A recent recipient of the 2019 Stonewall Book Award, Jessica Love's Julián is a Mermaid is a delightful children's book that encourages exploration of identity while reinforcing the power of unconditional love. The main character, Julián, enjoys going to the pool with his Abuela (grandmother) and imagines that he is a mermaid. One day while on the subway, he is captivated when he spots women dressed as mermaids. Upon returning to Abuela's house, Julián begins to turn household items into components of his mermaid attire; a plant as a headdress and a curtain as his tail. Abuela honors his efforts by adding a finishing touch, and then takes Julián to an experience that he will not soon forget.
Julián is a Mermaid is an absolute must-have in every elementary classroom library. It inspires self-discovery, recognizes the uniqueness found in every child, and fights against the confines of a gender-normative society. The whimsical illustrations add such a beautiful touch to this story, and convey the feeling of being wrapped in a big grandma-like hug. Julián is a Mermaid is a book that many children will be able to see themselves in, and one that fosters feelings of joy and curiosity. Not only is this an excellent book for kiddos, but also a great reminder to the adult mentors in their lives about the importance of acceptance and non-judgement.
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