Interview with Erica Silverman, Author of “Jack (Not Jackie)”

What inspired you to write this book?

My editor at Little Bee, Sonali Fry, asked for a picture book about a transgender child and the idea resonated instantly. I felt the rightness of it in my heart and was excited to get started. All young children need to see themselves in books, and I knew there was very little available for transgender children and their families. I wanted to contribute something positive and loving. As a cisgender lesbian, I wanted to support my transgender sisters and brothers.

It takes Susan a little bit of time to adjust her expectations for her sibling. However, at the end, she realizes that he himself has not changed, only her perception of his gender has. What advice do you think Susan would have for other siblings who are adjusting to a new understanding of a transgender sibling?

Great question!  I think she would say something like - “Are you confused? Don’t worry!  I was confused, too. But then I thought, boy or girl - who cares! I still love him. I can still play with him. You’ll see.  It’ll be okay.”  

What inspired you to write Jack (Not Jackie) from the perspective of Jack’s sister?

When starting a new book, I often try out different viewpoints, and as often happens, one voice eventually takes over. Susan’s voice did just that. Once she started speaking, she took over and it became her story - the story of her emotional journey from confusion to acceptance. Telling it from her perspective offered a way to bring cisgender children and adults through her process of understanding.  

What would you like young transgender children (or transgender people of any age) to gain from reading Jack (Not Jackie)?

First I want them to just to see themselves, to know that there are others like them. To know that they are lovable. I hope they will feel empowered by the way Jack continues to speak up for himself until he is heard.  I hope they see that it’s possible for people around them to change, as Susan does. I hope they will be inspired to tell their own stories.   

Jack’s parents accept and respect him for exactly who he is, before and after they understand that he is a boy. What made you choose to represent his parents in this way, and what do you hope parents will gain from reading Jack (Not Jackie)? 

I wanted transgender children to find a safe space in my book. For the picture book age child, I didn’t think it would be productive to show parents who were rejecting - even though unfortunately, that happens more often than it should -  with devastating consequences. I was inspired by all the loving, accepting parents who are out there, writing, speaking, fighting for their children’s rights. That’s who I wanted to model. And of course, I included resources in the back matter that I hope parents will find helpful. It’s important that families know they are not alone.

What were one or two of your favorite children’s books from your childhood and why?

I adored the Madeline books.  Madeline always got into trouble and everyone still loved her. Living with all those girls in an orphanage in Paris seemed exotic and exiting and at the same time, cozy and safe - a perfect world.  I also loved folk tales, especially the Russian tale about the enormous, unmovable turnip - with its profound message that the least among us is valuable. (This became the inspiration for another of my books, but that's a different story).