Jacob's School Play - (Jacob Stories) by Ian Hoffman & Sarah Hoffman (Hardcover)

About the Book

Jacob's School Play introduces readers to nonbinary, gender-fluid people and the use of pronouns of their own choosing while all along reinforcing that an individual is much more layered and unique then how others may see him, her or them.

Book Synopsis

Introduces readers to nonbinary, gender-fluid people and the use of pronouns of their own choosing while all along reinforcing that an individual is much more layered and unique then how others may see him, her or them.

"An empowering and uplifting tale...perfect icebreaker for young students to have meaningful conversations about gender identity and community."--The Advocate

Jacob--star of one of the most banned books of the decade according to the American Library Association--is back in his third book and ready to put on a school play! While learning their lines and making their costumes, Jacob's class finds itself unexpectedly struggling with identity, and what it means to be "he," "she," or "they." Jacob's School Play is an engaging way to introduce young readers to nonbinary people and the pronoun options available to us all. Learning that individuals are more nuanced than how others see them is a developmentally important milestone, and helps foster respect of one's self and one's peers.

"Making space for everyone is no small task. Seeing one another, asking the right questions, and honoring how each person walks through the world is something learned, but not often enough taught... this is not a book about conflict or being accepted by others for who you are. It's about classmates each embracing that their experience is not the only experience and that every person fits beautifully into this world in their own way. I'm so grateful that children in every classroom will have the opportunity to see themselves and their friends represented in Jacob's School Play. That's so needed and so beautifully done in this book." --Matthew Winner, The Children's Book Podcast

Mentioned in The Wall Street Journal
ALA Rainbow Book List Selection
Recommended by Psychology Today

Review Quotes

An empowering and uplifting tale...perfect icebreaker for young students to have meaningful conversations about gender identity and community.-- "The Advocate"

A learning opportunity for readers outside the nonbinary experience.-- "Kirkus Reviews"

It's great to see this series continuing to explore some of the many aspects of gender identity and expression, and to do so here through the eyes of someone whose gender expression isn't traditional, but who is still learning about gender identity. And even though the teacher does much of the explaining, Ari is also confident in who they are and in communicating this to Jacob.-- "Mombian"

When Ari is misgendered by Jacob, Ari corrects him, but Jacob needs his teacher, Ms. Reeves, to address his arguments against using the pronoun "they" "They is for two kids." She models thoughtful explanations for adult and child readers... Case's joyful illustrations portray a colorful classroom filled with a students from diverse backgrounds, in scenes filled with energy and laughter... In collections where Jacob's other stories do well, this is a worthwhile inclusion....-- "School Library Journal"

"The school play metaphor is gentle and effective in showing one child eventually comprehending a classmate's nonbinary identity."-- "Publishers Weekly"

This straightforward and important book that honors everyone will help adults have thoughtful conversations with young children about gender identity, particularly the message about respecting someone's choice to use ungendered pronouns. Case's beautifully textured illustrations invite the child reader into the bustling, friendly classroom. Pair with It Feels Good to Be Yourself (2019), by Theresa Thorn and Noah Grigni, for another picture book to continue the conversation about gender identity.-- "Booklist"

Making space for everyone is no small task. Seeing one another, asking the right questions, and honoring how each person walks through the world is something learned, but not often enough taught.... But this is not a book about conflict or being accepted by others for who you are. It's about classmates each embracing that their experience is not the only experience and that every person fits beautifully into this world in their own way. I'm so grateful that children in every classroom will have the opportunity to see themselves and their friends represented in Jacob's School Play. That's so needed and so beautifully done in this book.-- "Matthew Winner, The Children's Book Podcast"

About the Author

Sarah and Ian Hoffman are children's book authors who have written two other acclaimed books about Jacob, including Jacob's Room to Choose. They live in the San Francisco Bay Area. Visit sarahandianhoffman.com.

Chris Case has been illustrating books and magazines since 2008. He lives in Vermont. Visit chriscase.org.