Parents' Guide to

Call Me Max

By Carrie Kingsley, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 5+

Warm story of a child sharing that he's transgender.

Book Kyle Lukoff Picture Book 2019
Child in blue overalls with small dog

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

In CALL ME MAX, a child doesn't feel like the name his parents gave him fits who he really is, so at school he goes by the name Max. But this change means he doesn't feel comfortable using the bathroom at school because he would have to choose either the boys' or girls' bathroom, and neither seemed OK. After he tells his parents and friends that he feels like he's a boy, they begin helping him navigate school and how to explain to friends what his being transgender means.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This phenomenal book uses warm, simple language and expressive illustrations to explain what it means to be transgender. Call Me Max is a lovely, age-appropriate book to help find the right words to describe what might be happening with a family member, a friend, or oneself. Max's descriptions for how he feels on the inside vs. how he looks on the outside offer families a chance to talk about all kinds of ways we might be different from what others expect. Author Kyle Lukoff's gentle words are especially reassuring for young children who see themselves and their feelings on the pages.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what it would be like to not feel right in your body, like how the main character feels in Call Me Max. How would it make you feel to be called a name that didn't fit who you are?

  • How does this book reflect or help you understand what it feels like to be transgender?

  • What are some ways you can respond if a friend tells you they're transgender?

Book Details

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