Hooray for She, He, Ze, and They!

Written in a conversational tone, this book aims to affirm a child’s desire to express gender identity however they want: through clothes, hairstyle, or, as stated by the title, pronouns. Some pronouns will be familiar (she, they) while others are less so (fae, per). The less-common pronouns are mentioned but not explored further. The text is light and airy. The book introduces pronouns by using a metaphor about how cozy the right pronoun choice makes one feel. Examples include a warm cup of cocoa or jumping for the stars. Each page has only one or two dozen words. Sentences can be complex with advanced vocabulary words; this is a book to be read aloud, shared, and discussed. Vibrant illustrations are composed of watercolors and pastels. They depict children of different races in many different outfits and hairstyles engaged in imaginative play. Back matter includes sweet notes from the author and illustrator addressing their inspiration for the book. VERDICT A worthwhile addition to large collections with other books on the subject. -- School Library Journal * 12/15/23 *
With their debut picture book, LGBTQ+ activist and YouTube host Amer expounds on the joy of finding the right pronoun.

The author, who narrates and appears in this story, waves to their audience: “Hi, friend! I’m Lindz, and my pronouns are they/them. What are your pronouns today?” Light-skinned with glasses, short black hair, and purple overalls, Lindz explains that pronouns “tell people about our gender” and that “gender is that tingly feeling inside that tells you who you are and how you want to express yourself to the world.” Alizadeh depicts gender-diverse kids in colorful, swirling watercolor and pencil illustrations, all with varying skin tones, hairstyles, and clothing. The pronouns that the children pick for themselves include she, he, they, and a few that might be new to some readers: ze, hir, fae, and per. What’s the big deal about pronouns, though? “When someone uses your right pronouns, it feels like pulling on your favorite sweater that fits just right,” Lindz explains. The narrative invites readers to consider which pronouns “feel as cozy as sleeping under a million blankets,” while making space for those who may not know yet. Focusing on affirmation rather than dysphoria, this book is a positive introduction to pronouns. The text is uplifting, but it’s the arresting illustrations that will truly capture readers’ attention. Author’s and illustrator’s notes aimed at adults further discuss gender euphoria.

Vibrant, swirling illustrations steal the show in this sweet tale about pronouns. (Picture book. 5-8) -- Kirkus Reviews * 01/01/2024 *
Defining gender as “that tingly feeling inside that tells you who you are and how you want to express yourself to the world,” Amer next runs through pronouns (he, she, they, ze, hir, fae, and per), noting that “you can choose your own pronouns. Use whichever feels right to you.” Broadly discussing gender, conversational text suggests how wondrous it feels when “your right pronouns” are used (like “a favorite sweater” or “a warm hug”), and asks readers what pronouns they use (“Do they and them feel like you can jump so high, you can say ‘hello’ to the moon and the stars?”), while noting that it’s also okay not to know yet. Thick brushstrokes of color give movement to Alizadeh’s pencil and watercolor- and pastel-texture-infused digital artwork, whose joyful depictions of individuals, including the book’s creators, include characters of various skin tones feeling at home in the world. Creators’ notes conclude. Ages 4–8. (Feb.) -- Publishers Weekly * 11/6/2023 *