This is a must read for all kids and their parents, guardians, and any adults who interact with children.

The story follows Nisha, a young trans girl who feels strong discomfort - dysphoria - when people call her a boy. She has a gender dysphoria monster which grows each time it happens, and many examples of what may make trans people feel dysphoria are given. It also goes through the process of socially transitioning - changing name, pronouns, clothes, hair, etc.

This book will help so many young children who feel the same way as Nisha. It will also help the adults in their lives understand a bit more how their child may be feeling. It also has a terminology and FAQ section in the back for adults which goes more in depth into important terminology for the trans, nonbinary, and also intersex communities.

The story itself is very engaging and the artwork is amazing. It plays around with both color and texture and is sure to hold the kids' attention.

I am really really glad a book like this will be out in the world soon and I hope to see more like it as well, especially with kids on the nonbinary spectrum too.

Rep: trans girl MC, trans man SC

Rating system:
5 - absolutely love, little-to-no dislikes that did not impact my reading experience

4 - great book, minor dislikes that did have an impact on my reading experience

3 - good/decent book but for some reason did not hook me or there were some problematic things that just were not addressed or greatly impacted my reading experience

2 - is either a book I did not click with and did not enjoy, problematic aspects are not addressed and severely impacted my reading experience, or I DNF'd but think it has potential for others

1 - is very problematic, I would not recommend the book to anyone

A book that needs to be in schools GLOBALLY.

I enjoy that this book explains Gender Dysphoria - and Gender Euphoria (Affirmation/ acceptance by others) in a clear and optimistic way which is easily comprehended by children and young people no matter their age.

In few words, making it simpler for young people to follow along and without putting too fine a point on any area, this book clearly demonstrates the feelings and experiences of Trans people, specifically Trans Youth and how actions of those surrounding them can have a lasting impact on their lives.

I especially enjoyed the art style by Hui Qing Ang, the softness of more circular shapes and vibrant colours is appealing and I appreciate how the monster becomes smaller and changes colour in the end, I feel this helped to personify how feelings change.

The adults guide at the end is extremely beneficial for everyone, especially those not as in tune with the correct and appropriate language that is used surrounding transgender and gender non conforming people.

I believe this book would help every child, not just trans youth. And also, it’ll help every adult too.

I eagerly await this books release and intend to buy a physical copy for any future children in my life.

**I received an advanced copy of this book from the Publisher via NetGalley**

I am unclear of the age group that this book is targeting. While the beginning of the story and the tone and illustrations seem reasonable for a middle grade, near the end the explanations and using the term 'gender dysphoria monster' seems more geared towards young adult. im also having feelings on calling this entity a monster, as the connations that accompany that word are usually 'bad' or 'scary' and being in the wrong body isn't a bad thing. i might think more on changing 'monster'. the information is solid after the story ends.

Me and My Dysphoria Monster by Laura Kate Dale

Middle grade graphic novel about gender identity and coming out as trans. This book follows the main character, Nisha, and her discovery of what trans is and her transitioning. She describes her gender Dysphoria as a monster that follows her around and discusses what triggers it to grow.

Nisha talks to another trans person who explains to her what trans is and explains that she is valid, loved and accepted and give her the confidence to come out to her family and friends.

This book is appropriate and important for all ages to read. I really liked the art style, I loved that it centred trans joy rather than trans trauma and I was SO happy to see that the author included a terminology section in the back of the book. So helpful and useful!!

I HIGHLY recommend this and will be re-reading it MANY times and will also be purchasing it for myself when it is published.

TW/CW:
- Gender Dysphoria
- Body dysmorphia
- Misgendering (before coming out)
- Deadnaming (before coming out)

This wonderful book uses the familiar image of a scary monster as a metaphor to help young readers understand feelings of discomfort that stems from the sense of disconnect between the gender they're perceived as and their internal sense of identity. Through stunning artwork and very clear writing, readers are given a clear sense of what causes this monster to grow, the impact of letting this monster grow unchecked, and eventually how to cope with it and make sure the monster does not overwhelm a child's life. In addition to the wonderful story, this book concludes with an "Adults Guide" containing useful terminology and explanations to help adult readers understand the themes and information presented in the book and recommendations for how to support children who may battle dysphoria monsters of their own. With its publication in a year that is breaking records for the number of anti-transgender bills proposed in legislatures across the US, this book is a wonderful introduction to a much-discussed topic for readers of all ages..
This review was based on an advance reader copy.

Nisha is a child who experiences gender dysphoria, and describes this feeling as a monster that grows each time someone discusses their gender, because this leads them to feel less and less like themself. When Nisha meets Jack, a trans man, he teaches Nisha how to shrink the dysphoria monster and validates this scary and difficult situation Nisha is facing.

This is a totally age-appropriate picture book that explains gender dysphoria in a way that children can understand, using real examples of situations that might be challenging for children and adults. There are also resources within the book for children and adults explaining terminology and for those seeking further information about gender dysphoria.

I think this is a great book for children in the 5-10 age range to read with and without adults. I think this book opens up doors for discussion and normalizes the gender spectrum and gender identity. I so appreciate Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book!

Me and My Dysphoria Monster is a great teaching book to teach children about gender dysphoria. This is not just for children experiencing such a dysphoria, but for all children, to better understand others. I really enjoyed the illustrations of the monster!

I think this is an great book for children with gender dysphoria or others who want to learn more and understand. My favorite part of the book was the end when the author shared FAQs for common questions. I am glad the author took the time to create this book so educators, parents, etc can have this as a resource to help students or others have a better understanding.

Great way to help kids and even adults better understand what gender dysphoria is. Great illustrations and the use of a monster to symbolize the feelings of dysphoria was spot on. Definitely a great tool and book for all kids to read. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.

This book is excellent not only for children but for adults as well. It's wonderful, colorful, and informative at a child's level with extra information for adults at the end.

This clever little story for both children and adults presents a child whose awareness of Displacement feelings grows by increments as long as adults and other children remain unaware of the child's gender identity. Beginning Social Transition, the dysphoria monster shrinks, also by increments, as the child's comfort level intensifies. The book also contains a useful explanatory glossary to help adults, guardians, teachers, and caregivers, to understand and accept different viewpoints and to fully uplift children in their care.

Oh this is a really sweet children’s story. I loved the art style and the imagery used to explain dysphoria. And especially loved Nisha getting to meet Jack so she was able to start learning language and seeing that her monster doesn’t have to consume her. This was a delightful, heartwarming story and I loved it.

"Me and My Dysphoria Monster" by Laura Kate Dale is an incredible way to teach children about gender identity and its diversity, and allow a safe space to discuss complicated feelings they may have.

A heartwarming story about a young girl named Nisha, and the "monster" that embodies her feelings of gender dysphoria. It was simple and easy to understand for a young audience. When Nisha's gender is not accepted and recognized, her monster grows! But when her family and friends affirm her identity, her monster is barely there.

I really love that we see Nisha discovering her feelings of dysphoria, and a happy ending for her. Laura Kate Dale has a great career in eye-opening children's stories ahead!

This book is absolutely wonderful and I think it will help a lot of adults explain trans people to children. The terminology is really good and understandable and I loved how accepting the characters were. I hope that this’ll help a lot of trans kids feel better about themselves.

I loved this book! It easily describes and helps people of all ages understand
what it’s like for someone to go through gender dysphoria.
Especially young people not understanding why they are feeling so overwhelmed and sad or angry.
The illustrations were wonderful of Nisha and her monster.
I particularly enjoyed the end with the references and helpful tools for adults.
I recommend anyone questioning or wondering about gender dysphoria to read this simple yet helpful book.

This is one of those books that everyone should have on their shelves.
Little Nisha has a monster, and this monster grows bigger and stronger every time people around her use the wrong pronouns and call her with a boy name. Nisha is the only one able to see the monster, and the adults and friends around her do not realize it. It's only when she meets another adult with a monster on his shoulder that she understands how she can take control over the monster and live the life she wants to.
The illustrations are soft and adorable, the text is easy to comprehend, and the story shows the impact that a positive and open community can have on the mind of a child growing up knowing that their body is not the right one. More children should have the opportunity to read books like this, not only to help in advance those who are questioning but even to create more empathy and understanding. And yes, maybe it doesn't show how hard it actually is to transition, but I like how the author focuses only on the positive. We need more positive books out there.
I also liked the adults' guide at the end of the story. The terminology are explanation section is quite curated, and I think it won't result difficult for people that are approaching the subject without previously knowing anything to understand it.
The book contains some errors here and there, but nothing too horrible.
5/5 ⭐ recommend!

This was a cute book with phenominal art. The story is heartwarming for anyone, but can provide much needed representation for trans children who are experiencing gender dysphoria. It gives it a name so children are more able to identify their feelings. I would happily recommend this to counselors and teachers to increase understanding and diversity in classrooms.

Thank you so much NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange of my honest opinion.

This book is great and absolutely necessary!

Not only for kids, but especially for parents. It will, definitely, help them understand their kids a bit better and respect/protect their identity at all costs.

Me myself, I learnt many concepts with this story book. Some concepts, I was familiar with but some others I didn't know, or at least I didn't completely understand what they actually meant.

The glossary at the end of the story is fantastic! We all should spend a little bit more of time going through it to help us comprehend how our little ones at home (and not so little) are feeling.

Definitely, a book that should have been published a lot earlier and that I am very glad I read.

Lovely colourful and beautifully presented children book illustrations are perfect and show every stage of the story to make it a easy book to look at that explains perfectly body dysphoria. A different book to any I have read on this subject and see. would happily read with my child of 5 and will.
It tackles a highly sensitive topic but does it with the aid of a monster following a child and different things triggering the monster making it grow or shrink ie being called a boy when they feel like a girl .
It’s so lovely and nicely explained that it makes everything under the subject seem easy to tackle and handle with a happy ending . It also had a lot of discussion and information for adults on the subject.
A lovely book for children who may be having feelings themselves or for a understanding of the subject for other children to easily explain it to them . Perfect for parents of children who may also have these feelings. Lovely book.

A beautiful and easy-to-understand book for both children and adults.

This story centers around Nisha and her monster, body dysmorphia. Through this story, we learn why body dysmorphia occurs, what can be done to help tame the monster and that this monster is not really a monster, but a reminder of who you truly are, unwilling to settle down and wanting you to be your true self!

I truly believe books like this need to be read by adults. Not only this is an easy-to-understand and beautiful outlook, but this book also celebrates understanding who is your true authentic self is and the steps you can take to be that person. And if you are a parent, what you can do to support your child and make sure their journey to their true self can be as safe and easy as possible.

There is also a guide at the end of the book for parents with terminology that can explain this topic on a more advanced level and help parents be the best guides and advocates for their children.

The illustrations are beyond beautiful. Colorful, engulfing, stunning, even magical.