resources for parents
We’ve asked parents and teachers for their favourite books, television shows, and films that combat stereotypes. A little disclaimer: we haven’t personally watched every show and film on this list, however they’ve come recommended by multiple parents or teachers. Please also check out the links to other existing book lists.
We’ve made a point of not sorting these into boys and girls — we think that all kids should be exposed to a wider spectrum of choice for all genders. We’ve broadly sorted these into under and over age 7, but that should be a rough guide— picture books would still be appropriate for independent reading by an older child, and younger children may enjoy more mature books being read to them. We’d love to continue to build this list! Please send us your best recs at info@youbeyou.co.uk
age group
under 7
category
bOoks
feelings & friendship
It’s Ok to be Different by Todd Parr
The Girls by Lauren Ace and Jenny Lovie
A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo by Jill Twiss
Ferdinand the Bull by Munro Leaf
Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems
Frog and Toad are Friends by Arnold Lobel
Toot and Puddle by Holly Hobbie
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
The Smartest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson
The Storm Whale by Benji Davies
On Sudden Hill by Linda Sarah
likes, dislikes, careers, & hobbies
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
The Worst Princess by Anna Kemp and Sarah Ogilvie
All the Ways to be Smart by Davina Bell
Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
Zog and Zog and the Flying Doctors by Julia Donaldson
Want to Play Trucks? by Ann Stot and Bob Graham
Some Girls by Nelly Thomas
Some Boys by Nelly Thomas
Firefighter Mary by Ami Shipp
Dogs Don’t Do Ballet by Anna Kemp
Princess Smarteypants by Babette Cole
Violet the Pilot by Steve Breen
My Princess Boy by Cheryl Kilodavis
The Wild Girl by Christopher Wormell
What You Can Do, I Can Too by Helen Vallaeys and Dani Ward
Look up! by Nathan Bryan
history
Ada Twist Scientist by Andrea Beaty
Rosie Revere Engineer by Andrea Beaty
Little People, Big Dreams Series by Isabel Sanchez Vegara
other helpful book lists
Book Trust Bookfinder
https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/bookfinder/
Stonewall
https://www.stonewall.org.uk/resources/primary-school-book-list
Twelve Books for Feminst Boys and Girls
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/19/upshot/twelve-books-for-feminist-boys-and-girls.html
age group
Over 7
category
bOoks
feelings & friendship
Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne
Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold
Judy Moody series by Megan McDonald
likes, dislikes, careers, & hobbies
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
Ronja the Robber’s Daughter by Astrid Lindgren
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur by Brandon Montclare
Ms. Marvel by G. Willow Wilson
history
Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo
Stories for Boys who Dare to be Different by Ben Brooks
Stories for Kids who Dare to be Different by Ben Brooks
Fantastically Great Women who Changed the World by Kate Pankhurst
Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers
other helpful book lists
Book Trust Bookfinder
https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/bookfinder/
Stonewall
https://www.stonewall.org.uk/resources/primary-school-book-list
Twelve Books for Feminst Boys and Girls
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/19/upshot/twelve-books-for-feminist-boys-and-girls.html
age group
under 7
category
tv shows
Katie Morag (CBeebies)
Toot & Puddle (Noggin, available on Amazon Prime)
Gudrun: The Viking Princess (CBeebies)
Do You Know? (CBeebies)
My First (CBeebies)
Topsy and Tim (CBeebies)
Charlie and Lola (CBeebies)
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood (PBS, available on Netflix)
Julie’s Greenroom (Netflix)
Sesame Street (PBS, available on Netflix)
Dot (CBC, available on Tiny Pop)
Footie Pups (CBeebies)
Kiri and Lou (CBeebies)
JoJo & Gran Gran (CBeebies)
age group
over 7
category
tv shows
Steven Universe (Cartoon Network)
Dragon Prince (Netflix)
Legend of Korra (Nickelodeon, available on Amazon Prime)
The Kicks (Amazon Prime)
Project MC2 (Netflix)
Andi Mack (Disney)
Junior Bakeoff (CBBC)
age group
all ages
category
films
Moana (2016)
Brave (2012)
Coco (2017)
Cars 3 (2017)
Ferdinand (2017)
Mulan (1998)
Spy Kids franchise (2001-2011)
The Eagle Huntress (2016)
Winnie the Pooh (2011)
Christopher Robin (2018)
Zootopia (2016)
The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking (1988)