Book Review
A short overview of this book
My Shadow is Pink by Scott Stuart is a lovely book for letting kids know it is okay for boys to like princesses, fairies & things “not for boys.” This is a lovely book for talking about gender identity, self acceptance, equality, and diversity. And a fantastic book for little boys who like “girl things”, especially if they are starting to hear gendered stereotypes about what boys should and shouldn’t do.
This author has more books on similar themes.
You can learn more on this page, about how to talk to kids about sex education.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 3 to 9 years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of My Shadow is Pink by Scott Stuart from Amazon.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! I’m Cath Hak, also known as Cath Hakanson, and welcome to Sex Ed Rescue. This is my YouTube channel where I help parents find better ways to talk to their kids about sex education. Today, I want to talk about a fantastic book called My Shadow Is Pink by Scott Stuart.
This book is all about challenging gender stereotypes and reminding kids that just because they were born with a certain body part doesn’t mean they have to conform to certain expectations. It’s all about embracing individuality! Now, everyone might interpret this book differently, but I’m going to focus on how it questions stereotypes and explores the concept of inner selves using shadows.
The story revolves around a child who feels that their shadow should be blue, but it turns out to be pink. And guess what? They enjoy doing things that are typically associated with pink people. They talk to their dad about it, but he brushes it off as a phase, saying they’ll figure it out.
However, our main character still feels like they don’t quite fit in. Then comes the first day of school, which happens to be a dress-up day. They decide to wear a dress, and their dad looks worried. I mean, as a parent, I’d be concerned too!
They walk into school, feeling a bit nervous, and the other kids give them strange looks. Overwhelmed and embarrassed, they run back home. But here’s where it gets interesting: Dad comes in wearing a tutu! He explains that who we are on the outside doesn’t always reflect who we are on the inside. And that’s when the book introduces us to different shadows, each with their own unique interests and preferences.
The book beautifully conveys the message that your shadow is you. Some people will love you for who you are, while others may not. But what truly matters is that you embrace your true self. Isn’t that amazing?
As the story progresses, our main character gains confidence and makes friends at school. It’s a heartwarming journey of self-empowerment. This simple yet powerful book is perfect for starting important conversations with kids about gender stereotypes. And hey, it’s also a great way to introduce topics like nonbinary, gender fluidity, and transgender identities.
I really hope you find this book helpful, and I’m sure your children will enjoy it too. It’s a wonderful tool for fostering acceptance and understanding. So go ahead, grab a copy, and let the conversations begin!
