Gavin Grimm

Some choices are harder than others.

Growing up, student Gavin Grimm knew about choices. He knew whether to eat worms on a dare, whether to sneakily adopt a pet frog and hide it from his mother, and that he had to make a choice about standing up for his right to use the boys’ bathroom at school. This last choice, however, was deemed controversial by a transphobic teacher and by students who bullied Gavin. But Gavin still had a decision to make: He could stay silent, or he could fight back. In this picture-book, trans activist Grimm, with author Lukoff, documents his early life and his role fighting for trans rights, a battle that sadly is far from over. The story’s simple but direct text and vibrant digital illustrations work in tandem to create a beautiful, harmonious story that deftly documents Gavin’s fight and explains why trans rights are basic human rights. While librarians and educators will find this an essential title for their shelves, book clubs and individual readers will equally find it useful for discussion, contemplation, and as an excellent introduction to the discussion of trans rights from a humanist perspective. While Gavin’s story is far from over—and he may have many rocky roads ahead—this book will help readers and their caregivers better understand why it was necessary for him to make these difficult but vital choices.

There’s no choice here. Buy it! (Picture-book biography. 6-10)

-Kirkus Review… (more)