Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet, happy, colorful story of a non-binary child.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In MY SHADOW IS PURPLE, a child whose parents are boy-blue and girl-pink sees themself as somewhere in between: purple. Rather than having to choose, they get to do and be who they are. Everything works out great until the school dance, where boys are on one side of the room and girls are on the other and a teacher asks the child to choose, that they can't be in the middle. But one brave friend joins them to say their shadow is yellow, and another one says theirs is silver, and green, and red, and all colors get to dance together.
Is It Any Good?
There's a joyful sweetness to these colorful pages, emphasizing doing and being what makes each of us happy and authentic. My Shadow is Purple embraces the idea that gender doesn't have to be limited to two options, helping readers understand and celebrate the gender diversity of the people around us. The language and ideas are inclusive and full of love, respect, and empathy. This sweet book reminds us that just one person standing up for others can make an enormous difference.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it feels like not to fit into someone's category for what they think you should be, like in My Shadow is Purple. Has someone expected you to be or act a certain way that didn't fit who you are?
How can we help others who feel like the kid caught in the middle. How can we show empathy and help them feel like they aren't alone?
How could the teacher have behaved differently at the start of the dance? How do the other kids show courage in this book? Where do you find courage when you need it?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Integrity
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Larrikin House
- Publication date : June 15, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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