Still My Tessa

One of the best books I have read for young readers about gender and being non-binary, Still My Tessa by Sylv Chiang and Mathias Ball.

Evelyn and Tessa are siblings and great friends. One summer, Tessa spends the whole time listening to music in the dark and not wanting to play. When she finally comes out of her room she declares that she is not Evelyn’s sister anymore. It takes one week but Evelyn totally gets Tessa’s new they/them pronouns and proudly declares to anyone who makes a mistake, that Tessa is not her sister but her sibling.

Sylv Chiang has created a beautiful and inclusive story that feels very true to a young reader’s experience. I love how the story not only shows readers that people have a right to choose how they identify, it also teaches them how to be allies. Throughout the story, Evelyn is Tessa’s most fierce advocate, teaching people about her sibling so Tessa doesn’t have to be the one to do it all the time. In the process she shows her parents how to be great allies as well.

I love the back matter included in the story to teach readers and their adults about what it means to be non-binary, pronouns as well as what being an ally looks like. There is also a very handy dos and don’ts section to help readers be allies.

Mathias Ball’s illustrations are beautiful throughout the story. Their facial expressions perfectly convey the mixture of emotions as Tessa and Eveyln find their new rhythm together. Layers of colour run throughout the vignettes and two page spreads making it a book that will jump off the shelves. I especially love how they were able to capture the differences in Evelyn and Tessa. Readers see Evelyn as bold and matter of fact as all young children are, for her it’s easy and so it should be for everyone else.