My Rainbow

Starred review from September 7, 2020
In their #OwnVoices picture book debut, mother-daughter duo and transgender rights advocates DeShanna and Trinity Neal center a Black transgender girl looking for hair that suits her gender expression. Inspired by the younger coauthor, protagonist Trinity’s gender “was part of what made her a masterpiece, just like her autism and her Black skin.” Trinity feels a keen desire for long hair like that on the dolls she shares with nonbinary sibling Hyperion, despite hating “how it made her itchy when it was growing out.” With inspiration from sibling Lucien, their mom sets out to create the perfect multicolored wig for Trinity—one that doesn’t trigger the girl’s sensitivities and that aligns with her “already perfect” natural curls. Artist Twink’s inviting use of color highlights the family’s warm home and the bright rainbow wig—an object that makes Trinity feel like a more authentic version of herself: “It’s me, Mom. My hair has finally come!” A joyful family story that emphasizes the importance of listening and loving people for who they are. Ages 4–8.