Being You

A First Conversation About Gender

By: Megan Madison, Jessica Ralli

Narrated by: L. Morgan Lee

Length: 16 mins

Publisher's summary

Based on the research that race, gender, consent, and body positivity should be discussed with toddlers on up, this read-aloud book-board series, adapted for audio, offers adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way.

Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice, this topic-driven audiobook offers clear, concrete language and beautiful imagery that young children can grasp and adults can leverage for further discussion.

While young children are avid observers and questioners of their world, adults often shut down or postpone conversations on complicated topics because it's hard to know where to begin. Research shows that talking about issues like race and gender from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice.

This second book in the series begins the conversation on gender, with a supportive approach that considers both the child and the adult.

©2021 Megan Madison and Jessica Ralli (P)2021 Listening Library

LGBTQ trash and indoctrination

gay and LGBTQ trash and indoctrination. this whole book is about introducing young children into the LGBTQ world

A great intro to inclusion

I would love to see the hard copy of this book. I'm not a parent, but if I was I'd like to have resources like this to lean on when having complex conversations with my kids.

What made me so hopeful after listening to Being You, is that there are FINALLY books and resources for kids- that bring the adults along for the experience. When I was young, Free to Be You and Me was the progressive literary resource of the times. As a young girl, it helped to hear that I was just as strong and capable as a boy. Listening to this book allowed me to reflect on how much this next generation will benefit from hearing, "Your authenticity matters. YOU matter, and you can choose the course of your life."

This book can feel dense at times and covers a lot of bases so adults should be prepared for questions. It may also not be a book you finish in one sitting, and that's ok too. I would also recommend adults use this book in their own personal growth and development (based on some of the other reviews, there is clearly a need for healing and self love). Being You offers an opportunity to think about how so many of us have been denied lifestyles that aligned with our authenticity, and how that impacted us in adulthood.

I love that this book exists and has the potential to spark so many important, affirming, and liberating conversations. Hoping this book creates more opportunities to reassure the next generation that whoever they are and however they feel, they are OK.
In love and gratitude.