Dd (7) was given this book as a gift. Reading it together she came across one story about a boy who I think became transgender (didn’t look too long at the page or read the whole story). Dd became quite cross because there was a boy in her story that’s meant to be just about girls (her, slightly paraphrased, words). I’m a bit cross too to be honest because I thought the premise of this book was great as a discussion point about women’s history and how hard it has been for them. I appreciate this story has its place and that the person in it has also probably experienced their own challenges, but I’m surprised that it was included in this book and also intrigued by dd’s reaction (which I shared to be honest). Not sure what I hope to gain from this thread but just a bit sad I suppose that what is supposed to be a women themed book felt it needed to include this, and sad that my daughter’s natural reaction to it is probably not going to be seen as acceptable as she grows up. Just highlighted for me the erosion of women only spaces I suppose.
I didn’t really talk it through with dd in much detail(hence not fully reading the story). She just wanted to turn the page and read about someone else, which I was happy to do. I suppose it just jarred with me - thinking in terms of explaining to her how some of these women weren’t allowed to go to school,vote, be who they wanted to be because they are women and I didn’t feel the need for this - an equally valid story of an individual but not someone with the experience of being put down because you’re a woman and all the history and politics that goes with it - to be included in the book.