Vendor
	Mohrbooks Literary Agency Annelie Geissler
Categories
Children’s picture books

WHEN AIDAN BECAME A BROTHER

Kyle Lukoff Kaylani Juanita

WHEN AIDAN BECAME A BROTHER is a heartwarming book that will resonate with transgender children and reassure any child concerned about becoming an older sibling, and celebrate the many transitions a family can experience.

When Aidan was born, everyone thought he was a girl. His parents gave him a pretty name, his room looked like a girl's room, and he wore clothes that other girls liked wearing. After he realized he was a trans boy, Aidan and his parents fixed the parts of life that didn't fit anymore, and he settled happily into his new life. Then Mom and Dad announce that they're going to have another baby, and Aidan wants to do everything he can to make things right for his new sibling from the beginning - from choosing the perfect name to creating a beautiful room to picking out the cutest onesie. But what does "making things right" actually mean? And what happens if he messes up? With a little help, Aidan comes to understand that mistakes can be fixed with honesty and communication, and that he already knows the most important thing about being a big brother: how to love with his whole self. Kyle Lukoff is the author of A Storytelling of Ravens, which Kirkus called "not to be missed" in a starred review. After a decade as a bookseller, he now works as a school librarian and writer in New York City. Kyle first came out as trans in 2004, and has over 15 years' experience discussing trans identities and issues with adults and children from many different communities. You can find his book recommendations, notes on trans life, and praise from Rachel Maddow online at kylelukoff.com and on Twitter as @shekels_library. Kaylani Juanita describes her mission as an artist as "supporting the stories of the under-represented, creating new ways for people to imagine themselves." Her work has appeared at the Society of Illustrators and on the BBC website, as well as in her first picture book, Ta-Da!, written by Kathy Ellen Davis. Look for her online at kaylanijuanita.com and @kaylanijuanita on Twitter and Instagram.

Available products
Book Published 2019-06-01 by Lee & Low

Comments

The creators' exploration of one transgender child's experience emphasizes the importance of learning "how to love someone for exactly who they are." Read more...

WHEN AIDAN BECAME A BROTHER is the Winner of the 2020 Stonewall Book Award

Lukoff breaks away from binary language and stereotypical gender roles, highlighting within the text and in an author's note that there is more than one way to be a person of any gender. The hopeful message at the end emphasizes love and the importance of staying open to learning. Joyful and affirming, Aidan's story is the first of its kind among books for welcoming a new baby. Read more...

A much-needed and appealing addition to the -picture book canon; both emotionally and visually satisfying. Read more...

A trans man himself, Lukoff writes with authority and a loving spirit. Juanita's cheerful digital illustrations are a nicely harmonious match with the text, expanding it in meaningful ways. Together, the text and pictures create a heartfelt celebration of love that will be an ideal selection for trans children and for any who are expecting a new sibling. Read more...

Lukoff puts his child-centered story and character ahead of message; the word transgender is used only once, and gender not at all. Celebrating the family's close, affirming relationship, Juanita's vibrant digitally rendered illustrations take their cues from the text, which models how to avoid the male/female binary. The final spread shows family and friends celebrating the new arrival, with cupcakes, presents, and helium balloons spelling out, simply, "IT'S A BABY." A straightforward and heartfelt author's note provides more context. Read more...