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alittleoverdue's review against another edition
5.0
The beautiful cover first drew me to this book and the description intrigued me. While I can think of a handful of middle grade books that deal with transgender, I'm hard-pressed to think of another fiction book for tweens that specifically features a transgender man. This is a fictional account of a middle school student, Obie, adjusting to a new school and swim team living as a transgender male, Based on the author's own experience as a champion mixed-race swimmer (and the first recorded transgender NCAA athlete to compete as a man)., the book heartbreakingly explores the obstacles facing trans folks, from bullying to body image to emotional adjustments, on top of the other challenges of growing up. (Trigger warning for intense bullying and anti-trans discrimination and violence).
I devoured this story, simultaneously feeling deeply moved and reaching new understandings. I wish the characters had been more nuanced, though I realize some of this was a conscious choice. While the author is quick to note that Obie's experience of receiving loving support from family, friends, coaches, and classmates is not the reality for most, by depicting supportive characters the novel offers models for caring and helpful behavior for allies. The story provides a window for understanding the intersections of race, culture, and gender identity, and offers numerous resources for further reading. Obie's deeply moving story has stayed with me in the weeks since I've read it, and I'm excited to recommend this important read to parents, educators, and kids.
*Thanks to NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review*
I devoured this story, simultaneously feeling deeply moved and reaching new understandings. I wish the characters had been more nuanced, though I realize some of this was a conscious choice. While the author is quick to note that Obie's experience of receiving loving support from family, friends, coaches, and classmates is not the reality for most, by depicting supportive characters the novel offers models for caring and helpful behavior for allies. The story provides a window for understanding the intersections of race, culture, and gender identity, and offers numerous resources for further reading. Obie's deeply moving story has stayed with me in the weeks since I've read it, and I'm excited to recommend this important read to parents, educators, and kids.
*Thanks to NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review*
queenmegzz's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
carolineinthelibrary's review against another edition
4.0
I have so many feelings about this book. I think the ending is uplifting and the story is SO important. I love that Obie has such a supportive family and group of friends, as well as teachers and coaches.
I struggled with how graphic and difficult some of the homophobia and transphobia was. Obviously as a cisgender woman, I can’t truly know the experiences of trans folks, especially young trans people, but as a family member of two beautiful, wonderful trans folks, I don’t know that I’d recommend this to them without a major trigger/content warning. Trans people see so much real life hate and violence around them and this book isn’t an escape from that. Not that all books need to be an escape, but I don’t know if trans folks reading this book would feel more seen or more hurt by some of the things Obie has to endure.
As far as the writing, I’ll be excited to read other works by Schuyler Bailar because as a debut novel and one very personal to him, I thought at times the writing was a little disorganized. I think this is so close to Bailar’s heart and own experiences, we get a little lost sometimes. I also was surprised by how much cursing was in the book. I have the mouth of a trucker and have since I was in high school, and obviously I know middle schoolers can have foul mouths too, but this book falls in the middle grade/juvenile category and I worry some folks would get caught up on the language and not appreciate the message of the book.
Overall, a very important read, but one I’d be cautious to recommend, especially to young folks learning about their own identity.
I struggled with how graphic and difficult some of the homophobia and transphobia was. Obviously as a cisgender woman, I can’t truly know the experiences of trans folks, especially young trans people, but as a family member of two beautiful, wonderful trans folks, I don’t know that I’d recommend this to them without a major trigger/content warning. Trans people see so much real life hate and violence around them and this book isn’t an escape from that. Not that all books need to be an escape, but I don’t know if trans folks reading this book would feel more seen or more hurt by some of the things Obie has to endure.
As far as the writing, I’ll be excited to read other works by Schuyler Bailar because as a debut novel and one very personal to him, I thought at times the writing was a little disorganized. I think this is so close to Bailar’s heart and own experiences, we get a little lost sometimes. I also was surprised by how much cursing was in the book. I have the mouth of a trucker and have since I was in high school, and obviously I know middle schoolers can have foul mouths too, but this book falls in the middle grade/juvenile category and I worry some folks would get caught up on the language and not appreciate the message of the book.
Overall, a very important read, but one I’d be cautious to recommend, especially to young folks learning about their own identity.
destinylmw's review against another edition
4.0
I spent so long trying to get a copy of this book and it was so worth it. I loved this and I definitely recommend it. I asked my library to buy a copy!
trking's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia
megpancoast's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
jwinchell's review against another edition
4.0
Amazing novel of Obie, who is a swimmer and is transgender and has lots of support from his family but got kicked off his swim team for being trans. There is bullying and outing in this book, and a warning at the beginning for those sensitive to such scenes. It’s about making new friends and crushes and mentors. The author was the first openly transgender athlete to compete in NCAA men’s sport. Schuyler Bailar has an extensive website and is always doing workshops about trans empowerment and awareness. Afterwords for both cisgender and transgender readers. Highly recommend.
nerdbrarian's review against another edition
5.0
Equally heart-breaking and uplifting, this middle grade novel follows Obie, a biracial (Korean/white) transgender boy who is grappling with swimming for the first time against boys, his ex-best friend becoming his bully, and his first crush. Author and swimmer Schuyler Bailar, the first transgender athlete to compete in any sport on an NCAA Division I men's team, provides a truly authentic voice for Obie. Glossary and resources in the back make this a wonderful read for anyone wanting to explore the experiences of transgender individuals, regardless of their gender identity. But the heart and authenticity infusing every moment is what makes this book essential reading for everyone.
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NetGalley provided a free digital review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
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NetGalley provided a free digital review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
lee_noel's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0