Bill's New Frock

[User1438423]

I picked this book up in a charity shop this week because I remember enjoying it when I was in primary school, but I read it first before giving it to DC because I couldn't remember the story and I was worried it might be sexist. I am absolutely delighted that it is in fact a brilliant feminist book for children around age 6-10.

Bill wakes up one morning to discover he has turned into a girl. His mum makes him wear a pink frock. Everyone acts as though nothing is wrong that he is a girl, like it has always been that way. The book is how Bill experiences a day in primary school differently as a girl, and how differently he is treated by adults, teens, teachers and his peers. It highlights everyday sexism in primary school culture that is still vert relevant today. Everything from girls clothes not being practical and having pockets, to expectations around school work and football culture in the playground. It really is a brilliant book to discuss with primary aged children that I wanted to recommend.

It is indeed an excellent book.
We use it in our school.

I don't remember this book (I might be older than you though!), but it sounds brilliant. I might see if I can find a copy online for my boys, thanks OP!

Sounds perfect for my GD . thanks

Thanks for the tip! My DDs have started to notice these type of inequalities so the book sounds perfect for them.

Ah brill I did read this when I was young but can't remember the content. Thanks for the recommendation

One of my favourite books and I cite as my introduction to the fact that girls and boys are treated differently etc. It’s so subtly and cleverly done.

It’s also brilliantly funny and very heartwarming.

Love this book by Anne Fine and read it will all three of my DDs. I remember Bill being horrified that he had to have neat handwriting as a girl and his usual messy scrawl as a boy was suddenly frowned upon. Everyday prejudice. you know she wrote ‘Flour Babies’ and ‘Mrs Doubtfire’ too. Think mine read those two in yr5/6 ish. Very good.

I remember LOVING this book when I was a child, and picked it up for my children the other day! I'm hoping to get some really good talking points from it.

Thanks for the recommendation! I vaguely remember this book from childhood and will definitely look for it for my DD

I remember that from year 2

Anne Fine’s daughter Cordelia Fine wrong Testosterone Rex and The Delusion Of Gender, two excellent popular science books.

I don’t remember much about the book but it’s the only book I remember reading at school from primary school. I might look it up when my child is older.

It is a good book, I got it for DD a few years ago and I'm looking forward to reading it to DS in a couple of years time.

I didn't know they were mother and daughter- and I love both of their books!