Were I Not a Girl

September 1, 2020
A children's biography of a complex figure. The much-interpreted facts, not to mention meaning, of Dr. James Barry's life are squarely presented in this quiet picture book. After opening with "Imagine living at a time when you couldn't be the person you felt you were inside," the story provides some scant information about Dr. Barry's early life: his female-assigned birth and feminine name in 18th-century Ireland, the restrictive roles for women in that time and place, and Barry's decision to pass as a man in order to enroll in medical school. At this point the story shifts from she/her pronouns to he/him, as the story dutifully but calmly follows Barry on his travels as a military doctor. The illustrations are subdued and old-fashioned, with background scenes often depicted in smudged black and gray scribbles and the White protagonist surrounded by an almost all-White cast. An early question asks, "Why did Margaret become James? She never said. Nor did he." Despite the interesting character at its center, this story comes across as somewhat dull, the subject matter proving much more lively than the telling. It ends with the claim that "James was living his truth" without making clear what truth, precisely, Barry was living. An author's note tries to clarify a position that isn't as clear in the text, with final notes fleshing out Barry's biography and discussing gender-neutral pronouns and nonbinary identities. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10-by-20-inch double-page spreads viewed at 19.1% of actual size.) Both timely and historical. (Picture book/biography. 6-10)

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September 1, 2020
Preschool-G Imagine living at a time when you couldn't be the person you felt you were inside. This true story documents the life of Dr. James Barry, who lived his life as a man for 50 years but was born Margaret Ann Bulkley in 1789 Ireland. Barry wanted to be a soldier or a doctor, but career options for women were limited. At 19, Barry chopped off his red-gold curls, dressed as a man, and took his uncle's name. He became a surgeon, entered military service, explored the world, and became Inspector General of Hospitals in 1858. Muted full-bleed digital illustrations in pencil, watercolor and ink faithfully portray the interior and exterior details and the fashions of the period. Two sequential pages clearly show Barry making his transition through hairstyle and clothing. Back matter provides more details of Barry's life and accomplishments. This is a clear explanation to help young children understand how a person can live their own truth and find success on their own terms.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

October 1, 2020

K-Gr 4-This accessible picture book biography spotlights a lesser-known part of LGBTQ+ history. Dr. James Barry, a white transgender man, accomplished great feats. He was Inspector General of Hospitals for the British Army, performed the first documented Cesarean section in which both the mother and baby survived, and advocated for better health-care conditions for disadvantaged patients. Robinson, who is also a therapist, presents the facts in a conversational tone. Readers are addressed directly; the text alerts them to the gaps in what is known about Barry's life. The process of Barry's transitioning is written in a straightforward manner, switching from "she" to "he" pronouns. The majority of the narrative focuses on his remarkable achievements as a surgeon. Simkin Berke's pencil and watercolor illustrations feel appropriately historic, with expertly sketched British architecture and ornately framed portraits of Barry. The artwork uses a style reminiscent of Barbara McClintock's picture book biographies. Barry is portrayed as red-haired and fashionable. Back matter expands on the details of Barry's personal and professional life and includes notes about transitioning and people who identify as transgender (though this word is not used within the narrative). VERDICT Recommended for biography collections, especially those looking to include more books that cover LGBTQ+ history.-Clara Hendricks, Cambridge P.L., MA

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