Based on a true transgender identity journey, the picture book I'm Not a Girl is an empowering story from writers Maddox Lyons and Jessica Verdi about a boy who is determined to be himself, illustrated by Dana Simpson.
Nobody seems to understand that Hannah is not a girl.
His parents ask why he won't wear the cute outfits they pick out. His friend thinks he must be a tomboy. His teacher insists he should be proud to be a girl.
But a birthday wish, a new word, and a stroke of courage might be just what Hannah needs to finally show the world who he really is.
A 2021 Rainbow Book List Recommended Reading Selection
Dana Simpson, a native of Gig Harbor, Washington, first caught the eyes of devoted comics readers with the internet strip Ozy and Millie. She then developed Phoebe and Her Unicorn, which is now syndicated in over 200 newspapers worldwide and has generated a robust publishing program.
Simpson’s books have appeared on the New York Times bestseller list, and won the Washington State Book Award and the Pacific Northwest Book Award. She lives with her husband and her cat in Santa Barbara, California.
"An important book that can serve as a conversation starter with gender-expansive children and as a tool for cis children to build empathy." —Booklist, starred review
"Lyons, a 12-year-old trans boy, shares his story in clear, relatable language, sensitively assisted by Verdi and capably supported by Simpson’s simple, emotive illustrations: throughout, the protagonist’s green eyes express frustration, anxiety, and, finally, happiness." —Publishers Weekly
“A lot of work went into this book and it shows.” —Betsy Bird, "2020 Books with a Message"