If You’re a Kid Like Gavin: The True Story of a Young Trans Activist

Thanks for all your work Gavin, and for sharing your story that is so artistically illustrated. Well done! This is such a beautiful and important book- buy this for libraries and as gifts!

Gavin Grimm successfully fought his high school in federal court for the right to use the boy’s bathroom like the boy he is. To write a picture book about his experience, he teamed up with Kyle Lukoff, a two-time Stonewall Award winner, Newbery honoree, former children’s librarian, and also a trans man. I can think of no better pairing. Together with illustrator J Yang, they’ve given us a must-read book for readers of all identities.Grimm and Lukoff frame the book around choices and power that kids do—and don’t—have. Using present tense and a direct address to readers, they immediately set up a resonance with Grimm’s experience. For trans children, the phrase “if you’re a kid like Gavin” may have a particular meaning related to trans identities; for others, it may evoke how Grimm stood up for himself or simply the many ways in which he was like so many other kids: going to school, celebrating birthdays with family, and having lunch with friends. Readers of all identities will have a way into the story—a way that prepares them to sympathize with Grimm’s perspective on who he is and why he fights for that.Grimm and Lukoff show us how Grimm came out to his family and attended high school as the boy that he is. His school principal was supportive when he wanted to use the boy's bathroom, but when a teacher began agitating against him, Grimm chose to fight back, speaking out locally and reaching out to the ACLU for help. He also spoke with other trans kids and tried to help them, too.Grimm and Lukoff do not get into the details of Grimm’s years-long legal battle for the right to use the restroom that matched his gender, but that feels appropriate for the picture-book age group. Instead, they focus on Grimm’s feelings and his broad desire to live authentically.The story of Grimm’s choices, resilience, and commitment to being himself, told powerfully by him and one of the best children’s book authors around, bar none, deserves to be on everyone’s bookshelf.

This book is a poorly written, one-sided account of Gavin Grimm's fight to use the boys' bathroom at his high school. The author, Gavin Grimm, is clearly biased in his favor, and he does not present any of the opposing viewpoints in a fair or balanced way.The book is also full of inaccuracies. For example, Grimm claims that he was "banned" from using the boys' bathroom, when in fact he was simply asked to use a single-stall bathroom instead. He also claims that he was "bullied" by his classmates, when in fact there is no evidence to support this claim.This book is a disappointing and inaccurate account of a controversial issue. I would not recommend it to anyone.

Book about advocating for yourself

Disclaimer: I received this finished copy from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.Book: If You’re A Kid Like GavinAuthor: Gavin Grimm, Kyle Lukoff, J. YangBook Series: StandaloneRating: 5/5Diversity: Trans MCRecommended For...: children’s, picture books, Trans rights, activismPublication Date: January 1, 2022Genre: Children’s Picture BookAge Relevance: 4+ (bullying, harassment)Explanation of Above: The book shows and talks about the bullying and harassment the MC deals with.Publisher: Katherine Tegen BooksPages: 42Synopsis: The picture book biography follows Gavin in his fight against his school administration when he was banned from using the boys' restroom, eventually taking his case to the Supreme Court.Review: I really liked this picture book! I loved that it talks about trans rights and that the book showed an MC who grew up throughout the book and showed the honest reality of the bullying and harassment they face because of who they are. I also loved that the book is autobiographical and shows activism throughout the book. The book is for a little bit older children, but it can definitely help young kids understand kids who are like Gavin.Verdict: Adorable and very important! Highly recommend!

I really appreciate the way this story is told. It makes it about all trans kids and not just Gavin Grimm while simultaneously lifting up Gavin as the remarkable young leader he is!

Great story and great artwork!!

Great book for young kids and adults telling Gavin’s story and to stick up for yourself.