About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their teen is questioning the rigid social expectations around gender or seeking a sense of historical belonging. It is perfect for families navigating a gender transition or for those who want to ground modern conversations about identity in a global, historical context. The book explores how various cultures throughout time have recognized more than two genders, moving the conversation from a modern political debate to a long-standing human tradition. Lee Wind provides a meticulously researched look at nonbinary and gender-diverse figures from ancient history to the present day. By highlighting stories of indigenous leaders, historical warriors, and spiritual figures, the book fosters self-confidence and a sense of justice. It is developmentally appropriate for middle and high schoolers, offering a hopeful and expansive view of what it means to be human. Parents will appreciate the way it replaces isolation with a rich, global heritage of belonging.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
Descriptions of violence and cultural destruction associated with colonization, including specific examples of how indigenous traditions were suppressed and how enslaved people were treated. The book references whippings and family separation under chattel slavery.
