Phoenix Goes to School - by Michelle Finch & Phoenix Finch Hardcover

About the Book

Phoenix wants to wear her favourite purple dress to express her gender, but she is scared of being bullied on her first day of school. Follow Phoenix's journey as she arrives at school, makes some friends, stands up for herself, and helps us learn to be true to who we really are.

Book Synopsis

My Mommy tells me I'm perfect and to be brave.

"You know who you are," she says,

"Just be yourself and always listen to your heart."

With those words of encouragement from her Mom, Phoenix is preparing for her first day of school. She is excited but scared of being bullied because of her gender identity and expression. Yet when she arrives at school she finds help and support from teachers and friends, and finds she is brave enough to talk to other kids about her gender!

This is an empowering and brightly-illustrated children's book for children aged 3+ to help children engage with gender identity in a fun, uplifting way. It supports trans children who are worried about being bullied or misunderstood.

Review Quotes

Someday we'll live in a world where any child can wear a dress with freedom and delight, but until then, Phoenix Goes to School is a brilliant must-read for every child who either is a gender creative or transgender child or wants to be their ally.--Diane Ehrensaft, Ph.D. author of The Gender Creative Child and Gender Born, Gender Made, director of Mental Health, Child and Adolescent Gender Center

This book is not only a delightful tale about being yourself straight from the mouth of a child living her truth, but it is also a critical tool for trans children, their families, educators, and anyone else who seeks to better understand the lives and realities of transgender youth. An essential to any affirming bookshelf.--Gavin Grimm, youth activist

With her handstands, towers and lavender flowers, Phoenix inspires brave young people to share their stories and be proud of who they are. She also shows us what can happen when communities come together to celebrate diversity.--Brook Pessin-Whedbee, author of Who Are You? The Kids Guide to Gender Identity

About the Author

A mother and daughter from California. Phoenix is a 7 year old gender nonconforming child and Michelle is an active member of Parents of Transgender Kids in Marin County.

Sharon Davey is a children's book illustrator based in the UK.