| Type: | Library Material |
| Title: | My Rainbow |
| Publisher: | Kokila an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC |
| ISBN: | 9781984814609 |
| Copyright: | 2020 |
| Author: | Neal, Trinity
Neal, DeShanna |
| Illustrator: | Twink, Art |
| Material Attributes: | Hardback
Fiction
Illustrations -- yes |
| Recommendation Status: | highly recommended |
| Created By: | Holly Van Puymbroeck |
| Subject Unit: | Fiction(FIC) |
| Grade Level: | PreK, K, 1, 2, 3 |
| Appropriate Audience: | FCR (Free Choice Reading) |
| Describe the material: | Include description of contents and their intended purpose. The main character in this story is a Black, autistic, transgender girl named Trinity. Trinity's hair does not match her self-image and she desires long hair. In a quest to help Trinity, her brother and mother go to a beauty supply store. Not finding any wigs that would work, they decide to create a rainbow wig for Trinity at home. The wig is a success and Trinity loves her new hair, as she feels it represents her true self. |
| Evaluate the material: | What is its relationship to MCPS curriculum? FCR |
| Analyze the material: | List material's strengths and weaknesses. Strengths = Centers the experience of a Black, autistic transgender girl so it is a nice addition to elementary library collections
LGBTQ-inclusive
School Library Journal (September 1, 2020)
PreS-Gr 2-A lively #OwnVoices picture book tribute to a family's unwavering support of their transgender daughter, written by a mother-daughter advocate duo and based on their experiences. Trinity, who is a Black transgender girl, liked to play with her siblings, her dolls, and her pet pig, Peter Porker. One day, Trinity expressed frustration that she couldn't be a girl because she didn't have long hair. She needed long hair to feel like herself. When Trinity's mother pointed out her own short hair, Trinity explained, "People don't care if cisgender girls like you have short hair. But it's different for transgender girls. I need long hair!" The family took a trip to the beauty store. None of the wigs seemed to be the best choice for Trinity. Mom took matters into her own hands and crafted a one-of-a-kind rainbow wig just for her daughter. Trinity loved it: "It's me, Mom. My hair has finally come!" The text's frank and refreshing usage of terms such as cisgender will spark necessary conversations between children and caregivers. Twink's digital illustrations are vibrant and colorful just like Trinity and feature small but important details, including a beauty store employee named Maya wearing a "they/them" pronoun name tag. Some readers may feel that a few details could have been expanded on, such as Trinity's autism, which is acknowledged throughout the book but is not the main focus. VERDICT There are very few books widely published and readily available that spotlight Black trans girls and women; this picture book is an affirming, uplifting story to add to school and public library collections.-Allison Staley, Lake Oswego P.L., OR © Copyright 2020. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. |
| First Signature: | Holly Van Puymbroeck |
| First Signature Date: | 5/28/2021 |
| Second Signature: | School Library Journal, Sept 1 2020 |
| School Number: | CESC |