2020 ALA Rainbow Book List Selection 2020 NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Selection When Jacob goes to the boys’ bathroom he is chased out because the boys think he looks like a girl because of the way he is dressed. After Jacob's friend Sophie faces the same situation, their class gets together to make things better. The beloved lead character from Jacob's New Dress , which is one of The American Library Association's top 100 banned books of the last decade, is back in an encouraging story about gender expression. When Jacob goes to the boys’ bathroom he is chased out. His classmate, Sophie, has a similar experience when she tries to go to the girls’ bathroom. When their teacher finds out what happened, Jacob and Sophie, with the support administration, lead change at their school as everyone discovers the many forms of gender expression and how to treat each other with respect. Check out the companion book, Jacob's School Play: Starring He, She, and They . PreS-Gr 2-In this follow-up to Jacob's New Dress, Jacob and Sophie try to use the bathroom at school but do not feel safe. Jacob, a boy who wears dresses, is threatened by several kids in the boy's restroom, while Sophie, a girl who dresses in a plaid button down and khakis, is chased out of the girl's restroom. When they explain what happened to their teacher, the woman gathers their class for a lesson: not everyone looks like the bathroom signs for girls and boys, but everyone has to pee! The class takes a little time to consider, but are ultimately inspired. As a group, they make signs affirming everyone's right to use the bathroom without fear. There is no opposition from the school or parents—everyone is completely supportive. An author's note explains the importance of making bathrooms safe for gender nonconforming youth. Case's bright watercolor illustrations show a diverse and engaged classroom, and reinforce the emotional journey of the text. The text, though simple, clearly makes the case for making bathrooms safe for everyone, modeling a simple discussion on the topic for teachers or parents. VERDICT A solid picture book that addresses identity, gender expression, and how to be a good ally. Recommended for purchase.-Kelsey Socha, Ventress Memorial Library, Marshfield, MA The students set out to create new, inclusive bathroom signs: ‘I have to pee, so let me be!’ one reads. Ms. Reeves just might be the real star in the story, as she models how limiting traditional views of gender can be. ― Publishers Weekly Their teacher's lesson shows that there are more than two ways to dress—not all boys wear short hair, and not all girls wear long hair or dresses. Even their own classroom represents a spectrum of expressions. ― Kirkus Reviews So many, many people need to read this book.  Kids adults, politicians, administrators—there is not one person in this world that doesn’t need to digest and ponder the less of this sweet, simple, and very necessary (unfortunately) book. ― Kiss the Book Like the first book about Jacob, the message is about acceptance. Simple lyrical writing introduces the setting and the characters from the opening lines: 'The carpet was warm. The bunnies were funny. Jacob and Sophie loved library time.' And the message is vital, especially for this young age group. The Hoffman’s book comes from their hearts. ― Oregon Coast Youth Book Preview Center Kids need the tools to understand gender nonconforming peers. With books like this, minds open, perspectives blossom and everyone has more choices. Sophie and Jacob’s teacher is paying attention and sees an opportunity to create a more inclusive classroom and school where everyone’s differences are celebrated. A progressive book that is forward thinking and acting to solve problems with new solutions. -- Jesica Sweedler DeHart, Librarian and Influencer In this follow-up to  Jacob’s New Dress , Jacob and Sophie try to use the bathroom at school but do not feel safe…Case’s bright watercolor illustrations show a diverse and engaged classroom, and reinforce the emotional journey of the text…clearly makes the case for making bathrooms safe for everyone, modeling a simple discussion on the topic for teachers or parents. ― School Library Journal Kids need the tools to understand gender nonconforming peers. With books like this, minds open, perspectives blossom and everyone has more choices. Sophie and Jacob’s teacher is paying attention and sees an opportunity to create a more inclusive classroom and school where everyone’s differences are celebrated. A progressive book that is forward thinking and acting to solve problems with new solutions. -- Jesica Sweedler DeHart, Librarian and Influencer The students set out to create new, inclusive bathroom signs: ‘I have to pee, so let me be!’ one reads. Ms. Reeves just might be the real star in the story, as she models how limiting traditional views of gender can be. ― Publishers Weekly Their teacher's less