Wow is this a picture book I wish had been read to me when I was a little kid!
The Gender Wheel: A Story About Bodies and Gender for Everybody by Maya Gonzalez
Here’s the publisher description:
“This is our world.
Like many things in nature it’s round and holds everyone at the same time.
This is the Gender Wheel.
Like our world it’s round and holds everyone at the same time too…”
In 2010 Maya introduced the Gender Wheel and the Gender Team in the Gender Now Coloring Book. It was a jammed packed coloring extravaganza exploring bodies, nature and history in relation to multiple gender identities. It also opened up the possibility of play and expansion around our still limited language of “boy” and “girl.”
Now the Gender Team returns, expanded and stronger than before, inviting you on a picture book journey through the Gender Wheel. This body positive book is a powerful opportunity for a supportive adult and child to see a wide range of bodies, understand the origins of the current binary gender system, how we can learn from nature to see the truth that has always existed and revision a new story that includes room for all bodies and genders. The Gender Wheel offers a nature-based, holistic non-western framework of gender in a kid-friendly way. (Also available as a clothed School Edition.)
There is so much to love about this book, and maybe my favorite thing is this definition of gender from page 23:
“Gender is part of our connection to nature. In a sense it is how nature connects to our hearts and dances through our bodies.”
If I hadn’t already been a huge fan of Maya Gonzalez, this book would have guaranteed it. Oh, the lives it could change if we can get more people to read it and share it with young people. It’s powerful and beautiful.
Add your review of “The Gender Wheel” in comments!
I LOVE this book! Maya has been doing such amazing work in this area and her art touches my heart in a visceral way that goes beyond the visual. Great choice to highlight!! This book is not only important, but gorgeous!