<i>Trans Children in Today’s Schools</i> by Tori M. Taylor is an essential and timely resource that sheds light on the unique challenges faced by transgender children in educational settings. The book is an insightful exploration of the social, emotional, and legal barriers trans youth face within schools, while also providing invaluable guidance for educators, parents, and allies on how to support and advocate for trans students. Taylor’s approach is both compassionate and educational, fostering understanding and empathy for a group that is often marginalized and misunderstood. As an educator, there is no question in my mind as to the sheer necessity of the education offered by this book for today’s adults to ensure we do our best not to fail in protecting and supporting these students.

In an era where tolerance, understanding, and compassion are critical, especially for vulnerable communities, <i>Trans Children in Today’s Schools</i> emphasizes how much work remains to ensure that trans children feel safe, valued, and accepted. The book does more than just describe the issues— it provides concrete strategies to build inclusive environments that allow trans students to thrive. Whether addressing bullying, teaching inclusive curricula, or advocating for legal protections, the book calls for a collective effort to protect and uplift trans youth, who too often face discrimination, isolation, and a lack of support.

The importance of this topic has only grown in urgency, especially in light of the 2024 election and the heightened political climate surrounding transgender rights. The political landscape, particularly in the wake of growing conservative and Republican-led attacks on trans rights, makes the insights in this book even more impactful. Many Republican lawmakers have pushed for harmful policies, such as banning gender-affirming care for minors, restricting access to bathrooms, and limiting the discussion of LGBTQ+ topics in schools. These policies pose a direct threat to the safety, well-being, and future of transgender children, as well as to the societal acceptance of diversity and human rights.

In this context, the insights offered in this book become even more necessary. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for compassion, equality, and the basic rights of children, especially those who are already at a disadvantage. Trans children deserve to be supported in every space and particularly in schools, which should be a sanctuary for all children to learn, grow, and feel accepted.

The book is a call to action, urging readers to promote inclusivity and offer unyielding support to transgender youth, particularly in a society where many individuals, including political figures, are actively working to dismantle the rights and freedoms of trans people. The 2024 election has shown us just how fragile these protections are, and now more than ever, we must stand firm in our commitment to creating safer, more compassionate environments for everyone, especially those who are most vulnerable.

This is unquestionably an incredibly important read for anyone who cares about the wellbeing of trans children, the promotion of equality, and the future of a more just society. Taylor’s work is impactful, necessary, and deeply relevant, especially in the context of today's political climate. It’s a reminder of the power we all hold in shaping a world where every child—no matter their gender identity—can live with dignity and respect. We can make the world a better place for everyone living within it so long as we have the courage and the resources to educate everyone on how to take part.

As an educator, I found Trans Children in Today's School beneficial and insightful. It gave me helpful information so that I can be supportive to any trans students that I might encounter.

Trans Children in Today's Schools is a great resource for any educator. As a school psychologist, I knew this would be invaluable for me in attempting to ensure I use my position to advocate for gender diverse children. Key included a lot of information in this text, so I took my time in consuming this work. He included many positive actionable steps for educators - such as understanding and approaching the fears that are coming from parents and others who question new policies that are rolled out. He notes that many of these parents are coming from a place of fear and lack of knowledge and are open to hearing information and growing if they are treated with compassion. I appreciated this a great bit and feel like I added quite a few tools to my tool belt. The only critique I have is that, at time, Key seemed overly optimistic regarding how open parents and some educators would be to learning more about gender diverse people. While I agree that many, many are, he seemed to hold a belief that all parents and community members could be reasoned with. Unfortunately, I have found that there are some people that are unwilling to listen to facts or evidence no matter how compassionately and patiently it is presented.

“Trans Children in Today’s Schools” by Aidan Key is an essential guide for educators, parents, and anyone navigating the challenges of gender-diverse student bodies. Authored by a seasoned diversity educator, this book goes beyond the what and why of gender diversity, answering the crucial question of how to create inclusive, safe, and flexible environments for gender-diverse young people. Key provides practical strategies, learning points, and real-world discussion tools. It emphasizes the importance of accurate information and collaboration to ensure optimal learning environments free from discrimination.

As a school social worker in an elementary school, this book was very helpful regarding ways I can support trans children in school. I appreciated how the book was divided by various topics and how the author used real life examples to further educate the readers.

4.5 stars rounded up

An excellent resource for parents and educators, Trans Children in Today's Schools methodically goes over the basics of gender identity, how it applies to children, how it is distinct from discussions of sexuality or sexual orientation, current research on gender identity in youth and best practices, concerns that arise, and the nuts and bolts of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all children at school (and somewhat at home, though that's less of the emphasis). The author is thoughtful and inclusive of people from a variety of backgrounds and beliefs who all want the best for their kids.

I went into this as a parent to a gender-diverse child rather than as an educator, so keep that in mind with my review. There was a lot in this book that I found helpful and illuminating, some parts were less interesting but would be really useful for people working in or running a school. It can be a little repetitive at times, but again I think it has to do with the intended audience combined with the understanding that some readers might skip to specific chapters and not get information when it's delivered earlier in the book. The information is delivered with empathy and care, and often includes examples of language that can be used in scenarios from talking with teachers, talking with children of different ages, talking with parents etc. I would love to see this book read widely because I think there is so much misinformation and lack of understanding when it comes to trans and gender-diverse kids. It's a hot button issue that gets politicized, but when it comes down to it most of us just want the best for our kids and want them to be safe and not at higher risk for things like suicide. If you are a parent, an educator, someone who works or volunteers in schools, or are just curious to have a better understanding of this I would recommend reading the book. The audio narration makes it very accessible. I received an audio copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

This book brings gender politics to the forefront. It become incredibly clear that the only allowed gender identity is that of the heterosexual male (don't think it's easy being anything else). I asked for this book after an educator in my district, generally an accepting space, outed an elementary trans student to thousands of people. We need to make sure all children, regardless of what makes them vulnerable (being a child makes you vulnerable-as being human does with the extra burden of being unable to make your own legal decisions.

I have recommended that others read this book and others on the subject. We all love our children. You can only escape that, for most, in the most extreme of people.

If you are new to this "aha moment" please read this or anything else to guide you.