This Is How We Talk
  • Published: 30 July 2025
  • ISBN: 9780593529935
  • Imprint: Dial
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 48
  • RRP: $39.99

This Is How We Talk

A Celebration of Disability and Connection

Formats & editions
EBook
1 Jul 2025
Hardback
30 Jul 2025
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From the creators of This Is How We Play is a new jubilant, inclusive, luminously illustrated picture book that celebrates all the ways we communicate with each other

From the creators of This Is How We Play is a new jubilant, inclusive, luminously illustrated picture book that celebrates all the ways we communicate with each other

We sign, write, clap! We tap, stim, scream! So many ways to talk and joke, play and learn and dream. This joyful read-aloud, with an empowering refrain, from disability rights activists Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp, demystifies and respects how disabled people and their families use different forms of communication to connect and show love.

Back matter consists of a kid-friendly guide to thinking, learning, and talking about disability and communication; a glossary of the different disabilities represented throughout the book; and a guide for grown-ups on ways to encourage discussions about disabilities with the children in their lives. Throughout, This Is How We Talk centers, affirms, and encourages the disabled children and adults who are already doing the challenging work of advocating for themselves and finding strength in community.
  • Published: 30 July 2025
  • ISBN: 9780593529935
  • Imprint: Dial
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 48
  • RRP: $39.99
Categories:

Praise for This Is How We Talk

Awards and Praise for Calvin by JR and Vanessa Ford, illustrated by Kayla Harren
Lambda Literary Award Winner—LGBTQ Children’s/Middle Grade category
Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year
ALA Rainbow Book List Top Ten Title for Young Readers
NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book Pick

“Gives transgender youth a superhero. Illustrations by Kayla Herren are full of bright, vivid pastels, showing a joyful Calvin and a diverse group of classmates. An intentional, inclusive book.” —The Boston Globe

* “This is one happy book that reflects an idealized world, a way we all wish it could be, and that’s all right. Illustrator Harren’s softly colored, realistic pictures capture that world and Calvin’s look perfectly—he’s cute as the proverbial button.” —Booklist, starred review

“Calvin's story—of finding his identity and seeking love and support from the people in his life—is timeless, but it's especially important in this moment when the rights of trans youth are under attack. The story of Calvin is charming and engaging, with beautiful illustrations, and is the perfect addition to any family's home or school's library.” —Rebecca Kling, transgender educator and activist

Awards and Praise for Calvin by JR and Vanessa Ford, illustrated by Kayla Harren
Lambda Literary Award Winner—LGBTQ Children’s/Middle Grade category
Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year
ALA Rainbow Book List Top Ten Title for Young Readers
NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book Pick

“Gives transgender youth a superhero. Illustrations by Kayla Herren are full of bright, vivid pastels, showing a joyful Calvin and a diverse group of classmates. An intentional, inclusive book.” —The Boston Globe

* “This is one happy book that reflects an idealized world, a way we all wish it could be, and that’s all right. Illustrator Harren’s softly colored, realistic pictures capture that world and Calvin’s look perfectly—he’s cute as the proverbial button.” —Booklist, starred review

“Calvin's story—of finding his identity and seeking love and support from the people in his life—is timeless, but it's especially important in this moment when the rights of trans youth are under attack. The story of Calvin is charming and engaging, with beautiful illustrations, and is the perfect addition to any family's home or school's library.” —Rebecca Kling, transgender educator and activist

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