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Calvin
In this joyful and impactful picture book, a transgender boy prepares for the first day of school and introduces himself to his family and friends for the first time.
Calvin has always been a boy, even if the world sees him as a girl. He knows who he is in his heart and in his mind but he hasn't yet told his family. Finally, he can wait no longer: I'm not a girl, he tells his family. I'm a boy—a boy in my heart and in my brain. Quick to support him, his loving family takes Calvin shopping for the swim trunks he's always wanted and back-to-school clothes and a new haircut that helps him look and feel like the boy he's always known himself to be. As the first day of school approaches, he's nervous and the what-ifs gather up inside him. But as his friends and teachers rally around him and he tells them his name, all his what-ifs begin to melt away.
Inspired by the authors' own transgender child and accompanied by warm and triumphant illustrations, this authentic and personal text promotes kindness and empathy, offering a poignant and inclusive back-to-school message: all should feel safe, respected, and welcomed.
Calvin has always been a boy, even if the world sees him as a girl. He knows who he is in his heart and in his mind but he hasn't yet told his family. Finally, he can wait no longer: I'm not a girl, he tells his family. I'm a boy—a boy in my heart and in my brain. Quick to support him, his loving family takes Calvin shopping for the swim trunks he's always wanted and back-to-school clothes and a new haircut that helps him look and feel like the boy he's always known himself to be. As the first day of school approaches, he's nervous and the what-ifs gather up inside him. But as his friends and teachers rally around him and he tells them his name, all his what-ifs begin to melt away.
Inspired by the authors' own transgender child and accompanied by warm and triumphant illustrations, this authentic and personal text promotes kindness and empathy, offering a poignant and inclusive back-to-school message: all should feel safe, respected, and welcomed.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2021
3 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
December 3, 2021
It could just be this easy.
This loving and accepting.
This peaceful.
This loving and accepting.
This peaceful.
December 9, 2021
Reading this at work created an awkward moment for me as I had to restrain myself from openly weeping at my desk about a children's book.
Absolutely beautiful. This is how every parent should celebrate their trans child. If I could give this book a million stars I would.
Absolutely beautiful. This is how every parent should celebrate their trans child. If I could give this book a million stars I would.
July 28, 2022
This is a wonderful book about a child who comes out as transgender. We see the reactions of Calvin's parents, educators, and friends, and we see the positive impact on a child when people accept them for who they truly are.
March 8, 2023
Illustrationerna i den här bilderboken fick tårarna att börja rinna. EXAKT såhär bör representation göras. Människorna i boken är ritade med en så kärleksfull hand och med en stor variation. Olika hudfärger, tjocka, smala, gamla, unga, med och utan rullstol, cispersoner och transpersoner.
En bok som borde finnas på alla förskolor och i alla bibliotek.
Calvin har alltid vetat att han är en pojke men han är rädd för att berätta för sin familj att han känner sig på ett annat sätt inuti än han ser ut utanpå. Calvins familj möter honom med kärlek, förståelse och praktisk stöttning. De börjar kalla honom Calvin, han får köpa nya kläder, klippa sig och när han börjar i skolan efter lovet vet alla klasskompisar och lärare om att Calvin heter Calvin och är en pojke. De har bytt till rätt namn på bänken och namnbrickan, ja överallt!
En bok som borde finnas på alla förskolor och i alla bibliotek.
Calvin har alltid vetat att han är en pojke men han är rädd för att berätta för sin familj att han känner sig på ett annat sätt inuti än han ser ut utanpå. Calvins familj möter honom med kärlek, förståelse och praktisk stöttning. De börjar kalla honom Calvin, han får köpa nya kläder, klippa sig och när han börjar i skolan efter lovet vet alla klasskompisar och lärare om att Calvin heter Calvin och är en pojke. De har bytt till rätt namn på bänken och namnbrickan, ja överallt!
April 2, 2022
Identity: Mixed race-white mother, black father
The past couple years have brought out some remarkable picture books introducing and starring transgender children. Along the lines of Sam Is My Sister and My Maddy, this book introduces the transgender experience in accessible language that speaks as an introduction to a young audience or children that are currently experiencing it themselves. Academic and medical terminology is saved for the afterword and, instead, the stories focus on an interesting plot that welcomes change, answers questions, and ends triumphantly.
As the authors note in the end, "the support Calvin receives is based on best existing practices." With nervous trepidation, he tells his parents about his true self and is welcomed with open arms by his immediate family and grandparents. The big change causes more anxiousness when Calvin has to return to school but adults and children greet him by his new name with ease and acceptance, having been told in advance so that Calvin is free to be himself without explaining the change to everyone he meets.
Reviewed by: Miss Kelsey, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
The past couple years have brought out some remarkable picture books introducing and starring transgender children. Along the lines of Sam Is My Sister and My Maddy, this book introduces the transgender experience in accessible language that speaks as an introduction to a young audience or children that are currently experiencing it themselves. Academic and medical terminology is saved for the afterword and, instead, the stories focus on an interesting plot that welcomes change, answers questions, and ends triumphantly.
As the authors note in the end, "the support Calvin receives is based on best existing practices." With nervous trepidation, he tells his parents about his true self and is welcomed with open arms by his immediate family and grandparents. The big change causes more anxiousness when Calvin has to return to school but adults and children greet him by his new name with ease and acceptance, having been told in advance so that Calvin is free to be himself without explaining the change to everyone he meets.
Reviewed by: Miss Kelsey, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
March 23, 2023
It is March 23, 2023 and I have re-read this book in honor of #TransRightsReadathon week launched by author Sim Kern.
While I myself am not on TikTok I heard about this awareness campaign from my daughter and several friends.
I had appreciated the book “Calvin” so much in my first and subsequent readings as it humanizes and gives the basics for children and parents of welcoming transgender without negativity or fear.
The authors of Calvin have lived the experience as well as researched their approach to the subject for a children’s book. When you have so few words, as in this picture book, each word and phrase must be crafted, honed and ring with truth.
My best recommendation, beyond a stellar rating, is putting my money down on the counter to have purchased many copies of this title from my local book store for gifting.
As TikTok readers commit to read trans authors and transgender related books it gives voice:
I applaud the power of reading books conspicuously, in public, commenting in public forums (like GoodReads), suggesting books in book groups and buying books!
It seemed like a trite saying, but I realize reading really is a superpower.
While I myself am not on TikTok I heard about this awareness campaign from my daughter and several friends.
I had appreciated the book “Calvin” so much in my first and subsequent readings as it humanizes and gives the basics for children and parents of welcoming transgender without negativity or fear.
The authors of Calvin have lived the experience as well as researched their approach to the subject for a children’s book. When you have so few words, as in this picture book, each word and phrase must be crafted, honed and ring with truth.
My best recommendation, beyond a stellar rating, is putting my money down on the counter to have purchased many copies of this title from my local book store for gifting.
As TikTok readers commit to read trans authors and transgender related books it gives voice:
I applaud the power of reading books conspicuously, in public, commenting in public forums (like GoodReads), suggesting books in book groups and buying books!
It seemed like a trite saying, but I realize reading really is a superpower.
January 22, 2025
It's fine. I'm fine. I swear.
Books like this. Stories like this. They are just balm for the soul.
Of course not every child will have the same support. But good god, it just feels so nice to see families supporting their kid on their journey, to see friends and overall people in the kids circle to be accepting.
Beautiful book.
Books like this. Stories like this. They are just balm for the soul.
Of course not every child will have the same support. But good god, it just feels so nice to see families supporting their kid on their journey, to see friends and overall people in the kids circle to be accepting.
Beautiful book.
July 2, 2022
I cried. Full-on sobbed ugly-tears. In the middle of a bookstore. Then I felt obligated to buy the book. Now I have a children's picture-book in my room, even though I literally don't know a single person who this would be age-appropriate for.
February 7, 2022
Like a warm hug for any trans person who needs to soothe their inner child.
June 26, 2025
c’est un bon livre mais très prévisible… mais j’ai fière que j’ai lu ce livre en français par moi-même!
June 1, 2022
I‘ve read the German version called „Florian“. It‘s supercute and so wholesome. I cried some tears of joy when I read about this trans child getting full support by family, friends and school.
June 5, 2022
So wholesome so pure. Fantastic cover. Sweet fam and kiddo and school. A simple kind model. Wish it was like this..
April 25, 2025
Breathe in. Breathe out. 5-4-3-2-1…
Calvin by J.R. Ford & Vanessa Ford is a story about – you guessed it – Calvin, but what makes Calvin so special is that he wasn’t “born” Calvin. You see, he’s always felt like Calvin inside. He always knew himself to be a little boy. However, he was born female and wore “female-directed” clothing until recently. He was scared to come out to his parents at first, but they were incredibly supportive, informing him that they would love him regardless of what gender he was & that they’d always will. They then shared the news with family members, friends of Calvin’s, and his school, but not before Calvin chose his name – named after his stuffed lion, or rather, his stuffed lion was named after him (he always felt he was a Calvin and named his stuffie his name as a placeholder until he was ready to come out). Calvin eventually gets a new wardrobe and hairstyle, and gets to re-introduce himself to his friends as he returns to school for the first day of a new grade. The story concludes as he proudly sees his name displayed all over his classroom, spelling out his name with pride to his classmates, and gets to play with his friends once more on the playground but this time, as him – as he was truly meant to be.
The major themes in the book include: (gender) identity and self-awareness/acceptance, support, bravery/courage, and representation/inclusivity.
I am categorizing this book as a biography for its genre.
Children reading this book can learn that it’s more than okay to be different, as long as you are staying true to you. They can also learn that bravery and courage come in many different forms – it’s not just slaying a dragon or standing up to the school bully. Lastly, they can learn that support can go a long way, so it’s important to rely on trusted individuals and loved ones to help aid you on your journey.
This book was a WOW book for me because this may have been my first children’s book tackling the topic of transgender children. I absolutely love it. They went about it in such a personal yet engaging way and I LOVE the bright, bold, colorful, youthful illustrations that uplifted the storytelling.
Two of the literary devices the author used in writing this book were repetition and symbolism. Repetition is used throughout the story with the examples of “Breathe in. Breathe out. 5-4-3-2-1,” and “What if? What if? What if?” There’s also symbolism used in that with the cutting of his hair into a more male-aligned hairstyle, he is shedding the last of his former identity as a girl. I feel the symbolism elevated the story because it provided another element to Calvin transitioning. I, a cis heterosexual female can change my wardrobe and cut my hair as I will still identify myself the same way as I did before, but it doesn't provide the same significance and meaning as it does to Calvin, so that symbolism catapults that moment from "one-dimensional" to "two." The repetition also puts me in a child-like trance because children often repeat themselves and require repeition because it's necessary for their brain development. I, myself, appreciate repetition as I have ADHD so my attention-span is fleeting and all over the place (like a child, actually).
I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because it is all about acceptance, self-love, inclusion, identity, respect, and equity. It challenges stereotypes and gender norms, with the focus on spreading awareness and encouraging discussion.
Calvin by J.R. Ford & Vanessa Ford is a story about – you guessed it – Calvin, but what makes Calvin so special is that he wasn’t “born” Calvin. You see, he’s always felt like Calvin inside. He always knew himself to be a little boy. However, he was born female and wore “female-directed” clothing until recently. He was scared to come out to his parents at first, but they were incredibly supportive, informing him that they would love him regardless of what gender he was & that they’d always will. They then shared the news with family members, friends of Calvin’s, and his school, but not before Calvin chose his name – named after his stuffed lion, or rather, his stuffed lion was named after him (he always felt he was a Calvin and named his stuffie his name as a placeholder until he was ready to come out). Calvin eventually gets a new wardrobe and hairstyle, and gets to re-introduce himself to his friends as he returns to school for the first day of a new grade. The story concludes as he proudly sees his name displayed all over his classroom, spelling out his name with pride to his classmates, and gets to play with his friends once more on the playground but this time, as him – as he was truly meant to be.
The major themes in the book include: (gender) identity and self-awareness/acceptance, support, bravery/courage, and representation/inclusivity.
I am categorizing this book as a biography for its genre.
Children reading this book can learn that it’s more than okay to be different, as long as you are staying true to you. They can also learn that bravery and courage come in many different forms – it’s not just slaying a dragon or standing up to the school bully. Lastly, they can learn that support can go a long way, so it’s important to rely on trusted individuals and loved ones to help aid you on your journey.
This book was a WOW book for me because this may have been my first children’s book tackling the topic of transgender children. I absolutely love it. They went about it in such a personal yet engaging way and I LOVE the bright, bold, colorful, youthful illustrations that uplifted the storytelling.
Two of the literary devices the author used in writing this book were repetition and symbolism. Repetition is used throughout the story with the examples of “Breathe in. Breathe out. 5-4-3-2-1,” and “What if? What if? What if?” There’s also symbolism used in that with the cutting of his hair into a more male-aligned hairstyle, he is shedding the last of his former identity as a girl. I feel the symbolism elevated the story because it provided another element to Calvin transitioning. I, a cis heterosexual female can change my wardrobe and cut my hair as I will still identify myself the same way as I did before, but it doesn't provide the same significance and meaning as it does to Calvin, so that symbolism catapults that moment from "one-dimensional" to "two." The repetition also puts me in a child-like trance because children often repeat themselves and require repeition because it's necessary for their brain development. I, myself, appreciate repetition as I have ADHD so my attention-span is fleeting and all over the place (like a child, actually).
I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because it is all about acceptance, self-love, inclusion, identity, respect, and equity. It challenges stereotypes and gender norms, with the focus on spreading awareness and encouraging discussion.
Read
December 26, 2021I don't have any particular critiques of this book, and I appreciate more representation of Black and brown trans boys (this is also a mixed-race family, with a Black father and a white mother -- matching the authors, I realized when I looked at in the inside back cover flap), but I also feel like there's not much to this book.
We open with, "For as long as I could remember, I knew I was a boy." Our child protagonist tells us that he would draw and imagine himself with hair and clothes like his father and brother, and we then quickly move to him deciding it's time to tell his family. I'm fine with the book just taking for granted that Calvin's self-identity is legitimate, rather than taking time (as other books understandably do) to note that girls can enjoy activities, clothes, and hairstyles associated with boys.
Calvin's dad does say, "We love you if you are a girl, boy, neither, or both," and teaches Calvin the word "transgender" (with a definition I don't love, since it seems to imply that being trans means people will always get your gender wrong -- "Being transgender means other people think you are one gender, but inside, you know you are a different one" -- but I understand what it's trying to get at).
Everyone is very supportive, which is nice, albeit somewhat unrealistic. They are about to go on a family trip when Calvin discloses, and his dad tells his relatives (who I think are the father's parents) his new name, and they're fully accepting. When school starts up again in the fall, Calvin's new name is on all the appropriate spots in his classroom -- and his dad has told at least one of his friends (I assume the scene with her is intended to be a stand-in for all his friends, though it's a little bit weird that Calvin's dad didn't tell Calvin he had done that) as well as the principal.
[Edit: We don't actually learn Calvin's new name in the text until the very last page -- which I hadn't realized until I read the book to my partner (who wondered, in the first classroom scene, whether our protagonist's name was "Calvin" or "Alex" -- in fairness to the book, "Calvin" is the only name that shows up in every place we see namecards, but my partner understandably most noticed the cluster of desks that is somewhat visually centered) both because I was primed by the title etc., and because the book is fairly artful in its avoidance. Because I felt like I already knew our protagonist's chosen name, the dramatic reveal at the end was a bit lost on me.]
Calvin's worry recurs a few times throughout the book, along with his father's advice to "take a deep breath and count down from 5," which is some nice modeling for the child-reader.
There's also casual diversity in the book throughout the book. The family they're visiting is Black; and when Calvin gets to meet his favorite superhero (also Black) at a comic convention, the background crowd includes fat people, other Black people, someone I read as an East Asian woman, and someone I read as a hijabi (though that may have been unintentional with her costume). The principal and the one friend Calvin has a conversation with are both coded as East Asian, Calvin's classroom teachers are a Black man (with long dreadlocks) and a brown woman, and the student body is very diverse (including one child with vitiligo and a wheelchair user -- who are both somewhat highlighted in the closing playground image, holding the jump rope while Calvin and Violet jump -- as well as some fat kids).
The Authors' Note indicates that the authors have a transgender daughter, so I thought it was interesting to make the protagonist of this book a transgender boy. Maybe they didn't want people reading it too autobiographically? (They do note that, in writing this book, they've drawn on the experience of "countless trans kids thriving when they're supported by the adults in their lives.")
They don't say anything specific about why they chose to write this book, just, "We know that talking about these topics with children can be tricky, especially if you're learning about them for the first time. That's why we we wrote this book."
We open with, "For as long as I could remember, I knew I was a boy." Our child protagonist tells us that he would draw and imagine himself with hair and clothes like his father and brother, and we then quickly move to him deciding it's time to tell his family. I'm fine with the book just taking for granted that Calvin's self-identity is legitimate, rather than taking time (as other books understandably do) to note that girls can enjoy activities, clothes, and hairstyles associated with boys.
Calvin's dad does say, "We love you if you are a girl, boy, neither, or both," and teaches Calvin the word "transgender" (with a definition I don't love, since it seems to imply that being trans means people will always get your gender wrong -- "Being transgender means other people think you are one gender, but inside, you know you are a different one" -- but I understand what it's trying to get at).
Everyone is very supportive, which is nice, albeit somewhat unrealistic. They are about to go on a family trip when Calvin discloses, and his dad tells his relatives (who I think are the father's parents) his new name, and they're fully accepting. When school starts up again in the fall, Calvin's new name is on all the appropriate spots in his classroom -- and his dad has told at least one of his friends (I assume the scene with her is intended to be a stand-in for all his friends, though it's a little bit weird that Calvin's dad didn't tell Calvin he had done that) as well as the principal.
[Edit: We don't actually learn Calvin's new name in the text until the very last page -- which I hadn't realized until I read the book to my partner (who wondered, in the first classroom scene, whether our protagonist's name was "Calvin" or "Alex" -- in fairness to the book, "Calvin" is the only name that shows up in every place we see namecards, but my partner understandably most noticed the cluster of desks that is somewhat visually centered) both because I was primed by the title etc., and because the book is fairly artful in its avoidance. Because I felt like I already knew our protagonist's chosen name, the dramatic reveal at the end was a bit lost on me.]
Calvin's worry recurs a few times throughout the book, along with his father's advice to "take a deep breath and count down from 5," which is some nice modeling for the child-reader.
There's also casual diversity in the book throughout the book. The family they're visiting is Black; and when Calvin gets to meet his favorite superhero (also Black) at a comic convention, the background crowd includes fat people, other Black people, someone I read as an East Asian woman, and someone I read as a hijabi (though that may have been unintentional with her costume). The principal and the one friend Calvin has a conversation with are both coded as East Asian, Calvin's classroom teachers are a Black man (with long dreadlocks) and a brown woman, and the student body is very diverse (including one child with vitiligo and a wheelchair user -- who are both somewhat highlighted in the closing playground image, holding the jump rope while Calvin and Violet jump -- as well as some fat kids).
The Authors' Note indicates that the authors have a transgender daughter, so I thought it was interesting to make the protagonist of this book a transgender boy. Maybe they didn't want people reading it too autobiographically? (They do note that, in writing this book, they've drawn on the experience of "countless trans kids thriving when they're supported by the adults in their lives.")
They don't say anything specific about why they chose to write this book, just, "We know that talking about these topics with children can be tricky, especially if you're learning about them for the first time. That's why we we wrote this book."
February 19, 2023
Text-to-World Connection
This book is excellent for use in elementary school classrooms for discussing gender identity, transgender people, and cisgender people. The best part of this novel is the acceptance Calvin finds after telling everyone who he truly is, both at home and at school. The depiction of a mixed-race family in this book is another appealing feature. We appreciate the writers for producing this book! Readers should be aware that Calvin is a courageous picture book written by LGBTQ+ activists JR and Vanessa Ford, a husband-and-wife duo. The narrative of their transgender son served as inspiration for the book, which follows young Calvin as he first reveals himself to his family and friends as a boy. The book discusses many facets of transitioning for a young child and outlines what it means to be transgender. The characters are extremely diverse in terms of gender, color, religion, and physical characteristics. The book's themes include acceptance, self-love, standing up for what you need, and friendship. This book has a text-to-world connection as we as human people need to learn acceptance. Being able to accept people for ho they are and not treat anyone different is the key. With many thing goin on in this world this book shows how the world is so divided, and people choose to accept what they want to accept but all in all everyone should be accepted no matter how someone is described to be.
This book is excellent for use in elementary school classrooms for discussing gender identity, transgender people, and cisgender people. The best part of this novel is the acceptance Calvin finds after telling everyone who he truly is, both at home and at school. The depiction of a mixed-race family in this book is another appealing feature. We appreciate the writers for producing this book! Readers should be aware that Calvin is a courageous picture book written by LGBTQ+ activists JR and Vanessa Ford, a husband-and-wife duo. The narrative of their transgender son served as inspiration for the book, which follows young Calvin as he first reveals himself to his family and friends as a boy. The book discusses many facets of transitioning for a young child and outlines what it means to be transgender. The characters are extremely diverse in terms of gender, color, religion, and physical characteristics. The book's themes include acceptance, self-love, standing up for what you need, and friendship. This book has a text-to-world connection as we as human people need to learn acceptance. Being able to accept people for ho they are and not treat anyone different is the key. With many thing goin on in this world this book shows how the world is so divided, and people choose to accept what they want to accept but all in all everyone should be accepted no matter how someone is described to be.
January 12, 2025
I have taken to reading books that are being challenged in my state. This book was recently challenged when read by a fifth grade teacher to her class, as brought by a concerned parent at a school committee meeting.
The book is the story of a little boy who is transgender and his coming out to his family, changing his name, and anticipating beginning again at school as himself for the first time. He is greeted throughout by kindness, care, and support from the adults and kids in his life, greeted by his chosen name on his cubby and desk. This book and its authors provide beautiful acceptance and support for this child’s well-being, holding that transgender and gender non-conforming kids are at greater risk for violence, suicide, and mental health issues. They offer an author’s note with resources and data, and the illustrations are heartwarming and gorgeous. We can do so much good when we listen to children and support them in following their own path.
The book is the story of a little boy who is transgender and his coming out to his family, changing his name, and anticipating beginning again at school as himself for the first time. He is greeted throughout by kindness, care, and support from the adults and kids in his life, greeted by his chosen name on his cubby and desk. This book and its authors provide beautiful acceptance and support for this child’s well-being, holding that transgender and gender non-conforming kids are at greater risk for violence, suicide, and mental health issues. They offer an author’s note with resources and data, and the illustrations are heartwarming and gorgeous. We can do so much good when we listen to children and support them in following their own path.
March 8, 2023
Illustrationerna i den här bilderboken fick tårarna att börja rinna. EXAKT såhär bör representation göras. Människorna i boken är ritade med en så kärleksfull hand och med en stor variation. Olika hudfärger, tjocka, smala, gamla, unga, med och utan rullstol, cispersoner och transpersoner.
En bok som borde finnas på alla förskolor och i alla bibliotek.
Calvin har alltid vetat att han är en pojke men han är rädd för att berätta för sin familj att han känner sig på ett annat sätt inuti än han ser ut utanpå. Calvins familj möter honom med kärlek, förståelse och praktisk stöttning. De börjar kalla honom Calvin, han får köpa nya kläder, klippa sig och när han börjar i skolan efter lovet vet alla klasskompisar och lärare om att Calvin heter Calvin och är en pojke. De har bytt till rätt namn på bänken och namnbrickan, ja överallt!
En bok som borde finnas på alla förskolor och i alla bibliotek.
Calvin har alltid vetat att han är en pojke men han är rädd för att berätta för sin familj att han känner sig på ett annat sätt inuti än han ser ut utanpå. Calvins familj möter honom med kärlek, förståelse och praktisk stöttning. De börjar kalla honom Calvin, han får köpa nya kläder, klippa sig och när han börjar i skolan efter lovet vet alla klasskompisar och lärare om att Calvin heter Calvin och är en pojke. De har bytt till rätt namn på bänken och namnbrickan, ja överallt!
Read
February 16, 2023Text-To-World Connection:
This book is a beautiful reminder of knowing who you are, and what you want people to see who you are. I think for the young boy Calvin to know who they are at such a young age is very powerful. I know it is not "conventional." in some people's eyes for a young child to understand that heavy of a topic. But to see the beautiful and understanding relationship between Calvin and his family truly made me believe in the hope that the young kids of this generation today now can be surrounded by that environment. I really appreciated the fact that this story is a connection to someone else's family in the world. The bravery and boldness of Calvin to be open and honest to himself and others is an amazing reflection to so many young people today. I definitely am adding this book to my collection.
This book is a beautiful reminder of knowing who you are, and what you want people to see who you are. I think for the young boy Calvin to know who they are at such a young age is very powerful. I know it is not "conventional." in some people's eyes for a young child to understand that heavy of a topic. But to see the beautiful and understanding relationship between Calvin and his family truly made me believe in the hope that the young kids of this generation today now can be surrounded by that environment. I really appreciated the fact that this story is a connection to someone else's family in the world. The bravery and boldness of Calvin to be open and honest to himself and others is an amazing reflection to so many young people today. I definitely am adding this book to my collection.
June 6, 2022
Was a really good great message and story 💖LGBTQ Community
October 15, 2023
Really joyful, I wish it could be like this for everyone.
June 3, 2024
Calvin by JR Ford is an award-winning LGBTQ+ story for a reason. This story is about a character named Calvin. Calvin has always viewed himself as a boy, but others view him as a girl. Calvin's family fully and beautifully support him when he says "I'm a boy!". Nervous to go back to school, Calvin gets ready with a new haircut and outfits that more appropriately fit Calvin's newly embraced side of himself. His insecurities slowly fade away when he's welcomed and supported by his teachers and peers.
This story teaches embracing others, respect, confidence in oneself, and promotes kindness and empathy. I think all of these lessons could be shared with students in the classroom setting for 1st- 8th grade. I see this story being a good addition to an SEL unit to teach those themes. Students could connect it to a nonfiction article or another story to find connected themes across the texts or have a whole class discussion about the positive ways Calvin was welcomed and supported in the school environment.
I found this book on the Lambda Literary award website: https://lambdaliterary.org/awards/202... and checked it out from my local library.
This story teaches embracing others, respect, confidence in oneself, and promotes kindness and empathy. I think all of these lessons could be shared with students in the classroom setting for 1st- 8th grade. I see this story being a good addition to an SEL unit to teach those themes. Students could connect it to a nonfiction article or another story to find connected themes across the texts or have a whole class discussion about the positive ways Calvin was welcomed and supported in the school environment.
I found this book on the Lambda Literary award website: https://lambdaliterary.org/awards/202... and checked it out from my local library.
November 11, 2021
A wonderful children’s book, and important for both children and adults to read as we learn to be more inclusive and kinder towards each other. Essential
November 10, 2022
I accessed Calvin on youtube and was able to watch a discussion panel on the book with Parents from the Transgender Equality Council and the authors of the book. Calvin is written by JR and Vanessa Ford and is inspired by this couples own transgender child. It has beautiful illustrations by Kayla Harren. It is sweet story written in the perspective of a young child who was born female but comes out to his family on being and feeling like a boy. Calvin goes through a physical transformation by shopping for new outfits and cutting his hair with the support of his family. Calvin is nervous and fearful to return to school after summer now that he is Calvin. His fears melt away when he finds that his name "Calvin" all over his classroom, and when he realizes that his school community is also accepting of him. It ends with all the children playing at recess. This book reinforces positive interactions and experiences for transgender children. It was evident that the family worked with the school community to ensure their child was supported. Calvin felt welcomed and seen by the simple validation of using his new name "Calvin." The fact that this family is biracial brought about a whole other dimension to the story. This book provides relatability for children of color who find themselves in similar situations, while experiencing their unique journey. I did wonder how old Calvin is, but hearing the parents share how they wish they had books like this for their transgender kids brought to light the reality of these situations no matter what at what age. Books like these are needed to share who they are and to continue show the humanity of these children and the support and love they have. Here is the link if you are interested in watching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIyf_...
May 24, 2021
GREAT pick for PreK - 3rd classrooms!
Want to read
May 21, 2021Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
November 18, 2021
“For as long as I can remember, I knew I was a boy.” – the first person narration in this picture book is clear and direct. It tells how Calvin informs his family that he is not a girl, as they thought. He takes the summer to become his true self. He names himself ‘Calvin,’ starts to dress as a boy, and gets a boy’s haircut. He also learns what the word ‘transgender’ means. When he gets to school in the fall – it looks likes second or third grade – he is thrilled to see his new name on his cubby. What’s different about this narrative from others I have read, is that everyone – family, including the grands, friends and teachers and classmates – all support his transition.
Calvin is a self aware and brave kid, and lucky to have a family who lets him teach them what he needs. I love the supportiveness and positivity. The authors have a transgender child and wanted to write it for her. The lovely fine-lined digital art warmly portrays Calvin’s mixed race family and diverse circle of friends. I would use this as a model of how I would want the world to react to my child if they went through a transition.
My hesitation: It does seem a little bit pie-in-the-sky to think that no one in Calvin’s milieu had any questions or hesitations about his transition. I would have appreciated reading his explanation to a non-family member.
Calvin is a self aware and brave kid, and lucky to have a family who lets him teach them what he needs. I love the supportiveness and positivity. The authors have a transgender child and wanted to write it for her. The lovely fine-lined digital art warmly portrays Calvin’s mixed race family and diverse circle of friends. I would use this as a model of how I would want the world to react to my child if they went through a transition.
My hesitation: It does seem a little bit pie-in-the-sky to think that no one in Calvin’s milieu had any questions or hesitations about his transition. I would have appreciated reading his explanation to a non-family member.
January 20, 2023
Another book I chose for #20booksbyblackfolx. We stock this one at work and given the current climate around trans kids (and that I want to read more children's literature), now felt like a good time.
Picture book inspired by the Fords' experiences parenting a trans child. Calvin comes to his parents over the summer prior to a big trip and lets them know he's a boy "in his heart and in his brain." Over the course of the summer, his parents and grandparents help him socially transition, and when Calvin returns for the new school year, everything is all set for him to make his debut.
The Fords end on an authors' note with resources for people to learn more about supporting trans kids, and I appreciated their strong focus on showing that supporting a child's chosen name and gender expression greatly helps the mental health of trans and nonbinary youth. Their aim was both to educate parents as well as introduce child readers to the concept of trans kids, and the text was simple and the illustrations beautiful and engaging. I especially liked the strong focus on the grandparent characters being supportive of the transition.
Picture book inspired by the Fords' experiences parenting a trans child. Calvin comes to his parents over the summer prior to a big trip and lets them know he's a boy "in his heart and in his brain." Over the course of the summer, his parents and grandparents help him socially transition, and when Calvin returns for the new school year, everything is all set for him to make his debut.
The Fords end on an authors' note with resources for people to learn more about supporting trans kids, and I appreciated their strong focus on showing that supporting a child's chosen name and gender expression greatly helps the mental health of trans and nonbinary youth. Their aim was both to educate parents as well as introduce child readers to the concept of trans kids, and the text was simple and the illustrations beautiful and engaging. I especially liked the strong focus on the grandparent characters being supportive of the transition.
January 25, 2022
A beautiful book about accepting people for who they really are. Calvin is afraid to tell his family that he is a boy, that he has always known that. He was afraid they wouldn't believe him. But when he shares, "I'm a boy-a boy in my heart and in my brain." he only finds love and assurance from his family. But what about school? Will his teacher and his friends call him by his REAL name...Calvin? I wish every transgender child could experience the acceptance that Calvin finds as he begins to live his authentic life.
June 7, 2025
Seit Florian denken kann, weiß er, dass er ein Junge ist. Bisher hat er sich nicht getraut, seine Gedanken und Gefühle zu teilen, doch als das neue Schuljahr näher rückt, spürt er, dass es Zeit ist, endlich er selbst zu sein. Am Abend vor dem Sommerurlaub nimmt Florian all seinen Mut zusammen und erzählt seiner Familie, dass er kein Mädchen ist. Alle reagieren voller Verständnis. Sie lieben ihn, ganz egal ob er ein Mädchen, ein Junge, nichts davon oder beides davon ist. Die positiven Reaktionen lassen Florian aufblühen. Endlich nennen ihn alle bei seinem richtigen Namen – Florian. Er kann sich kleiden wie ein Junge und seine Identität frei ausleben. Doch als sich die Ferien dem Ende zuneigen, kommen Ängste und Zweifel in ihm hoch. Wie werden sich seine Freund*innen, Mitschüler*innen und Lehrer*innen verhalten? Er kennt kein anderes Kind an seiner Schule, das trans ist. Werden ihn alle als Florian akzeptieren und willkommen heißen?
Der Zuckersüß Verlag ist immer ein Garant für außergewöhnliche Kinderbücher, die sich von der Masse abheben. Mir ist kein anderer Kinderbuchverlag bekannt, der eine so schöne Auswahl an diversen, inklusiven und empowernde Titeln im Programm hat. Und „Florian“ ist das perfekte Beispiel dafür.
Kinderbücher, die Transidentität thematisieren, gibt es nach wie vor leider viel zu wenige, vor allem im Bilderbuchbereich. Zum Glück hat der Zuckersüß Verlag das Bilderbuch „Florian“ herausgebracht, dessen englischer Originaltitel „Calvin“ lautet. Ins Deutsche übertragen wurde es von Linus Giese, der selbst trans ist und mit seiner Übersetzung genau die richtigen Worte gefunden hat.
Das Besondere an diesem Buch ist seine Entstehungsgeschichte. Die Autor*innen J.R. und Vanessa Ford sind selber Eltern eines trans Kindes und teilen hier ihre eigene Erfahrungen, zusammen mit denen vieler anderer Familien mit trans Kindern. Voller Wärme erzählen sie die Geschichte aus der Sicht des kleinen Florians, der schon immer wusste, dass er im Herzen und Kopf ein Junge ist. Von Anfang an wird ihm nur Liebe, Unterstützung und Verständnis entgegengebracht. Niemand problematisiert seine Identität, alle sind ihm gegenüber aufgeschlossen und akzeptieren ihn so wie er ist. Dies mitzuerleben ist unheimlich schön und herzergreifend und auch, dass wir Leser*innen nie Florians alten Namen erfahren – dass er für uns einfach nur Florian ist – fühlt sich genau richtig an.
Man kann jedem transgender Kind wirklich nur wünschen, dass es so ein glückliches Coming Out erfahren darf wie Florian. Denn in der Realität sieht das Leben von trans Kindern vermutlich nicht immer so rosig aus. Manche mögen diese etwas geschönte Darstellung kritisieren, aber ich liebe dieses Buch gerade deswegen. „Florian“ ist ein sehr positives Buch, welches Vielfalt als das darstellt, was es für uns alle sein sollte: Etwas völlig Normales. Es macht Kindern Mut, sie selbst zu sein und hilft jedem von uns dabei, trans Kinder auf ihrem Weg zum eigenen Ich zu unterstützen. Jede*r von uns ist einzigartig und gleich viel wert und sollte sich angenommen, respektiert und willkommen fühlen. Eine so wichtige Botschaft, die man Kindern gar nicht früh mitgeben kann.
Illustriert wurde die Geschichte von Kalya Harren und man hätte niemand passenderen für dieses Buch finden können. Ihre Illustrationen sind gewohnt ausdrucksstark, herrlich vielfältig und voller Leben. Sie zeigen vollkommen selbstverständlich unsere bunte Gesellschaft und schaffen mit ihren warmen Farben eine einladend-freundliche Wohlfühlatmosphäre.
Fazit: „Florian“ ist eine wunderschöne und herzerwärmende Geschichte ab 4 Jahren über den richtigen Umgang mit trans Kindern. Ein bestärkendes Plädoyer für mehr Verständnis, Akzeptanz und Toleranz. Berührend, liebevoll und wunderbar divers. Ich liebes Bilderbuch und kann es jedem nur ans Herz legen! Es ist ein echter Mutmacher, der in keinem Kinderzimmer fehlen sollte. Von mir gibt es 5 von 5 Sternen!
Der Zuckersüß Verlag ist immer ein Garant für außergewöhnliche Kinderbücher, die sich von der Masse abheben. Mir ist kein anderer Kinderbuchverlag bekannt, der eine so schöne Auswahl an diversen, inklusiven und empowernde Titeln im Programm hat. Und „Florian“ ist das perfekte Beispiel dafür.
Kinderbücher, die Transidentität thematisieren, gibt es nach wie vor leider viel zu wenige, vor allem im Bilderbuchbereich. Zum Glück hat der Zuckersüß Verlag das Bilderbuch „Florian“ herausgebracht, dessen englischer Originaltitel „Calvin“ lautet. Ins Deutsche übertragen wurde es von Linus Giese, der selbst trans ist und mit seiner Übersetzung genau die richtigen Worte gefunden hat.
Das Besondere an diesem Buch ist seine Entstehungsgeschichte. Die Autor*innen J.R. und Vanessa Ford sind selber Eltern eines trans Kindes und teilen hier ihre eigene Erfahrungen, zusammen mit denen vieler anderer Familien mit trans Kindern. Voller Wärme erzählen sie die Geschichte aus der Sicht des kleinen Florians, der schon immer wusste, dass er im Herzen und Kopf ein Junge ist. Von Anfang an wird ihm nur Liebe, Unterstützung und Verständnis entgegengebracht. Niemand problematisiert seine Identität, alle sind ihm gegenüber aufgeschlossen und akzeptieren ihn so wie er ist. Dies mitzuerleben ist unheimlich schön und herzergreifend und auch, dass wir Leser*innen nie Florians alten Namen erfahren – dass er für uns einfach nur Florian ist – fühlt sich genau richtig an.
Man kann jedem transgender Kind wirklich nur wünschen, dass es so ein glückliches Coming Out erfahren darf wie Florian. Denn in der Realität sieht das Leben von trans Kindern vermutlich nicht immer so rosig aus. Manche mögen diese etwas geschönte Darstellung kritisieren, aber ich liebe dieses Buch gerade deswegen. „Florian“ ist ein sehr positives Buch, welches Vielfalt als das darstellt, was es für uns alle sein sollte: Etwas völlig Normales. Es macht Kindern Mut, sie selbst zu sein und hilft jedem von uns dabei, trans Kinder auf ihrem Weg zum eigenen Ich zu unterstützen. Jede*r von uns ist einzigartig und gleich viel wert und sollte sich angenommen, respektiert und willkommen fühlen. Eine so wichtige Botschaft, die man Kindern gar nicht früh mitgeben kann.
Illustriert wurde die Geschichte von Kalya Harren und man hätte niemand passenderen für dieses Buch finden können. Ihre Illustrationen sind gewohnt ausdrucksstark, herrlich vielfältig und voller Leben. Sie zeigen vollkommen selbstverständlich unsere bunte Gesellschaft und schaffen mit ihren warmen Farben eine einladend-freundliche Wohlfühlatmosphäre.
Fazit: „Florian“ ist eine wunderschöne und herzerwärmende Geschichte ab 4 Jahren über den richtigen Umgang mit trans Kindern. Ein bestärkendes Plädoyer für mehr Verständnis, Akzeptanz und Toleranz. Berührend, liebevoll und wunderbar divers. Ich liebes Bilderbuch und kann es jedem nur ans Herz legen! Es ist ein echter Mutmacher, der in keinem Kinderzimmer fehlen sollte. Von mir gibt es 5 von 5 Sternen!
November 21, 2022
Je remercie la maison Scholastic pour l'envoi de ce service de presse.
Mon premier album jeunesse avec un personnage transgenre, yeah! Quand même, il était plus que temps.
Calvin est né fille, mais s'est toujours senti garçon. Avant de faire un voyage auprès de ses grand-parents, il décide qu'il est temps de le faire savoir aux membre de sa famille. Les parents se montrent ouverts et dès lors, c'est le début de son appropriation de genre. Fini les jupes et les robes, bonjour le maillot de bain comme celui de son grand-frère. Fini aussi les tresses. Enfin, bonjour le nouveau prénom qu'il s'est lui-même choisi: Calvin. Comme son lion en peluche. La dernière étape et non la moindre est son retours en classe, que Calvin anticipe un peu. Heureusement, quand il entre dans sa classe, tout ce qui lui est attribué, pupitre, espace de rangement et casier, sont à son nouveau prénom. Les autres enfants découvre ainsi son identité et sans problèmes, joue avec lui dans la cour.
Dans un monde idéal, tous les enfants transgenre devraient vivre leur transition comme Calvin, sans le moindre anicroche, sans la moindre résistance, avec des gens à 100% ouverts et accommodants. Je dis "dans un monde idéal", parce qu'on en est pas là encore. Mais ce serait fantastique pour ces jeunes personnes qui vive ce défi de changer de genre et souhaite simplement être eux-même.
Je souligne le souci vraiment évident de faire dans la diversité, pas seulement d'un point de vue ethnique, avec des gens de tout horizons, mais aussi de diverses formes, comme cette jeune fille qui a la peau moustachée entre blanc et noir, cette demoiselle avec un appareil auditif, ce jeune garçon trisomique ou ce jeune en chaise roulante. Même l'aide de classe semble non-binaire, quelque part entre femme et homme. J'ai même aperçu un costume de super-héroine dans un style complètement habillé comme en porte certaine femmes de confession musulmane, lorsque Calvin et sa famille vont à une Convention de supers-héros. Les parents de Calvin sont d'ethnie différente, également. Enfin, on a une diversité de formes corporelles. Je réitère que la diversité est un excellent moyen de normaliser les minorités, quelles qu'elles soient, en leur donnant une place dans la Culture, dont fait parti la littérature jeunesse.
Les dessins sont beaux, détaillés, précis. Ils sont sans contours noirs et les visages sont vraiment variés et réalistes. C'est dynamique et coloré, le genre qu'on peut regarder quelques minutes pour trouver les petits détails.
Bref, une histoire somme toute simple, mais qui est une des premières à mettre en lumière un personnage transgenre pour ce type de livre et ce groupe d'âge.
À voir!
Catégorisation: Album fiction, littérature jeunesse débutante, premier cycle primaire, 6-7 ans
Note: 7/10
Mon premier album jeunesse avec un personnage transgenre, yeah! Quand même, il était plus que temps.
Calvin est né fille, mais s'est toujours senti garçon. Avant de faire un voyage auprès de ses grand-parents, il décide qu'il est temps de le faire savoir aux membre de sa famille. Les parents se montrent ouverts et dès lors, c'est le début de son appropriation de genre. Fini les jupes et les robes, bonjour le maillot de bain comme celui de son grand-frère. Fini aussi les tresses. Enfin, bonjour le nouveau prénom qu'il s'est lui-même choisi: Calvin. Comme son lion en peluche. La dernière étape et non la moindre est son retours en classe, que Calvin anticipe un peu. Heureusement, quand il entre dans sa classe, tout ce qui lui est attribué, pupitre, espace de rangement et casier, sont à son nouveau prénom. Les autres enfants découvre ainsi son identité et sans problèmes, joue avec lui dans la cour.
Dans un monde idéal, tous les enfants transgenre devraient vivre leur transition comme Calvin, sans le moindre anicroche, sans la moindre résistance, avec des gens à 100% ouverts et accommodants. Je dis "dans un monde idéal", parce qu'on en est pas là encore. Mais ce serait fantastique pour ces jeunes personnes qui vive ce défi de changer de genre et souhaite simplement être eux-même.
Je souligne le souci vraiment évident de faire dans la diversité, pas seulement d'un point de vue ethnique, avec des gens de tout horizons, mais aussi de diverses formes, comme cette jeune fille qui a la peau moustachée entre blanc et noir, cette demoiselle avec un appareil auditif, ce jeune garçon trisomique ou ce jeune en chaise roulante. Même l'aide de classe semble non-binaire, quelque part entre femme et homme. J'ai même aperçu un costume de super-héroine dans un style complètement habillé comme en porte certaine femmes de confession musulmane, lorsque Calvin et sa famille vont à une Convention de supers-héros. Les parents de Calvin sont d'ethnie différente, également. Enfin, on a une diversité de formes corporelles. Je réitère que la diversité est un excellent moyen de normaliser les minorités, quelles qu'elles soient, en leur donnant une place dans la Culture, dont fait parti la littérature jeunesse.
Les dessins sont beaux, détaillés, précis. Ils sont sans contours noirs et les visages sont vraiment variés et réalistes. C'est dynamique et coloré, le genre qu'on peut regarder quelques minutes pour trouver les petits détails.
Bref, une histoire somme toute simple, mais qui est une des premières à mettre en lumière un personnage transgenre pour ce type de livre et ce groupe d'âge.
À voir!
Catégorisation: Album fiction, littérature jeunesse débutante, premier cycle primaire, 6-7 ans
Note: 7/10
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