Books which explore gender stereotypes and encourage young people to recognise that not conforming to these stereotypes is natural and young people should be encouraged to express their individuality.
Bill’s New Frock
Bill wakes up one day as a girl, and is horrified to be sent to school in a frilly pink frock with fiddly shell buttons. There he finds life suddenly very different. The bully whistles at him, instead of kicking him, he can't be picked to lift a table - not being a 'big strong boy' - his work's supposed to be ultra neat and he's being cast as Lovely Rapunzel, who in any case never gets to say anything! By the time he gets home the impractical frock is covered in mud and - thank goodness - Bill will never have to wear it again!
Age Range: Key Stage 2
Published by Egmont Children’s Books ISBN: 140520060X
Giraffes Can’t Dance
Gerald was a tall giraffe Whose neck was long and slim, But his knees were awfully bandy And his legs were rather thin... Every year Gerald dreads the great Jungle Dance, and feels ashamed that he cannot tango and two-step with the rest of the jungle animals. But then one day he realises that it doesn't matter that he is different from everyone else--its just that he needs a different tune to dance to. A lovely story, wittily illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees and told in rhyme by the award-winning author Giles Andreae, it has a stealth and humour that makes it perfect for reading aloud. Giraffes Can't Dance is a nifty little 1story that children and adults will love to read time and time again. (Ages 3 to 5 years).
ge Range: Key Stage 1
Published by Orchard Picture Books ISBN: 1841215651
Jump
Every Saturday Steven watches his sister at her ballet class - jumping and dancing - and he longs to join in. But his mother says that real boys don't dance; they play games like basketball. However, there's one skill that you need for both ballet and basketball - and, fortunately for Steven, it's the thing that he loves doing best! Michelle Magorian says her inspiration for Jump! came from the comments people used to make about her eldest son when he was still in nappies, saying "I was surprised to hear people talking about all the "boyish" activities he would take part in when he was older and thought, 'What if my son preferred dance to rugby?"'
Age Range: Key Stage 1
Published by Walker Books ISBN: 0744589614
Long Live Princess Smartypants
A modern fairy tale for the twenty-first century and a second adventure for the irrepressible and highly popular Princess Smartypants. Princess Smartypants has decided she'd like to have a baby but doesn't want the husband to go with it. The King and Queen will not hear of such a plan and attempt to take her mind off it by keeping her busy. However, a crackly telephone line and a mixed-up grocery list result in Smartypants getting the baby she wants - until she discovers he has super-human strength and begins to wreak havoc around the Royal palace. Perhaps looking after a baby on her own isn't going to be as easy as she thinks!Age Range: Key Stage 1
Published by Puffin ISBN: 0140569626
Pass It, Polly
Polly and Nisha are the only girls who want to play in the school football match. But football is harder than it looks. However, with a bit of instruction and a lot of practice they are soon dribbling, tackling and scoring goals. But how will they perform on the day of the big match.
Age Range: Key Stage 1
Published by Puffin ISBN: 0140555218
Oliver Button is a Sissy
A little boy must come to terms with being teased and ostracized because he'd rather read books, paint pictures, and tap-dance than participate in sports. His classmates' taunts don't stop Oliver Button from doing what he likes best. Even though Oliver doesn't win first prize at a talent show, his parents and classmates cease their jeering of his "sissy" pursuits.
Age Range: Key Stage 1
Published by Voyager Books2 ISBN: O156681404
The Paper Bag Princess
First published in 1980 and with over four million copies in print, The Paper Bag Princess (the story of a resourceful princess and her useless prince) has captured the hearts of readers young and old all around the world. The New York Times called it "one of the best children's books ever written" and it has appeared countless times on "best books" lists. The story reverses the "princess and dragon" folklore stereotype and celebrates feisty females everywhere, making it a firm favourite with female readers of all ages, as well as women's groups, teachers and librarians.
Age Range: Key Stage 1
Published by Annick Press ISBN: 0920236820
The Princesses Have a Ball
The king wonders what his daughters are up to at night – why aren’t they dreaming of princes. He soon discovers that they are basketball fans and sets out to find a clever cobbler to make them the perfect shoes.
Age Range: Key Stage 1
Published by Whitman & Company ISBN: 0807566284
The Sissy Duckling
Illustrated by Henry Cole Adapted from an award-winning HBO animated special written by 3-time Tony Award-winning playwright and actor Harvey Fierstein (Torch Song Trilogy, Mrs. Doubtfire, Bullets over Broadway), this is a heart-warming tale about learning to embrace the special qualities we possess. Instead of building forts and playing sports like other boy ducklings, Elmer wants to bake cakes and put on the halftime show. He is great a big sissy. But when his father is wounded by a hunter, Elmer proves that the biggest sissy can also be the greatest hero.
Age Range: Key Stage 1
Published by Simon & Schuster ISBN: 068983566
William’s Doll
More than anything William wants a doll. Don't be a creep, says his brother. Sissy, sissy, chants the boy next door. Then one day, someone really understands William's wish and makes it easy for others to understand too.
Age Range: Key Stage 1
Published by HarperCollins ISBN: 0060270470
Make a secure donation to Stonewall now
Comment on this page