Jacob―the star of one of the most banned books of the decade―is back in Jacob’s Missing Book, a kid-friendly story about book banning, censorship, and LGBTQ+ rights.

Noah is confused about Emily’s family, so he asks her―who’s Pop and who’s Dad? Jacob knows a way to explain, but how can he? The penguin book isn’t in the library anymore! As the day goes on, everyone is still talking about the mysterious missing book. Ms. Reeves tries to explain why the book is no longer in the library and what all the fuss is about. In the meantime, Jacob hatches a plan to tell the story about Emily’s family.

This book cleverly weaves two critical societal issues into one story―book banning in schools and LGBTQ+ rights. And, who is caught in the middle of all this? Kids who are eager to see themselves and their families in books, feel safe with their experiences, and understand that they are loved and supported.

“Brilliantly executed, timely, and developmentally appropriate. Jacob’s Missing Book is the story every teacher, parent, and librarian should read aloud to help children understand book banning. This title is the exemplar or inclusivity and representation. A must read!” — Susan B. Katz, bestselling, award-winning author

“An impactful and masterfully-written book.” — Elizabeth Goldman, Golden State Readers

JACOB—star of Jacob’s Room to Choose and Jacob’s New Dress, one of the most banned books of the decade according to the American Library Association—is back in his third book, and ready to put on a school play! Jacob’s School Play Starring He, She, and They gently introduces readers to gender identity and pronoun use.

As Mrs. Reeves class plans for their school show, Life on the Farm, all of the students, including Jacob, find themselves unexpectedly trying to understand Ari’s identity as they. Ms. Reeves helps Jacob through his confusion by saying, “From the outside, we can’t see who anybody is on the inside. So we have to trust them when they tell us.” After the show premieres and is a hit with family and friends, Jacob comes to full realization of what he, she, and they means and embraces Ari as who they are andthe whole class reaches a new level of identity comprehension. This book introduces young readers to concepts of gender diversity and pronoun use and encourages an understanding of what gender is and how it needs to be respected for everyone, as who they are inside.

“Making space for everyone is no small task. Seeing one another, asking the right questions, and honoring how each person walks through the world is something learned, but not often enough taught… this is not a book about conflict or being accepted by others for who you are. It’s about classmates each embracing that their experience is not the only experience and that every person fits beautifully into this world in their own way. I’m so grateful that children in every classroom will have the opportunity to see themselves and their friends represented in Jacob’s School Play. That’s so needed and so beautifully done in this book.”–Matthew Winner, The Children’s Book Podcast

“The school play metaphor is gentle and effective in showing one child…comprehending a classmate’s nonbinary identity.” — Publishers Weekly

Praise for Jacob’s Room to Choose:
Mentioned in The Wall Street Journal
ALA Rainbow Book List Selection
Recommended by Psychology Today
“An empowering and uplifting tale…perfect icebreaker for young students to have meaningful conversations about gender identity and community.”—The Advocate

Jacob, the beloved character who made national headlines by wearing a dress to school, is back in an encouraging story about gender expression.

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. 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 of administration, lead change at their school as everyone discovers the many forms of gender expression and how to treat each other with respect.

“Everyone can pee in peace in this follow-up to Jacob’s New Dress…Inviting readers into Jacob’s diversely depicted class of students…emphasizes inclusion….a continuation of the conversation about gender expression started in the first book.” — 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 lessons of this sweet, simple, and very necessary (unfortunately) book.” — Kiss The Book

Jacob loves playing dress-up, when he can be anything he wants to be. Some kids at school say he can’t wear “girl” clothes, but Jacob wants to wear a dress to school. Can he convince his parents to let him wear what he wants? This heartwarming story speaks to the unique challenges faced by children who don’t identify with traditional gender roles.

“Three cheers for Jacob’s New Dress! This is a wonderful story that shows us all that there are many different ways to be in the world. This book has the ability to save lives and change the world. Everyone should read it.” — Lesley Newman, author of The Boy who Cried Fabulous and Heather Has Two Mommies

“Jacob’s New Dress invites all of us to learn with compassion and humor…a brilliant and beautifully-illustrated book and a must-read for all of us.” — Diane Ehrensaft, PhD, Mental Health Director, UCSF Child and Adolescent Gender Center

“Hopeful and affirming.” — Kirkus Reviews

“An ideal companion for families and educators: upbeat yet realistic, astute about peer dynamics, and blessedly lacking in a sermonizing Big Moment.” — Publishers Weekly