FRANNY'S FATHER IS A FEMINIST

Little readers learn what it means to be a feminist.

As the title says, Franny’s father is a feminist. Feminists, small print explains, believe “that girls can do everything boys can do, and…[that girls deserve] all the same rights, freedoms, and opportunities that” boys have. The story goes on to explore what it means to raise a child with an equal-opportunity philosophy, highlighting Franny’s father’s childhood as a budding feminist and showing several real-world examples of how feminism influences Franny’s development. Franny and her father are white, but Franny’s friend Sasha is black, as is her father (who also happens to be a feminist). The illustrations boast cartoon characters with pop eyes. The color palette mixes pinks, baby blues, and greens to excellent effect, mirroring the muddying of traditional gender roles—Franny’s father is the primary caregiver, while Franny’s mom “has an important job” outside the home. The book’s tone is informative rather than preachy, presenting feminism not as the only way to be but rather a sensible caregiving choice. Some caregivers may be able to use this title to sort out their own feelings on the subject.

An excellent primer on what feminism and allyship entail.