Common Sense Media Review
By Oliver Scout Guerisoli
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Inclusive, clear, loving story of gender affirmation.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In IT FEELS GOOD TO BE YOURSELF, kids Ruthie, Xavier, Alex, and JJ share their different gender identities with their families and community. Words introduce each gender and explain what they means in age-appropriate text, while Illustrations show happy, caring, and inclusive interactions. Many diverse bodies, clothing and hair styles, and families are depicted. The heart of each page is "No matter what your gender identity is, you are okay exactly the way you are. And you are loved."
Is It Any Good?
This simple story of love as children share their gender identities is a family bookshelf must-have. It Feels Good to Be Yourself empowers all children -- and all people -- to accept and love themselves and one another, just as we are. This can be a complicated subject for some people, but author Theresa Thorn distills terms and practices in a clear and concise way. Positive parent role models demonstrate how to affirm those around us, while positive child role models display integrity of self when given the safety to do so. This is a book that offers readers of all ages a chance to learn and love in the most generous of ways. In the illustrator's note, Noah Grigni encourages readers to "continue this work, rewrite these definitions, share your stories, and build a future more expansive than we can imagine. You are the future we're fighting for."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about gender in It Feels Good to Be Yourself. What is your gender, or are you still figuring it out? Has your gender changed over time?
Ruthie shows integrity when sharing her gender with her family. Has there been a time when people assumed something about you that wasn't true? What did you do? What would you like to have happen next time?
Noah Grigni illustrated many different styles of clothing in the book. Which one or ones do you like best?
If someone tells you their gender identity, how can you respond respectfully?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Noah Grigni
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Curiosity , Empathy , Integrity , Perseverance
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Henry Holt & Company, Inc.
- Publication date : June 4, 2019
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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