In this joyful and impactful picture book, a transgender boy prepares for the first day of school and introduces himself to his family and friends for the first time. Inspired by the authors’ own transgender child and accompanied by warm and triumphant illustrations, this authentic and personal text promotes kindness and empathy, offering a poignant and inclusive back-to-school message: all should feel safe, respected, and welcomed.

You can purchase the book here.

Vanessa and JR Ford

Vanessa and JR Ford are nationally-known advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and specifically transgender youth. Their advocacy and work have been featured in the New York Times, Newsweek, The Boston Globe, The Washington Post and in Gender Revolution: A Journey with Katie Couric. They are members of the Human Rights Campaign’s Parents for Transgender Equality Council and authors of the children’s book, CALVIN. They live with their two children, one of whom is trans, in the Boston, Massachusetts, area.