Were I Not A Girl: The Inspiring and True Story of Dr. James Barry

by Lisa Robinson and Lauren Simkin Berke

Lauren Simkin Berke (Illustrator)

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Book cover for Were I Not A Girl

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This unique picture book biography tells the story of Dr. James Barry, born female, who lived as a man from age 18 to his death.

Like other girls of her time, Margaret Bulkley didn't go to school. She wouldn't grow up to own property, be a soldier, a doctor, or hold any job other than perhaps maid or governor--such was a girl's lot in 19th century England. And was she comfortable born in a girl's body? We will never know. What we do know is that at the age of 18, she tugged off her stockings and dress, cut her red-gold curls, and vanished. In her place appeared a young man. Margaret became James Barry. James would attend medical school, become a doctor and a soldier, travel the world. He would fall in love, deliver babies, and fight in a duel. And he would live a rich full life.

Here is a picure book that is both a fascinating and sensitively drawn portrait of someone who would not be undervalued, and an important introduction to the concept of gender identity.
  • ISBN10 1984849050
  • ISBN13 9781984849052
  • Publish Date 20 October 2020
  • Publish Status Remaindered
  • Out of Print 4 September 2024
  • Publish Country US
  • Publisher Random House USA Inc
  • Imprint Random House Inc