Illustrated by Anne Passchier

$17.99

$22.99 CAD

Format

Hardcover

Format:

Hardcover $17.99 $22.99 CAD

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Follow Ari through their neighborhood as they try to find their words in this sweet, accessible introduction to gender-inclusive pronouns that is perfect for readers of all ages.

Whenever Ari's Uncle Lior comes to visit, they ask Ari one question: "What are your words?" Some days Ari uses she/her. Other days Ari uses he/him. But on the day of the neighborhood's big summer bash, Ari doesn't know what words to use. On the way to the party, Ari and Lior meet lots of neighbors and learn the words each of them use to describe themselves, including pronouns like she/her, he/him, they/them, ey/em, and ze/zir. As Ari tries on different pronouns, they discover that it's okay to not know your words right away—sometimes you have to wait for your words to find you.

Filled with bright, graphic illustrations, this simple and poignant story about finding yourself is the perfect introduction to gender-inclusive pronouns for readers of all ages.

Genre:

Praise for What Are Your Words?:

* "An affirming, conversational picture book that models the ease with which our language can adapt to gender diversity and pronoun use. A recommended first purchase for all libraries."

School Library Journal, starred review
"Awesome, insightful, powerful, necessary, relevant and woke.... The variety of adjectives used throughout Ari's journey to find their words will delight Language Arts teachers and can serve as a teaching text."
Cicely Lewis, School Library Journal
"Locke's simple narrative...seamlessly incorporates the appropriate pronouns for each person, demonstrating the ease with which language can change to accommodate pronoun diversity.... A sweet, affirming introduction to the language used to communicate a range of gender identities."
Booklist
"A capable celebration of the rich range of pronouns."
Publishers Weekly
"Through Ari's story, children are gently versed in different identifiers. The ultimate lesson: how to champion yourself."
Entertainment Weekly
"This story offers lots of opportunities for exploring beyond the binary."
Horn Book
"An influential addition to gender literature, this educational feel-good book highlights the marvelous distinctiveness of humanity."
Midwest Book Review

On Sale: May 25, 2021
Page Count: 40 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN-13: 9780316542067

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Katherine Locke

About the Author

Katherine Locke lives and writes in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with their feisty felines. They are the author of What Are Your Words? and This Is Our Rainbow, as well as picture books and books for older kids and teens.

Shanee Benjamin is a queer art director and illustrator living and loving from Brooklyn, NY. With almost a decade of corporate design experience, she made the leap into digital illustration and painting, focusing on passionately telling the stories of LGBTQIA+ black and brown folks. Through working with major brands such as Instagram, Old Navy, and YouTube (to name a few), she's had the opportunity to follow her passion and create community and connection through art.

Learn more about this author