Book Review
A short overview of this book
Nonnie Talks About Gender by Mary Jo Podgurski is a book that helps parents and kids to understand what gender is all about, in regards to gender, gender roles, gender expression and gender identity.
This is one of the many books in the Nonnie Series, which is a collection of books that approach tough conversations with kindness and respect. She has also written:
- Nonnie Talks About Sex
- Nonnie Talks About Puberty
- Nonnie Talks About Gender
- Nonnie Talks About Trauma
- Nonnie Talks About Pregnancy and Birth
- Inside Out: Your body is amazing inside and out and only belongs to you.
- Nonnie Talks About Consent
- Nonnie Talks about Relationships
I am a huge fan of these books as they are the sort of book that you can sit down and read together with your child, and complete the activities at the end of each chapter. Plus they lead into the topic very gently in a non-confronting way. These books are all based around the story of 2 children and a grandmother who helps them to understand tough topics.
This book answers many questions about gender, gender roles, gender expression and gender identity. The underlying message is about respect and empathy when dealing with differences (or diversity).
I really like this book as it simplifies a confusing topic very nicely.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 8 to 12 years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of Nonnie Talks About Gender by Mary Jo Podgurski from Amazon.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! I’m Cath Hak from Sex Ed Rescue, and I’m here to talk to you about a really cool book called Nonnie Talk About Gender. This book is part of a series by Mary Jo Podgurski that covers important topics like consent, puberty, body safety, death, race, pregnancy, and birthing. But today, we’re focusing on gender.
Now, this book may be a few years old, but it’s still a gem. Mary Jo Podgurski has created a whole collection of fantastic books that are perfect for sitting down and having open conversations with your kids about love, sex, relationships, puberty, growing up, and of course, gender.
I have to admit, these books can be a bit pricey, but I’ve spoken to Mary Jo herself, and she’s working on making them more affordable, possibly even offering them as PDFs. You see, when you want to create a high-quality book with colorful illustrations and good paper, the costs can add up. But trust me, these books are worth it.
Each book starts with a section on how to use it effectively. Mary Jo encourages you to take your time and read a chapter at a time over a few weeks. It’s not just about reading the book, it’s about engaging with your child and discussing the topics together. That’s what makes these books so special.
Nonnie Talk About Gender begins with a story about two kids, Alex and Tamika, and their experiences with gender. They talk to Nonnie, who is a fantastic mother and a sex educator. Nonnie helps them navigate the concept of gender and encourages respect for everyone’s differences.
One thing I really appreciate about Mary Jo’s approach is that she doesn’t overwhelm you with jargon. She focuses on teaching kids to be respectful of others, no matter how they identify. She emphasizes that it’s okay for girls to play with trucks and for boys to play with dolls. It’s all about being respectful and accepting of each other.
The book covers various aspects of gender, including gender identity and gender expression. Mary Jo explains these concepts in a way that kids can understand, and she even touches on terms like cisgender and transgender. It’s a great resource for explaining these ideas and discussing pronouns.
At the end of the book, you’ll find a handy glossary to help you and your child understand the terms used. Overall, I think this book is a fantastic tool for starting meaningful conversations with your kids about gender and related topics. It’s not just about gender itself, but also about empathy, respect, and tolerance.
In a world that can sometimes be unkind, I believe it’s important to raise our kids to be kind and accepting individuals. Let’s help them make the world a better place by instilling these values in them. So go ahead and grab a copy of Nonnie Talk About Gender and start those important conversations with your little ones. Cheers!
