Stated first printing. Hardcover, Daughters Publishing, N.Y., 1978. This copy has been read, but remains in reasonably good condition. All pages are intact and the dust cover is intact with very small chip at the top of the spine. The spine, cover or edges may show signs of wear from handling or reading. There may be slight discoloration due to age. Packaged with care and shipped ASAP with delivery confirmation. if you are not satisfied with the condition of the book, please return it for a refund.

Summary of X: A Fabulous Child's Story
Written by Lois Gould and illustrated by Jacqueline Chwast, this short story tells of a child named “X,” whose parents raise them without assigning a gender. The idea is part of a scientific experiment: to see whether a child can grow up without conforming to the rigid roles of “boy” or “girl.” X plays with dolls and trucks, enjoys a wide range of activities, and befriends both boys and girls. Adults around them—teachers, doctors, other parents—react with confusion or disapproval, but X thrives.

First published as a short story in the magazine Ms. in 1972, it was published by Daughters Publishing as a picture book in 1978 with illustrations by Jacqueline Chwast, , a freelance visual artist who was known for an illustration style evoking woodcut but that in actuality employed negative space cut from black construction paper. Gould knew of Chwast's artwork and hoped she would illustrate X: A Fabulous Child's Story. Interested in the themes of the story, Chwast agreed to do the illustrations after Gould contacted her.

The book was groundbreaking in its portrayal of a child raised outside traditional gender binaries. At a time when discussions of gender neutrality were rare in mainstream culture, Gould’s story challenged assumptions about gendered toys, clothing, and behavior. It is often cited as one of the earliest works of children’s literature to depict a character in a non-binary framework, well before the term was in common use. Its significance lies in opening a conversation about gender identity, social expectations, and the freedom for children to explore who they are outside strict male or female roles.

Initial response

The story was first published in Ms. magazine, a key feminist publication. Readers largely saw it as an allegory for the feminist movement’s push against rigid gender roles. It struck a chord with those who felt traditional parenting reinforced unnecessary stereotypes.

At the same time, it also generated controversy. Some critics viewed the experiment in the story as “unnatural” or even “confusing” for children. Mainstream reviewers were often skeptical, reflecting the broader cultural resistance to questioning gender norms.

Educational and feminist reception

Educators interested in progressive teaching and child development often praised the book, suggesting it could help children feel freer in their interests. Feminist circles celebrated it as a witty critique of sexism in parenting and schooling. The book was discussed not only as a children’s story but as a thought experiment about the impact of social conditioning on gender identity.

Long-term significance

Over time, X became a touchstone in discussions of gender-neutral parenting and later in conversations about non-binary identity. Though it is not as widely read as mainstream children’s classics, scholars in gender studies and queer theory often cite it as an early literary exploration of what we now recognize as non-binary or genderqueer representation.

In 2016, the picture book was adapted into an animated short film entitled Baby X and directed by Brendan Bradley.