Eye opening, interesting. Important. This should be recommended reading in college! Gender is a big buzzy topic in today’s society and on social media. Many close minded people who do not know much about the topic tend to jump to incorrect conclusions and make false assumptions based on what they believe or have been taught. This book offers a factual look at many of our society’s hot topics regarding gender.

Thanks to NetGalley for this graphic novel that I enjoyed so much!

When I saw this book, I was very curious about how, in 40 pages and in a graphic novel format, the author would manage to explain or pass on information about the importance of the difference between gender and sex. But the author did, and did it very well! 

Throughout the book, we have bits of historical and scientific information. At first, I was afraid it would be too complex or difficult to understand, but it wasn't. This book is for anyone, and I am very glad I read it!

“Trans or cis, we are all on gender journeys. And all gender journeys are valid.”

Imagine a book made entirely of infographics. That's what this one is, and I am not mad at it. I really enjoyed the historical retrospective of how the term gender because such a hot button topic, as well as the immense intersectionality of it with colonialism and all it's ugly facets (sexism, racism, etc).

No matter what your political beliefs are or your age, everyone needs to read this book with an open mind. This book obviously talks a lot about gender and deconstructs the roles of masculinity and femininity. It makes you wonder if everything you were told as a child was actually something you agreed with. For a graphic novel, this book gives just the ton of information I wish I had when I was so desperately trying to find answers and getting nowhere with, like, who I am? And what does it mean to be male or female? Why do I feel like none of those and, at the same time, still identify with those labels? It also helps further my argument that not everything needs to be labeled. Dress how you want, act how you want, and be who you want. Life is too short to be what others are telling you to be. I also absolutely love the sources at the end of the book this topic was thoroughly researched. This book should be included with teaching a child sex education, I highly recommend.

Gender Is Really Strange is a simple, high level and accessible introduction to how sex and gender differ and it also covers the history of different cultures and history of how we saw gender over the history. It also defines some of the categories including trans, intersex, non-binary, agender and several others (there was a mistake in this book conflating gender fluid and gender flux which are not the same thing but this book says they are.)

The book also talks about white supremacy and its impact on the gender definition and norms. There are several other related topics around science, physical activities, etc. It's comprehensive and interesting and absolutely a great introduction in an easily consumable format.

With gratitude to netgalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

“Trans or cis, we are all on gender journeys… and all gender journeys are valid.”
Very well said!!

I would totally recommend this to all audiences for its spectacular & highly informative writing on gender identity. So much amazing research was obviously put into this — something I applaud greatly — especially when looking at gender expression in different cultures. With its simple but pleasing graphic art style, the delivery of information is nicely arranged and digestible.

As someone who believes themselves to be very well-informed about the complexities of gender, I still got lots out of this. I would also recommend this to people who may not be as well informed about this topic and prefer looking at things with a heavy focus on excellent research & scientific information, rather than more personal & anecdotal evidence. (Both are obviously wonderful to use in the right ways of course! I just know some have personal preferences when it comes to nonfiction writing.) I believe this book accurately explains concepts in a way which is understandable even if you weren't to have much prior knowledge. Frequently, it also provides additional recommended readings if interested; a valuable incorporation.

This comic includes information on how gender diversity and non-binary genders are not new things — something super important to remember!! It shows many examples of gender expression in different cultures and how European colonization & westernization are the causes for so many of these identities being erased. I also appreciate how it encourages the reader to conduct their own further research on these diverse identities from people belonging to these specific communities (and others not mentioned) and to support their own arts & writings.

Additionally, I loved the little discussion on how some people are seen as “genetically gifted” and others are seen as “unfair to compete” in sports. The included example of Caster Semenya, a cis black woman who was treated extremely unfairly was highly appreciated, especially in these recent years of growing hate by racist and transphobic people who debate the inclusivity of particular people in sports and obviously know little to nothing about the realities of the topic in hand.

The point on how gendered expectations are social constructs, just like how gender itself is a social construct was awesome. It includes a good dozen of questions for readers to start actively exploring & questioning their own gender which is cool. As someone who is cis, I believe it’s important and healthy for everyone to occasionally do this, and the fact that the book tells you the first step is to give yourself permission to question your gender identity is phenomenal.

Overall, I’m unbelievably grateful for coming across this informative comic and utterly hope others pick it up as well. It’s fairly short which aids its accessibility and won’t intimidate potential readers. With it being such an inclusive read, I truly believe it’d be an amazing addition in schools and workplaces to spread enlightening & factual information on such an important topic.

Thank you to Jessica Kingsley Publishers and NetGalley for this eARC. All views and opinions are entirely my own.

“Trans or cis, we are all on gender journeys. And all gender journeys are valid.”


I found this book very informing and will definitely pick up a physical copy when it comes out.
I especially appreciated it talks about the history of gender and the role white supremacy played a part in the way we see gender today.

Gender is indeed very strange, but this book makes it a bit easier to understand.

I want to thank NetGalley for an ARC of this book, it did not influence my opinion in any way.

While I really did enjoy this book, there were certain terms that went way over my head. I think maybe adding a glossary to the endpages would help this book be more readable.

DNF - My main reason for abandoning this read is that I didn't understand (linguistically) more than half of the vocabulary in this book. Due to the language barrier, which I had hoped reading this book might clarify, I will not be moving forward. There is a lot that is happening in this book & this might work for other readers but, for me, this served to muddle the subject.

4 stars. I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

There was a surprising amount of information packed into such a short book! It is more like a series of infographics than a true graphic novel. I enjoyed the color palate, but the illustrations often felt impersonal or like they could have done more to add to the text, particularly for some of the more scientific parts.

I loved the emphasis on decolonizing gender and how a binary perspective on gender is something that historically did not exist across many cultures around the world. Also appreciated that neurodiversity got a mention! I would have been interested to see what could have been explained if the book was 2-3x as long (closer to the typical length of a graphic novel).

*reviewed by uncorrected eARC via netgalley* (40+pp ~ 1hr+)

graphic nonfiction - a very comprehensive guide to the multitude of different ways people might self-identify in terms of gender, the history of the ways gender has been understood in diverse cultures and how the false idea of a binary has been used to oppress women and BIPOC individuals, and a bit of the science surrounding gender expression and relevant hormones.

Short but dense--fortunately the text is easily skimmable, so readers can find the sections they are most interested in, and build from there. Can be helpful for people trying to put words to their feelings of gender identity, or to provide their allies and potential allies (with specific sections bookmarked) with some helpful information. Includes citations and scholarly footnotes of less-necessary background reading. I liked the section that describes how gender diversity and non-binary genders have been present in various cultures for ages (Classical Judaism, Traditional Buddhism, and Indigenous cultures from different continents), even if the anti-patriarchy/anti-white-supremacy sentiment (which for the most part I agree with) felt a bit heavy-handed and perhaps more divisive than I would have written it.

I hope that some conflicting statements get edited before publication, notably the supposition that the increased prevalence of anxiety/depression among cis-women vs. cis-men is entirely due to societal pressures and 'NOT' biology--I think estradiol and physical health conditions (perimenopause, for sure, is no small thing) can definitely be an influence here as well as societal expectations. A few pages later, the text clarifies that it isn't known how much is biology vs. socialization, and goes into more detail about what data might be available, but I'm still a bit put off by the initial over-generalization, so I really hope this gets tweaked before publication.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!!

Really great illustrative book about how gender can be “really strange” in the best sense you can think of. Explanations go from very simple and understandable to kind of biology class descriptions of what happens inside our bodies with hormones and other stuff regarding this matter. They are accompanied by extraordinarily beautiful illustrations and a perfect balance between calm and vivid colour palette which make the explanations easier to understand.

Really recommend giving it a try, it reads in less than an hour (a bit more if you stop to enjoy the illustrations like i did) and maybe it will surprise you with it’s info ;) Happy Pride everyone!!✨

Very informative and I did find this very interesting!

There were parts of the explanations I found difficult to understand, I feel like you have to have some prior knowledge about what certain biological terms are, but, all in all I do think this is a great developing graphic novel that delves into an enlightening subject… gender!

This short, illustrated novel explores the complexities of gender identity in a way that is simple and easy to understand. It explores the history of gender in indigenous cultures and religions worldwide, the impact of European colonization and white supremacy, and confronts anglocentric ideas of gender roles. Packed with information, references, and suggestions for further reading, it's an excellent resource for anyone wanting to learn about gender issues.

I would like to express my gratitude to the author and the publisher for generously providing me with the opportunity to read an ARC of Gender is Really Strange

This graphic novel serves as an invaluable resource, particularly for individuals seeking to expand their understanding of gender. This graphic novel skillfully presents clear explanations of key terms, making it accessible and easy to comprehend. Additionally, it initiates thought-provoking discussions by highlighting the concept of gender as a social construct—an aspect that holds significant importance in our modern society.

I sincerely believe that this work offers a concise yet highly informative reading experience, accompanied by captivating illustrations that add to its overall charm.

Beautifully illustrated, well detailed graphic non fic about gender. Loved the format and the simplicity whilst also being thoroughly referenced and honest. Definitely has sparked thoughts for me.

Gender Is Really Strange was incredibly informative, enlightening, and beautifully illustrated. While I had a pretty intensive knowledge of gender and other personal identifiers, I learned so much about how society and white supremacy have impacted how we view gender today. I feel like this comic should be the intro to learning about gender identity — it really covered all of the bases, so to speak. Seeing neurodivergence mentioned throughout this book was also very validating for me, and I appreciate that inclusion as I can definitely say that being a bit “neurospicy” has affected the way I have viewed myself through my lifetime.

I was gifted an advance copy of this wonderful educational comic, thanks to NetGalley.

(Received this ARC from Netgalley)
This book went very in depth on gender. It was well balanced with information. The illustrations were beautiful and colorful so that was great ! I did get bored threw the middle because it was SO MUCH data and facts.

This graphic novel is a really great resource for people learning about gender. I love that it uses easy, effective language to really get the point across. There is a lot of misinformation regarding sex and gender, so it is nice to see an easy-to-understand breakdown of the terms, as well as the conversation regarding gender being a social construct. I also like that it discussed gender throughout the world.
Overall, I think this is a really short but informational read that is beautifully illustrated, and I would definitely recommend reading it!

I haven't read any of the other "Really Strange" books, but now I'm interested in them! It was a short and beautifully illustrated guide that still managed to cover a wide variety of topics. It discussed the etymology of gender, how colonialism affected gender and gender roles, the medical side of gender/sex, and what to do if you're struggling with your gender identity. It did well at explaining each of the topics while giving pointers of where to research first. It's like baby's first gender analysis when Judith Butler is far too difficult. The art style was what originally caught my eye and it was consistently beautiful throughout. I absolutely recommend this to anyone interested in the biopsychosocial elements of gender.