Local mom, pediatrician divided on American Girl guidebook on gender identity
A Rhode Island mom is calling for a boycott on an American Girl book about body image and gender identity.
The book in question is a "Smart Girls Guide: Body Image Book."
"This book is telling girls, at 10 years old, to seek out organizations to obtain puberty blockers," says Nicole Solas from Wakefield. "That is really scary that a book that most parents trust, because this is American Girl, can tell kids to do that."
The book was released earlier this year and it's the first time an American Girl book addressed issues surrounding gender identity and expression.
The 96-page book is advertised to children ages 10 and older as a guide “to love yourself, live life to the fullest, and celebrate all kinds of bodies.”
One sentence on page 38 of the guide directs children who question their gender identity to go outside their home if they don't have an adult around to support them.
"If you don’t have an adult you trust, there are organizations across the country that can help you," the book reads.
It then directs them to a page of resources for more information.
"If you have a child that's suffering from gender dysphoria, that's a serious concern and they need compassion," says Solas. "You don't want your kid, who is in a very vulnerable state, to be reading in a book that they should be seeing strangers at organizations."
A spokesperson for American Girl defended the book in a statement to NBC 10 News:
"We value the views and feedback of our customers and acknowledge the perspectives on this issue. We are committed to delivering content that leaves our readers feeling informed, confident and positive about themselves."
Dr. Michelle Forcier is a pediatrician and former director of gender and sexual health services at Lifespan.
She said books like this help children and their parents understand the complexities of gender.
"It's not about keeping secrets," Forcier said. “It's about finding the way for that child to talk about this and figure things out with people who are safe."
Forcier said medical treatment like puberty blockers can help improve a child's overall mental health if they are experiencing gender dysphoria.
According to the Mayo Clinic, pausing puberty can also give families more time to plan for care.
"It's important for children to know what their options are and it's helpful for parents to know what their options are," Forcier said.
Solas, who is also a senior fellow with the Independent Women's Forum, says the book is dangerous and encourages parents to be aware of the content their children are receiving.
"Parents need to know that they can't just give their kid any book or any movie anymore because there is content in this book that will endanger their children," Solas said. "It's dangerous and it sends the wrong message to children."