The Sissy Duckling by Harvey Fierstein

• Plot Summary: Elmer is not like the other boy ducklings. While they like to build forts, he loves to bake cakes. While they like to play baseball, he wants to put on the halftime show. Elmer is a great big sissy. But when his father is wounded by a hunter's shot, Elmer proves that the biggest sissy can also be the greatest hero.

• Youtube read aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ic5YMNbow1E

• While the term “sissy” might be a little outdated, the story of a little duck who’s bullied and misunderstood can still, unfortunately, be relatable to kids. Elmer likes to break gender norms and is only accepted by his flock--and even his dad--after he heroically saves his dad. Indeed, by the end he turns the insult into a compliment and unapologetically embraces his queerness. The book is on the longer side and perhaps gives the message that only by doing incredible things can one be accepted for being different, but it got me right in the emotions with the duckling’s struggle to be accepted.