Still My Tessa by Sylv Chiang, illustrated by Mathias Ball
CBC Books | Posted: February 20, 2024 2:30 PM | Last Updated: April 10
A picture book about practicing with pronouns, and accepting people for who they are
A gently affirming story of the connection between siblings, and learning to embrace non-binary identities, and be an effective ally at home and in our communities
Evelyn is worried about Tessa. Tessa doesn't want to play the same games they used to play together, but Evelyn is determined to find new ways to connect with her older sibling. And she is also learning to see Tessa as a non-binary person by learning to use new pronouns for them.
Evelyn learns very quickly that it isn't hard, but she sees that others still find it difficult.
Through the course of this heartfelt story, Evelyn reaffirms her connection to her sibling and shows those around them how to make the effort to support Tessa — with love. Back matter includes information on gender and ways to be a kind and effective ally. (From Scholastic Canada)
Still My Tessa won the 2024 edition of CBC Kids Reads. It was championed by Gary the Unicorn during the second edition of 'Canada Reads for kids.'
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- Still My Tessa by Sylv Chiang & Mathias Ball wins CBC Kids Reads 2024
Sylv Chiang is a teacher and a children's book author. She also wrote the middle-grade series, Cross Ups, which includes the books Rising Star, Anyone's Game and Tournament Trouble. Still My Tessa is Chiang's first picture book. She grew up in Toronto and now lives in Pickering, Ont.
Mathias Ball is a trans-identified illustrator from Goderich, Ont. Other picture books they've illustrated include Every Body Is a Rainbow by Caroline Carter and What If Bedtime Didn't Exist? by Francine Cunningham.