Join us for books, discussion, and more! Our readings and resources are in partnership with Welcoming School’s Jazz & Friends National Day of School and Community Readings in support of transgender and nonbinary youth in our community. 

After you've watched our readings, we encourage you to review these discussion questions as a family.

Discussion Questions for Be Who You Are by Todd Parr

1. Being who you are means you may be different from others. What are some ways you are different? What are some ways you are the same as the characters in this book?
2. What are some ways you can show who you are?
3. What do you like to do for fun?
4. What are some feelings you had today?
5. What is something new you would like to try? A new food? A new game?

Discussion Questions for Calvin by J.R. Ford, illustrated Kayla Harren

1. Calvin’s father says that Calvin is transgender. Can you describe what the word transgender means for Calvin in this story?
2. Whenever Calvin had to do something scary his dad always said, “Take a breath and count down from 5.” Are there things you do or say to yourself when you are feeling scared about something?
3. How could you show your support for Calvin in his transition? How did Calvin’s family, friends, and school show their support and encourage Calvin in his transition? 
4. Why do you think Calvin was so happy to be called by his real name, the one he shared with his lion?
5. What other changes did Calvin make to be himself? 
6. Do you know or have you ever heard about someone who is transgender?

Discussion Questions for I am Jazz by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings, illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas

1. Jazz says that her favorite colors are pink, silver and green. What are your favorite colors? 
2. What are some things you have in common with Jazz? 
3. What are some things that are different? 
4. In the book, Jazz says that she is transgender. What does transgender mean to Jazz? 
5. What are some things that Jazz does to show the world that she is a girl? 
6. If you knew Jazz, what could you do to help her feel safe and welcomed?

Discussion Questions for Born Ready by Jodie Patterson, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow

1. Everyone thinks that Penelope is a girl and treats him like a girl. How does Penelope respond to this?
2. When Penelope was born, the doctor or midwife said that he was a girl. Now that he is older, he can tell people who he knows himself to be, that he is a boy. What is the word that Penelope uses to describe himself in the book? (Transgender).
3. How does Penelope let people know that he is a boy? Does he change something about himself? Are there some things that he does not change?