When Aidan Became a Brother

This is a sweet picture book about a trans child named Aidan who transitions from the gender that was assumed at birth to the gender they are as their family gets ready for the birth of a new baby.

This is an entertaining and age-appropriate way to introduce transgender identities to young kids in a language they can understand. Own Voice author, Kyle Lukoff drew from his childhood experiences as a trans person for this book which can help young readers feel comfortable expressing who they are, help show the changes in family life with a new sibling and will encourage those not part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community to better understand trans life which will hopefully lead to people being more accepting and welcoming.

The charming illustrations by Kaylani Juanita are vividly detailed as they show Aidan's feelings when they are correctly (and sometimes incorrectly) referred to by gender. I also appreciate Juanita's subtle inclusion of people with disabilities within her art.

This is an empowering story about identity with a loving and honest message for young readers that focuses on family, love, acceptance and what a supportive family of a trans child can look like. 

Note: This book has been banned in some areas for its LGBTQ1A2S+ content. Please show it and other banned books much love by reading and writing reviews and ensuring your public libraries have this book on its shelves.

My Rating: 4 stars

Author: Kyle Lukoff

Illustrator: Kaylani Juanita

Genre: Picture book, LGBTQ+, Banned Book

Type and Source: ebook from public library

Publisher: Lee & Low

First Published: May 7, 2019

Read: Feb 13, 2025

Book Description from GoodReads: When Aidan was born, everyone thought he was a girl. His parents gave him a pretty name, his room looked like a girl's room, and he wore clothes that other girls liked wearing. After he realized he was a trans boy, Aidan and his parents fixed the parts of life that didn't fit anymore, and he settled happily into his new life. Then Mom and Dad announce that they're going to have another baby, and Aidan wants to do everything he can to make things right for his new sibling from the beginning--from choosing the perfect name to creating a beautiful room to picking out the cutest onesie. But what does "making things right" actually mean? And what happens if he messes up? With a little help, Aidan comes to understand that mistakes can be fixed with honesty and communication, and that he already knows the most important thing about being a big brother: how to love with his whole self.

When Aidan Became a Brother is a heartwarming book that will resonate with transgender children, reassure any child concerned about becoming an older sibling, and celebrate the many transitions a family can experience.