The Book Corner Review
By Alice Bond
They are your parents, your grocery checkers, your coworkers, bosses, neighbors and friends. Over 2.8 million adults and youth identify as transgender in the United States, according to the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law. And they come in all colors and from all walks of life.
On Tuesday, March 31, we celebrate the International Transgender Day of Visibility — known as TDOV. Founded in 2009 by Michigan psychotherapist Rachel Crandall-Crocker (she/her), TDOV brings awareness to trans lives, highlights their joy and accomplishments, and honors trans elders. Rachel Crandall-Crocker has watched it grow from a local observance into the international movement it is today.
And what better way to reflect, explore and celebrate than through the magic of reading? Here are three handpicked titles — pre-read and recommended — that will answer questions, offer tips on being an ally, and fill you with wonder, suspense, and unforgettable love.
The Savvy Ally — Jeannie Gainsburg
Called "beautiful, necessary, and unputdownable" by readers, this accessible non-fiction guide is long overdue. It's a practical, skills-building resource for anyone who wants to be a more effective LGBTQ+ advocate and ally — full of real scenarios, personal stories and those "Wow, I never knew that!" moments.
Mad Honey — Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan
You are in good hands with two masterful storytellers: bestselling novelist Jodi Picoult and author, transgender activist and New York Times opinion contributor Jennifer Finney Boylan. Together they weave a riveting mystery about two families starting over in a small New England town — a story threaded with suspense, family secrets and a moving exploration of what it means to be fully seen.
My Shadow Is Purple — Scott Stuart
For reading with kids: A simple, heartwarming picture book that gently explores differences — in gender and in all of us. With vibrant illustrations and lyrical writing, it encourages children to love what they love, offering a joyful, healthy message about being exactly who you are.
The same universal themes of compassion, curiosity and search for truth we seek and find in the pages of books connect to the work of Project 2029 — a progressive initiative building a governing vision for a just, fair future. Its concrete policy priorities include universal childcare, student debt relief and LGBTQ+ rights protections, among others. To learn more, visit: project2029.me
