Published: March 23 2021
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
Illustrator: MacKenzie Haley
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book
★ ★ ★ ★ – 4 Stars
Based on a true story this is a great book about a young boy discovering his sister is transgender. The focus of the story is on Evan and his understanding and it was great to have a book that explores the adjustment phase when a sibling transitions and how it can be confusing. Books with trans protagonists are important but I love that it’s acknowledged that it can be hard for siblings to understand at first, especially when kids are young.
Rhodes-Courter’s examples and explanations are perfect and she uses kid friendly terms that help them understand. Reading the author note in the back revealed this is based on her own experience with her children which adds another level of support knowing that there are a variety of experiences out there for families with transgender children. One thing I loved from her note was the acknowledgement that because society is speaking openly about gender now it’s allowing kids to find their voices sooner.
Evan’s understanding and shift of language through the book is gradual and it was great to see his support as he comes to understand his sister’s feelings. There is no immediate happily ever after in every case but as the story is about Evan his progress is the main focus and his support is the most important thing. I also love how Rhodes-Courter uses binary language to show how Sam feels different without ever making her feel excluded. It was wonderful to see the adults always having a solution and being supportive with compromises in various situations.
Haley’s illustrations are realistic and detailed. The blend between reality and the children’s imaginations is beautiful and seeing their games expressed on the page was a fun detail.
Overall it was a great book. It is a bit wordy but the explanations and the storyline require it as it helps fully grasp what is happening and how the dynamic has shifted in the family. It never felt drawn out and it’s engaging all the way through and is a wonderful story for everyone to enjoy.
You can purchase Sam Is My Sister via the following
