Families who loved Their Name Is Alex by Paloma O'Toole often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child expresses feeling out of place in gendered groups, or when you want to introduce the concept of nonbinary identity through a gentle, nature-based lens. It is an ideal resource for navigating conversations about pronouns and the beauty of being exactly who you are without the pressure of fitting into a specific box. The story follows Alex on a class trip to the aquarium, where students are asked to choose a sea creature they most identify with. While others find easy matches, Alex struggles until they discover the goby, a fish that reflects their own fluid sense of self. It is a warm, affirming story for children ages 4 to 8 that validates the search for personal identity while celebrating curiosity and the wonders of the natural world.