Sam Is My Sister

February 1, 2021
Sam's brother wonders if they can still play the same games now that Sam has come out as transgender. "Brothers to the moon!" Evan proclaims as he leads his two siblings on an imaginary space journey. The only problem is that Sam isn't his brother--she's his sister. Evan is hurt that Sam doesn't want to be like her brothers anymore; Sam wants long hair, bows, and princess books. With the help of supportive parents, Evan comes to understand and accept Sam's choices and her autonomy, and he learns that even princesses can go to the moon. The simple, full-page illustrations portraying the White family are cute but feel aesthetically and emotionally stiff. Like most trans girls in fiction, Sam has stereotypically girly interests and many pink outfits, but Rhodes-Courter does point out that clothes, books, and hobbies are for everyone, regardless of gender. The text is a little more instructional than it is entertaining, but it successfully explains being transgender in a clear and age-appropriate way while demonstrating the value of a loving family. Though it falls into the unfortunate trap of centering the experience of cisgender family members, it does have a worthwhile lesson: Transitioning does not change who someone is in their heart. A satisfactory trans picture book that can support discussion at home or school. (author's note, resources) (Picture book. 4-7)

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May 3, 2021
Based on her own children, Rhodes-Courter writes this narrative following Sam, a blond, freckled transgender girl, and her pale, brown-haired brothers Evan and Finn, who notice that Sam is starting to prefer typically female-gendered things including “glittery” princess books, longer hair, and dresses. With the support of understanding parents, Sam begins to affirm her gender identity, and Evan and Finn begin to learn what being transgender means and how for Sam and some other people, “the way they think and feel inside doesn’t match what they look like on the outside.” Haley contributes simple dot-eyed digital portrayals, enriched with fabric textures. While the book centers the perspectives of Sam’s family instead of Sam herself, its clear narrative arc, slightly didactic prose, and expressive art cohere into a picture book that is a solid jumping-off point for guardian- or educator-led discussions. Includes an author’s note and resources. Ages 4–8.

June 1, 2021

K-Gr 2-Evan, Sam, and Finn are best friends and brothers who dream of going to the moon together. As summer turns to fall, and the brothers begin to get ready for school, Evan notices that Sam is beginning to change. Sam no longer wants to have his hair cut short; Sam wants to check out sparkly princess books, in addition to space books, at the library; Sam wants to wear a dress on the first day of school. Evan begins to question Sam's decisions, but their parents tell Evan that Sam is more comfortable with these things. Evan asks Sam why he wants to look like a girl. Sam asks Evan to write with his left hand and Evan says it is uncomfortable. Sam tells Evan this is how he feels as a boy. Their parents tell them that Sam is transgender. Finn and Evan accept this well, but it does not go as smoothly at school. Based on a true story, the narration demonstrates both gentleness and strength. Rhodes-Courter shows both good (Sam's family) and challenging (non-accepting peers) aspects, but emphasizes the importance of honesty and acceptance. Haley slowly shifts Sam's appearance in the artwork, working in step with the events of the story. The pictures are bright, upbeat, and playful. VERDICT Recommended for public and elementary school libraries everywhere; transgender children need stories like this as it models both peer and self-acceptance in a logical, accessible, and loving way.-Lia Carruthers, Gill St. Bernard's Sch., Gladstone, NJ

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 20, 2021
Preschool-Grade 2 Based on the author's own family, this sweet-spirited book tells how little Sam comes to find her true self. Assigned male at birth, Sam knows she's a girl inside and she increasingly wants to manifest her true identity. For example, she doesn't want her hair cut short to look handsome. Instead, Sam declares, "I want to be beautiful with long hair down to my toes." In due course, Sam's parents explain to older brother Evan and younger brother Finn that Sam is transgender, a lesson that takes, for when Sam wears a dress to school and the kids begin to cruelly tease her, Evan says, "Hey, don't talk like that to my sister." "You called me your sister," a delighted Sam avers. "Well," Evan replies matter of factly, "You are." A satisfying ending to a pleasing book, one of a growing number of useful titles that explain to small children the concept of being transgender. This one is distinguished by its cheerful, affirming spirit that is nicely captured by the bright, cartoon-like illustrations.

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