Sam!

Locations
Call Number: E GAB, Kids Book / Picture Books / Family / Gabriel, Dani
On Shelf At: Downtown Library, Traverwood Branch

Location & Checkout Length	Call Number	Checkout Length	Item Status
Downtown Kids Books 4-week checkout	E GAB	4-week checkout	On Shelf
Traverwood Kids Books 4-week checkout	Kids Book / Picture Books / Family / Gabriel, Dani	4-week checkout	On Shelf

Nobody knew Sam was a boy except for him. Sam loves riding his bike and learning about the American Revolution. He is full of laughter and joy. There's just one problem: Sam's family knows him as a girl named Isabel. Sam feels a sense of relief when he finally confides in his annoying but caring sister Maggie, and then his parents, even though it takes them a while to feel comfortable with it. But with lots of love and support, Sam and his family learn and grow through Sam's journey to embrace his true self. In the vein of I Am Jazz by Jessica Herthel, Sam! is based on a true story. With a note from the author explaining their family's experience, Sam! is an important addition to a list of books that help children and adults discuss gender identity.

REVIEWS & SUMMARIES

Summary / Annotation
Author Notes

COMMUNITY REVIEWS

Sweet submitted by carlsonj on October 3, 2019, 3:22pm The book shows well how a transgender child may feel at school and at home, but be unable to express such due to concerns of how people would react. It features an optimistic reaction from the parents, that many trans people don't receive in their own lives. That said, it does note kids at school purposely calling Sam his deadname (phrase for former/birth name of a trans person), specifically to be mean. This gives a hint to the unfortunate reality transgender people face in our world, while still keeping the story light and uplifting.

The best part about this book is it lets trans kiddos see someone like them in a storybook. Positive and relatable representation is so important. Not just for trans children, but their families, friends, and everyone else.