Under a different username, I have had a long running battle with my DC's school, over their promotion of GI, using No Outsiders for resources, and "She's my Dad" for reading comprehension lessons.
Juat seen the content of the book from the year 5+6 reading list, which DD has picked. Meant to be non-fiction, about women and girls.
Pg 46, elementary school child - a boy who likes pink and shiny shoes. Affirmed immediately. Taken to the doctor, who affirms the boy feels like a girl inside. Toilet question comes up 'I can't use the disabled, I'm a girl'. A judge rules that the boy can use the girls toilets. They have a party to celebrate with pink cake.
My eyes have rolled back so far in my head that I can see my own brain.
Have sent the following message to the school.
*Good morning,
I would just like to draw your attention to some concerning content in one of your recommended reading books for year 5 and 6.
In "Goodnight stories for Rebel Girls", the entry is on page 46, describing a young, gender questioning boy.
The entry is concerning due to;
- Promoting harmful stereotypes - that being a girl is about liking pink, dresses and sparkly shoes. This is contrary to the school's statutory duty to prevent the promotion of harmful stereotypes.
- It is out of date - it states that a judge has decided that the gender questioning child can use the toilet of the opposite sex, if they want to. Almost a year ago (April 2025), the Supreme Court ruled that, in British law, it is not gender identity, but biological sex that determines entry to single sex spaces, such as toilets.
My DC immediately identified the harmful stereotypes presented in this entry, however given that it is stating out-of-date ideas that are contrary to the law, I would request that you review the appropriateness of having this book on the recommended reading list.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this,
Many thanks*
I'd really hoped that this shit was over.