parents/adults as well as the resources available there. All in all, a cute, to-the-point and helpful book, there's just some language I would have chosen differently.
Thank you to NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for the ARC!
I like that this is an option available. It really is a learning resource book and does a good job of explaining the ins and outs of the different pronouns. Honestly though I feel like it could have done with a little more storytelling/characters. It read a bit flat and didn't really hold the interest of the target audience. I absolutely love the table in the back though with the different pronouns and uses 🙏🏻 I've screenshot this and will use it day-to-day for sure.
Working in education, as well as raising boys of my own, I am constantly trying to learn more about how to show more respect for those around us. The Pronoun Book is a great starting point to launch conversations that can help us all better understand pronouns, correct use, normalizing conversations and how to navigate inevitable mistakes as they arise. The bright illustrations were eye catching and added to the appeal of the book.
My only issue was that the book came through on my Kindle with some slight formatting issues which were distracting (duplications of words and misaligned sentences).
The conversational format and clear, simple language in The Pronoun Book made it the perfect resource to use to talk with my kids about pronouns and gender diversity and identity. I appreciated that this book not only provides accessible definitions, but it also depicts simple, empowering examples of how to ask someone about their pronouns and what to do if you accidentally get someone’s pronouns wrong. This is a great educational resource for home or school and would be appropriate for anyone ages 5 to adult.
The Pronoun Book is a super cute and informative picture book aimed at teaching young readers about pronouns. Even though I'm an adult and not new to pronouns or the queer community, I am Cisgendered and learned a lot about neo-pronouns, most of which I hadn't even heard of myself! The illustrations are clean and clear and the glossary and pronoun chart at the end of the book are informative. This is a great book for young readers across the board or could be used as a book that trans youth can give to their parents/relatives/etc who might not quite understand about pronouns if they decide to come out to them. Definitely recommended for all shelves!
Thank you to netgalley for the gifted arc in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the story telling format of the book with Ellie and Casey taking us through the different pronouns and how to respectfully use them. The message of inclusivity really impressed me. The simple language and colourful examples given were also amazing,
I especially liked the sample letters provided at the end of the book for anyone needing to inform their child’s teachers or their child’s friends’ parents about the preferred pronouns for their child. It removes a lot of anxiety regarding what to say in such situations.
Kudos to the author!
Really cute with terrific illustrations and plenty of whitespace. That's helpful when digesting new concepts. A few reviews said this book is for everyone, but I really think it's suited best for children up to age 8. All elementary libraries should have this book. In a middle school library, I have a few other go-tos for explaining pronouns. They tend to be part of larger topics including gender expression, bodies, and puberty. But I really like that this book has one purpose and does it beautifully.
This book was short, easy to understand, colourful and diverse, it was a wonderful introductory book for children and adults alike on pronouns and gender. It also contained a glossary on some gender terms and sample letters for parents to inform school teachers or other children's parents of their child's pronouns, which were written in a kind and positive way.
I can recommend this book to people who want to educate their children/younger siblings/friends on different pronouns in a fun manner!
This is a fun and educational book that I would recommend as a resource for anyone interested in learning more about Pronouns - not just children. The illustrations are great and the text is easy to read and understand. I especially appreciated the "Tips and Resources for Adults," which gives great advice and valuable resources, including a sample note to give to parents regarding pronouns. I've never seen anything like that before, and it's a great idea. My daughter is transgender, which is why this book caught my attention. Pronouns have become a huge priority in our household and we now take every opportunity to educate others. I look forward to buying a copy when this hit stores, and promoting it as a resource.
The Pronoun Book by Cassandra Jules Corrigan is such a fantastic bite-sized book about pronouns and identities that is great for EVERYONE. This important book should be in every classroom in school, and I hope to see it in my library. I'll definitely be preordering this essential read to help teach my child about pronouns, compassion, and diversity.
Thanks Jessica Kingsley Publishers for the advanced read in exchange for my honest opinion!
Children’s Pronoun Book explains gender identity
Posted on May 10, 2021 by michellelovatosbookreviews, world's first book color commentator, book reviews with a twist
Every day I get a little older, drift a little farther from the rest of the world. I had to have my grown daughter explain to me what the Pronoun Book was.
The Pronoun Book by Cassandra Jules Corrigan is a children’s title designed to share the proper use of pronouns used in our world today.
Honestly, at first, I thought it was a grammar book, sort of like the old School House Rock series I knew from childhood. I was waiting for a kitschy song and some cartoons.
I guess it is, really. Only today is so much different. Spoiler Alert: There is no kitschy song, but this is a piece of grammar I need to learn all over again.
The Pronoun book tackles gender identity and the respectful way to refer to people these days. This graphic-novel style book explains how to refer to today’s society and delves into addressing those born one sex and determining themselves another.
It never occurred to me that I would insult someone just by the pronouns I used.
“When you were born, you are assigned “female” and “male” based on your biological sex, and people refer to you with the pronouns that match your assigned gender,” the book explains.
Now, however, we all choose our own gender identity, which changes the pronoun choice.
The Pronoun Book explains that “cisgender” means that you are the gender you were born with. So you are a he or she.
“Transgender” is when a person is born with one sexual identity but chooses another. In that case, they are referred to as the sex they desire.
Okay.
Here’s where I got confused. Some people choose not to be identified as any gender, which makes them “non-binary.” These people are neither male nor female.
I did not know this existed.
It’s growing more complicated at this point. Non-binary people who do not identify with any gender are referred to as “agender.” Then some people refer to themselves as both sexes simultaneously, which is “bigender.” Next are the group of people who identify as somewhere between the two genders, which is called “genderqueer.”
I’m surprised that is not insulting.
Finally, there are “genderfluid” people who identify as different genders at different times.
No wonder we all insult each other. Who can keep track? Lord, all mighty.
Anyone in this non-binary group is referred to as they/them/their, depending on how a sentence is constructed. Example: They are my dad. The dress belongs to them.
Wow. This confuses me. I’m not trying to insult anyone. I would never do that. I’m just puzzled by this entire problem of pronouns. Imagine someone trying to learn this from another native language.
But my daughter understood it and caught me up on the world’s terminology.
Wait! There’s more.
The Pronoun Book teaches readers the definition of “intersex,” someone born with both sexual parts. That person is classified as “neo-sexual,” which means they can do whatever they want as far as identity (which I think everyone else can as well). Neo-sex people, however, get their own brand new set of pronouns. We can refer to those folks as ze, zir, or zirs, depending on the sentence tense.
I would have flagged ze/zir/zirs as a misspelled word.
But even my spell check knows these pronoun facts I am unaware of. By the way, isn’t ze, zir, or zirs singling out one group of people? If you are ze, zir, or zirs, then doesn’t that automatically tell everyone something about their body? Doesn’t that single them out? Is that something we need to know? I’m so confused.
This is standard terminology for today’s world, however, and explains why people like me can be so offensive in public.
Lord, I’m only 57. I’m not THAT old. It sure is a good thing the Pronoun Book is out to explain social manners to people like me. I would have gotten it wrong every time.
Here’s what I think about all this, reader. It might be best for me just to keep my mouth shut. That way, I can’t offend anyone. I wonder if sign language has different pronouns now too.
BoutiquePublishingService@hotmail.com
BoutiqueBooks@hotmail.com
Happy are those who respect the Lord and obey him. You will enjoy what you work for, and you will be blessed with good things. Psalm 128: 1-2
This book made my millennial heart very happy. This book teaches about pronouns in a way that is direct, polite, and easy to understand by providing both definitions and examples pronouns and other terms that deal with gender. While directed at kids, this book would be a very helpful resource for anyone wanting to show love and inclusion. As seen on the cover, the illustrations show people of various backgrounds so kids will see themselves in the pages. The book includes tips and resources for adults, a pronoun chart, glossary, and sample letters of what parent’s can write to their child’s teachers and friend’s parents asking them to respect their child’s pronouns. Pronouns are not political. Using the correct pronouns and other forms of inclusive language is a sign of love and respect.
Thank you to NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Pronoun Book, is a brightly coloured and informative book aimed for children. Although if you are an adult that finds pronouns confusing, you may also find this book helpful.
The illustrations are what grabbed my attention to this book first. The are incredibly diverse, featuring people of all sizes, shapes, races and nationalities.
It starts off with the basics, explaining Male and Female pronouns, and then goes on further using terms such cis, non-binary and transgenger.
The Pronoun Book, is written in an easy way for children (and adults) to understand, and at the end of the book even includes letter templates for parents to use when discussing Pronouns with family/friends and for their child’s school.
As someone that works with children and is very familiar with children’s books, I can highly recommend!
A very short but concise introduction to pronouns for children, this book covers quite a lot of information that is needed when teaching children to respect other people’s pronouns. I would definitely use this as a teaching resource.
I adored this little book. The illustrations are charming and inclusive, the language accessible without condescension, and I love the resources for parents and guardians in the back of the book! I found it to be straight-forward and warm all at once, which is exactly what I believe these resources should be for a younger audience.
As a non-binary individual, it’s great to see books and resources such as this coming out for children so we can raise them to be a part of an increasingly diverse and inclusive world. Excited to get my hands on a physical copy for my niece when I’m able!
Honestly, I feel like this book should be for adults just as much as kids! I definitely learned some new phrases, and I think teaching our kids about pronouns today is definitely something that should be addressed. This book was written in a very approachable way, and reinforced that the most important thing is to ask questions and be openminded. I also really like the example letters and other recommended books at the end. I received a free copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
This is a great book for teaching young children about gender identity. The book explains what a pronoun is in a simple and easy to understand way. It also explains that it is up to individuals to choose their own pronoun. There are clear illustrations throughout making it very simple to understand.
This book teaches children to be aware and sensitive to others and their identity and would be a useful book for Primary Schools. It also has helpful notes for teachers and carers at the end. An important book on diversity and inclusion!
Thank you to NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publications for this eARC.
This book is stunning and should be in primary schools across the country. A beautiful little book.
Not only does it do a great job at pitching pronouns to a child friendly age but includes great resources for parents and teacher too.
The world needs more books like this
The Pronoun Book is a wonderful introduction for children about gender identity and pronouns. It's very straightforward and easy to understand. I liked the illustrations and think this will be perfect for elementary school aged children.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC.