What a delightful book. Presented in a format and language children are used to and can understand. Written in a lovely straightforward, honest and caring way. I read if first and then to the children who were only concerned that the main character was sad and could be bullied by mean people at school. I'm sure there will be more questions and hope that I can answer them in the compassionate way this book was presented.

I usually don't read or review children's books, but happened upon the book and could not pass up on reading it. The story features a loveable female main character named Nisha, who is your average kid and reminds me of myself when I was younger. The author presents gender dysphoria in a way that is easy for kids to digest, and could even help kids find the vocabulary for feelings that they didn't know how to describe. I also think it's awesome that the author includes info and resources in the back of the book for adults, so that they can become more educated, and answer any questions that a child may have after reading the book. Needless to say, the world needs more children's books like this one.

Nisha doesn't feel comfortable when being referred to as a boy and views that feeling as a personal monster. It's always there and grows after every time it happens. Then Nisha meets Jack- a transman that shows her how to make it better.

Throughout are captivatingly bold and colourful images. Every character has clear facial expressions, which are helpful for young readers. It's striking to see the broad smiles on everyone's faces as it emphasises how Nisha is feeling and that many are not trying to be mean- they just don't know what's happening. Then, after they know, it makes no difference to them and they're still happy.

The text is always situated in a blank area on the page so it is clear to read. It's interesting to see this dysphoric feeling being described and anthropomorphised as a monster. Along with the illustrations, it makes for striking imagery.

I would say that I disagree with the wording as to why Nisha has a monster, specifically as to stating the doctor was wrong at the child's birth. I can see where this comes from but it does have the tone of shifting the blame to someone else, as opposed to recognising that issue is in the person but can be improved. The discussion with Jack is good in this; he doesn't claim that everything will be fine, there will still be difficulties (the monster is still there) but it's easier (the monster gets smaller).

At the end is a collection of terminology, descriptions and questions for adults to use and consider, including experiences from the author. This is useful but should be regarded alongside other resources for a balanced and well-informed viewpoint.

This is a lovely picture book about a child experiencing dysphoria from being misgendered. The book explains in a very educational and child friendly way the type of situations where this occurs and how it makes the child feel. I loved the metaphor of the monster following the child around and the pictures really helped to show the impact all of these seemingly small actions had on the child, by feeding the monster. Being a children’s book, of course everything works out in the end after the child gets some adult guidance and support.

This book should be read to all children, whether they have given any indication that they might be trans or not, to help them understand this important topic. As an adult reader I really appreciated the last few pages with information for grown-ups. Although I had some knowledge on this topic already, I still learned something new and for someone who is very new to the terminology around gender it makes a good place to start.

I really loved this book! The way that it explained trans people and how they feel is amazing and the illustrations were also wonderful. This is a great read!

This book would help many kids who are experiencing dysphoria as well as though those who might be around others who are experiencing it. I think it helps the reader understand more what people may be feeling.

A wonderful introduction for children on gender identity. I was glad to see the inclusion of non binary identities as well. The artwork is beautiful, diverse, and engaging and I loved the inclusion of a parents guide with resources and more information.

My one issue is with one particular sentence: “Our monster is that little voice that knows who we are, and who we want to be when we grow up, and it doesn’t like to be ignored!” Throughout the book I felt that the monster represented societal expectations and how those made transgender and non conforming children feel, but this sentence makes it seem like it’s the little voice inside that helps you stay true to yourself, and I don’t like the connotation of that voice being a “monster” that needs to go away. That voice is good and right, and it’s society that makes it difficult to listen to the voice, not the voice itself.

Despite this, I would be very likely to recommend. This book is important for kids who experience gender dysphoria, of course, but also kids who don’t. If we want to raise empathetic children they have to understand how others feel and are treated, even when they themselves don’t experience these things. Books like this will lead us into a more accepting society.

THIS BOOK IS SO CUTE.

The art, the story, everything. I loved especially seeing the supportive parents and euphoric ending. Laura Kate Dale took a topic that some adults probably would struggle to explain and made it into a children's book that is not only easy to digest, but also really authentic too.

I can't wait to gift this one when it comes out this fall!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an advanced review copy!

Nisha has a monster, a monster that won't go away. When people call her a boy, it gets bigger and bigger until it's overwhelming. However, when she meets a man named Jack, who went through the same thing, she learns how to shrink—and live with—her monster.

This is a book I think will help quite a few kids in the future. The art is beautiful, especially how the artist depicted the monster itself. I also loved seeing Jack acting as a mentor or guide to Nisha.

I wish the book would have explained what it means to be "referred to by x/y/z pronouns." I think it might be clearer to kids to show that, like "I feel happy when people call me 'she.'" rather than use the phrase "she/her/hers pronouns." However, with a grown-up to explain it, this shouldn't be an issue to even really young children.

So incredibly done. All of the resources and tips included are perfect.
When she was introduced to jack i did in fact tear up.
Thank you so much for this. I would have loved to have this as a child and I’m so hopeful for those that will. ❤️

As a transgender person with dysphoria, I can say that this does an impeccable job of explaining what dysphoria is, the impact it has, and how to help minimize it. It would be a great tool for teaching youth about dysphoria to help them identify it within themselves or better understand how to address it in others, but this book would also be a great tool for adults with the resources included. The art is beautiful, the language used is easy to understand, and the content is broken down in a simple way. Though every transgender person's experience is different, this book does an amazing job of explaining the basics.

A really wonderful book that explains dysphoria to kids (and adults). The illustrations are wonderful and the story makes this topic easy to understand. I'm really glad I came across this book and can't wait to share it with others.

This is a must read for all kids and their parents, guardians, and any adults who interact with children.

The story follows Nisha, a young trans girl who feels strong discomfort - dysphoria - when people call her a boy. She has a gender dysphoria monster which grows each time it happens, and many examples of what may make trans people feel dysphoria are given. It also goes through the process of socially transitioning - changing name, pronouns, clothes, hair, etc.

This book will help so many young children who feel the same way as Nisha. It will also help the adults in their lives understand a bit more how their child may be feeling. It also has a terminology and FAQ section in the back for adults which goes more in depth into important terminology for the trans, nonbinary, and also intersex communities.

The story itself is very engaging and the artwork is amazing. It plays around with both color and texture and is sure to hold the kids' attention.

I am really really glad a book like this will be out in the world soon and I hope to see more like it as well, especially with kids on the nonbinary spectrum too.

Rep: trans girl MC, trans man SC

Rating system:
5 - absolutely love, little-to-no dislikes that did not impact my reading experience

4 - great book, minor dislikes that did have an impact on my reading experience

3 - good/decent book but for some reason did not hook me or there were some problematic things that just were not addressed or greatly impacted my reading experience

2 - is either a book I did not click with and did not enjoy, problematic aspects are not addressed and severely impacted my reading experience, or I DNF'd but think it has potential for others

1 - is very problematic, I would not recommend the book to anyone

A book that needs to be in schools GLOBALLY.

I enjoy that this book explains Gender Dysphoria - and Gender Euphoria (Affirmation/ acceptance by others) in a clear and optimistic way which is easily comprehended by children and young people no matter their age.

In few words, making it simpler for young people to follow along and without putting too fine a point on any area, this book clearly demonstrates the feelings and experiences of Trans people, specifically Trans Youth and how actions of those surrounding them can have a lasting impact on their lives.

I especially enjoyed the art style by Hui Qing Ang, the softness of more circular shapes and vibrant colours is appealing and I appreciate how the monster becomes smaller and changes colour in the end, I feel this helped to personify how feelings change.

The adults guide at the end is extremely beneficial for everyone, especially those not as in tune with the correct and appropriate language that is used surrounding transgender and gender non conforming people.

I believe this book would help every child, not just trans youth. And also, it’ll help every adult too.

I eagerly await this books release and intend to buy a physical copy for any future children in my life.

**I received an advanced copy of this book from the Publisher via NetGalley**

I am unclear of the age group that this book is targeting. While the beginning of the story and the tone and illustrations seem reasonable for a middle grade, near the end the explanations and using the term 'gender dysphoria monster' seems more geared towards young adult. im also having feelings on calling this entity a monster, as the connations that accompany that word are usually 'bad' or 'scary' and being in the wrong body isn't a bad thing. i might think more on changing 'monster'. the information is solid after the story ends.

Me and My Dysphoria Monster by Laura Kate Dale

Middle grade graphic novel about gender identity and coming out as trans. This book follows the main character, Nisha, and her discovery of what trans is and her transitioning. She describes her gender Dysphoria as a monster that follows her around and discusses what triggers it to grow.

Nisha talks to another trans person who explains to her what trans is and explains that she is valid, loved and accepted and give her the confidence to come out to her family and friends.

This book is appropriate and important for all ages to read. I really liked the art style, I loved that it centred trans joy rather than trans trauma and I was SO happy to see that the author included a terminology section in the back of the book. So helpful and useful!!

I HIGHLY recommend this and will be re-reading it MANY times and will also be purchasing it for myself when it is published.

TW/CW:
- Gender Dysphoria
- Body dysmorphia
- Misgendering (before coming out)
- Deadnaming (before coming out)

This wonderful book uses the familiar image of a scary monster as a metaphor to help young readers understand feelings of discomfort that stems from the sense of disconnect between the gender they're perceived as and their internal sense of identity. Through stunning artwork and very clear writing, readers are given a clear sense of what causes this monster to grow, the impact of letting this monster grow unchecked, and eventually how to cope with it and make sure the monster does not overwhelm a child's life. In addition to the wonderful story, this book concludes with an "Adults Guide" containing useful terminology and explanations to help adult readers understand the themes and information presented in the book and recommendations for how to support children who may battle dysphoria monsters of their own. With its publication in a year that is breaking records for the number of anti-transgender bills proposed in legislatures across the US, this book is a wonderful introduction to a much-discussed topic for readers of all ages..
This review was based on an advance reader copy.

Nisha is a child who experiences gender dysphoria, and describes this feeling as a monster that grows each time someone discusses their gender, because this leads them to feel less and less like themself. When Nisha meets Jack, a trans man, he teaches Nisha how to shrink the dysphoria monster and validates this scary and difficult situation Nisha is facing.

This is a totally age-appropriate picture book that explains gender dysphoria in a way that children can understand, using real examples of situations that might be challenging for children and adults. There are also resources within the book for children and adults explaining terminology and for those seeking further information about gender dysphoria.

I think this is a great book for children in the 5-10 age range to read with and without adults. I think this book opens up doors for discussion and normalizes the gender spectrum and gender identity. I so appreciate Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book!

Me and My Dysphoria Monster is a great teaching book to teach children about gender dysphoria. This is not just for children experiencing such a dysphoria, but for all children, to better understand others. I really enjoyed the illustrations of the monster!

I think this is an great book for children with gender dysphoria or others who want to learn more and understand. My favorite part of the book was the end when the author shared FAQs for common questions. I am glad the author took the time to create this book so educators, parents, etc can have this as a resource to help students or others have a better understanding.