Fresno State Library
Pink is for Boys
Warning Sensitive Topics
Story Summary: Pink is for Boys, published in 2018, was written by Robb Pearlman and illustrated by Eda Kaban. The book aims to rethink and reframe the stereotypical blue/pink gender binary and empower kids, and their own-ups, to express themselves in every color of the rainbow.
The book is praised for its inviting illustrations, inclusion of a diverse cast of characters, and how it challenges the stereotypical gender binary. The overarching messaging is that colors are for all to enjoy; boys can like pink, girls can like blue.
However, the book has faced some criticism based on the fact that gender is still presented as a binary; in this way, it could exclude readers who do not identify as a “boy” or “girl,” such as those identifying as transgender, gender neutral, gender fluid, and others. As an alternative, the book Pink is for Everybody! by Ella Russell has been suggested, for the reason that instead of targeting “boys and girls” in their writing the author uses words that are inclusive to all genders such as “painters” and “astronauts.” Another alternative is The Color Monster by Anna Llenas because it links colors to things like monsters and feelings instead of specific genders.
Alternative Book Choices
Stuck inside one wet afternoon, a group of friends are bored and miserable--until a pink glow leads them to discover a mysterious treasure chest and everything changes! Gray is for rainy days, but PINK is for all kinds of fun -- bows and buttons, yes, but also aliens and astronauts, dancers and dragons!
Emotions, including happiness, sadness, anger, fear, and calm, are described through the actions of a monster sorting them out.
Reflections and Other Materials
We encourage you to explore our other Critical Literacy Resources .