By Arthur Webber (author) , Ang Hui Qing (illustrator)
"A joyful picture book celebrating transgender identities, acceptance and the unifying power of football."
Hardback Not Available
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June 2026 Debut of the Month
Jacob’s Transition Goals is a proud and unflinching celebration of feeling comfortable and secure enough in yourself to successfully follow your dreams. Jacob’s love of football carries throughout the book, even when he experiences transphobic bullying from his own teammates.
This love of football will be familiar to many young (and not-so-young) readers, helping them to connect and empathise with Jacob. Ang Hui Qing’s colourful, full-page illustrations bring a lightness and sense of movement to the story, perfectly suiting the story and themes.
The transphobic bullying Jacob experiences is sensitively handled, with a desire to understand and help educate the bullies, rather than vilify them. A sensitivity to the age of target audience is shown throughout, using descriptions and terms that even the youngest readers will be able to understand.
In addition, a Glossary of Terms and short Q&A section at the back of the book, will help readers of all ages to feel confident and comfortable when having wider discussions about gender identity.
This is an excellent choice for introducing the subject of transgender people to children and starting conversations about difference and kindness. Perfect for parents and carers wishing to raise their children to be kind and accepting from the very first kick-off.
This title is available to purchase directly from the Jessica Kingsley Publishing website here.
Read the full description
This title is available to purchase directly from the Jessica Kingsley Publishing website here .
Jacob loves football, but being accepted by his teammates isn't easy.
Meet Jacob, a transgender boy with a dream of becoming a footballer. But Jacob has another dream-to join the boy's team and play happily with his teammates. This story follows Jacob on his journey as he joins a football team, his struggles to be accepted and his happy ending.
This uplifting picture book will help start conversations about gender diversity and inclusion with children. It also includes a guide for adults with a glossary of terms and answers to questions that might be asked in conversations about trans people in sport.
Note from the author:
“I wrote Jacob’s Transition Goals so that transgender children and young people would see that they do belong in sports. I gave up football at 13 because I’d never seen a trans person in sports represented anywhere and thought that there wasn’t a place for me. This book, with its joyful story and practical guide to trans inclusion in sports at the back, will hopefully mean that more young people stay in spaces they love.” - Arthur Webber
'This is the type of story every coach should be reading along with their players. With so much of the talk centered around "policy debate", Jacob's Transition reminds us that this about people and people just wanna play ball! Jacob's Transition is definitely at the top of the Table.' - Karleigh Webb, journalist for Outsports
'A fun and heartwarming story of achieving your dreams, and the importance of having the love and support of your family and friends' - L. D. Lapinski, author of Jamie
'Such a beautiful book and one i would have loved to have read growing up. A story that builds confidence, belonging and pride. Every kid deserves to see themselves in a book like this. It's life changing for trans kids.' Ash Palmisciano, actor and presenter
'Jacob's Transition Goals' is not just a book. It's a physical representation for so many young trans people and their lived experiences. It's a symbol and story of hope, acceptance and most importantly pride.' - Caz Simone, LGBTQ+ advocate and content creator
Arthur Webber is a transgender man who plays football. He is captain of TRUK United FC Men's team, who are the world's first all-transmasculine 11-a-side team. He also plays for Leftfooters FC (London's recreational LGBT+ football team). Arthur has produced video content for Stonewall and Arsenal FC about being a transgender footballer. He is based in London.
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This title is available to purchase directly from the Jessica Kingsley Publishing website here. Jacob loves football, but being accepted by his teammates isn't easy.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Jacob's Transition Goals and determined it is suitable for children aged 3-6 years old
Jacob's Transition Goals features in the following genres: Featured Books for 3+ readers, Featured Books for 5+ readers, Debuts of the Month, Recommendations, Star Books, Sporting Stories, Football , Sports, PSHE: Sexuality, Gender and Relationships, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: LGBTQ+, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Ball games and sports, Children’s / Teenage: General interest
Hardback. £11.69, down from the £12.99 cover price. Not Available.
Jacob's Transition Goals was written by Arthur Webber and published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Jacob's Transition Goals has 38 pages
£11.69, reduced from £12.99. Not Available.
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