resources for parents

We’ve asked parents and teachers for their favourite books, television shows, and films that combat stereotypes. A little disclaimer: we haven’t personally watched every show and film on this list, however they’ve come recommended by multiple parents or teachers. Please also check out the links to other existing book lists.

We’ve made a point of not sorting these into boys and girls — we think that all kids should be exposed to a wider spectrum of choice for all genders. We’ve broadly sorted these into under and over age 7, but that should be a rough guide— picture books would still be appropriate for independent reading by an older child, and younger children may enjoy more mature books being read to them. We’d love to continue to build this list! Please send us your best recs at info@youbeyou.co.uk

age group

under 7

category

bOoks

feelings & friendship

It’s Ok to be Different by Todd Parr

The Girls by Lauren Ace and Jenny Lovie

A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo by Jill Twiss

Ferdinand the Bull by Munro Leaf

Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems

Frog and Toad are Friends by Arnold Lobel

Toot and Puddle by Holly Hobbie

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

The Smartest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson

The Storm Whale by Benji Davies

On Sudden Hill by Linda Sarah

likes, dislikes, careers, & hobbies

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch

The Worst Princess by Anna Kemp and Sarah Ogilvie

All the Ways to be Smart by Davina Bell

Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

Zog and Zog and the Flying Doctors by Julia Donaldson

Want to Play Trucks? by Ann Stot and Bob Graham

Some Girls by Nelly Thomas

Some Boys by Nelly Thomas

Firefighter Mary by Ami Shipp

Dogs Don’t Do Ballet by Anna Kemp

Princess Smarteypants by Babette Cole

Violet the Pilot by Steve Breen

My Princess Boy by Cheryl Kilodavis

The Wild Girl by Christopher Wormell

What You Can Do, I Can Too by Helen Vallaeys and Dani Ward

Look up! by Nathan Bryan

history

Ada Twist Scientist by Andrea Beaty

Rosie Revere Engineer by Andrea Beaty

Little People, Big Dreams Series by Isabel Sanchez Vegara

other helpful book lists

Book Trust Bookfinder
https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/bookfinder/

Stonewall
https://www.stonewall.org.uk/resources/primary-school-book-list

Twelve Books for Feminst Boys and Girls
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/19/upshot/twelve-books-for-feminist-boys-and-girls.html


age group

Over 7

category

bOoks

feelings & friendship

Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne

Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold

Judy Moody series by Megan McDonald

likes, dislikes, careers, & hobbies

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

Ronja the Robber’s Daughter by Astrid Lindgren

Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur by Brandon Montclare

Ms. Marvel by G. Willow Wilson

history

Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo

Stories for Boys who Dare to be Different by Ben Brooks

Stories for Kids who Dare to be Different by Ben Brooks

Fantastically Great Women who Changed the World by Kate Pankhurst

Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers

other helpful book lists

Book Trust Bookfinder
https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/bookfinder/

Stonewall
https://www.stonewall.org.uk/resources/primary-school-book-list

Twelve Books for Feminst Boys and Girls
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/19/upshot/twelve-books-for-feminist-boys-and-girls.html


age group

under 7

category

tv shows

Katie Morag (CBeebies)

Toot & Puddle (Noggin, available on Amazon Prime)

Gudrun: The Viking Princess (CBeebies)

Do You Know? (CBeebies)

My First (CBeebies)

Topsy and Tim (CBeebies)

Charlie and Lola (CBeebies)

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood (PBS, available on Netflix)

Julie’s Greenroom (Netflix)

Sesame Street (PBS, available on Netflix)

Dot (CBC, available on Tiny Pop)

Footie Pups (CBeebies)

Kiri and Lou (CBeebies)

JoJo & Gran Gran (CBeebies)


age group

over 7

category

tv shows

Steven Universe (Cartoon Network)

Dragon Prince (Netflix)

Legend of Korra (Nickelodeon, available on Amazon Prime)

The Kicks (Amazon Prime)

Project MC2 (Netflix)

Andi Mack (Disney)

Junior Bakeoff (CBBC)


age group

all ages

category

films

Moana (2016)

Brave (2012)

Coco (2017)

Cars 3 (2017)

Ferdinand (2017)

Mulan (1998)

Spy Kids franchise (2001-2011)

The Eagle Huntress (2016)

Winnie the Pooh (2011)

Christopher Robin (2018)

Zootopia (2016)

The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking (1988)