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dayla_fm's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Such a powerful story!
One of my favourite messages that ANA ON THE EDGE could potentially give young readers that it is OKAY to be in the process of trying to figure out who you are, but also that it's okay to not have all of the answers at once.
We see the MC struggle with their identity and their relationships throughout the whole book, especially because their world has always seemingly had such clear cut gender norms (Ice skating is a huge part of her world). I can't even imagine trying to find who you are when everyone around you is imposing who they think you are on you.
I also enjoyed that we got to see some of the more pivotal relationships in the MCs life and that messy in-between with friendships when big changes happen--like sudden schedule changes, or new friendships blossom. While this book tackled pretty big topics, I liked that its core it was still truly an MGLit book that explored the importance of friendships and keeping the good ones alive (even when life gets a bit hectic.)
Finally, I adored the relationship between the MC and their mom. I loved that they were a team and even though it took a little bit of time, they had some good communication between the two of them. There were some heartwarming moments and I loved seeing them understand each other better as the story progressed.
I think this is another great LGBTQ+ book to have in my back pocket for when I need to recommend great Queer books to readers!
Happy reading!
One of my favourite messages that ANA ON THE EDGE could potentially give young readers that it is OKAY to be in the process of trying to figure out who you are, but also that it's okay to not have all of the answers at once.
We see the MC struggle with their identity and their relationships throughout the whole book, especially because their world has always seemingly had such clear cut gender norms (Ice skating is a huge part of her world). I can't even imagine trying to find who you are when everyone around you is imposing who they think you are on you.
I also enjoyed that we got to see some of the more pivotal relationships in the MCs life and that messy in-between with friendships when big changes happen--like sudden schedule changes, or new friendships blossom. While this book tackled pretty big topics, I liked that its core it was still truly an MGLit book that explored the importance of friendships and keeping the good ones alive (even when life gets a bit hectic.)
Finally, I adored the relationship between the MC and their mom. I loved that they were a team and even though it took a little bit of time, they had some good communication between the two of them. There were some heartwarming moments and I loved seeing them understand each other better as the story progressed.
I think this is another great LGBTQ+ book to have in my back pocket for when I need to recommend great Queer books to readers!
Happy reading!
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a FANTASTIC middle grade story about a 12 year old non-binary figure skater trying to figure out what identity feels most comfortable and how to best communicate this to her friends and family. Highly recommended for fans of George by Alex Gino or Obie is man enough by Schuyler Bailar. There is some wonderful representation in this book: not only is Ana non-binary but also Asian American and Jewish with a single parent struggling to pay for Olympic level figure skating coaching. Great on audio narrated by Diane Chen.
⚠️CW: social dismorphia, misgendering, misnaming, allusions to transphobia and bullying
⚠️CW: social dismorphia, misgendering, misnaming, allusions to transphobia and bullying
annalisenak97's review against another edition
3.0
I had trouble getting into this one. Ana is trying to juggle so much, and it feels like this book is also juggling a lot. I didn't really understand what her dynamic was with Hayden, even by the end of the book. But Ana's creativity was really great to see.
andreannechat's review against another edition
4.0
Really good middle grade novel!
It's got drama, flair, fully fleshed characters.
It's got a beautiful introduction to what it might feel like to be nonbinary.
Ana felt like a lot of my students. Full of questions and often with no clue where to ask them, even surrounded by a strong support network.
Can't wait to introduce my class to this novel!
It's got drama, flair, fully fleshed characters.
It's got a beautiful introduction to what it might feel like to be nonbinary.
Ana felt like a lot of my students. Full of questions and often with no clue where to ask them, even surrounded by a strong support network.
Can't wait to introduce my class to this novel!
daenknight'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
thenextgenlibrarian's review against another edition
3.0
A coming-of-age MG book about a nonbinary kid navigating a binary world.
⛸️
Anna-Marie Jin is the reigning US Juvenile figure skating champion. This comes with expectations and rules so when Ana gets a new choreographer that wants her to wear a frilly dress and skate to princess-themed music, Ana doesn’t know why she’s hesitating. Then she meets Hayden, a trans boy who assumes Ana is a boy too and she lets him to try it out. Ana doesn’t feel comfortable in “boy” skin either. It’s then she realizes she’s nonbinary. Having the words finally makes her feel free. The rest she’s going to figure out.
⛸️
This was a good perspective for those who might have a child or student who is struggling with their identity and needs the right words to express who they are. The author’s note at the end really shed light on how (in our past as a society) we didn’t really talk about gender as freely as we do now. Important topic; just okay story IMO.
CW: transphobia, misgendering, coming out themes, bullying
⛸️
Anna-Marie Jin is the reigning US Juvenile figure skating champion. This comes with expectations and rules so when Ana gets a new choreographer that wants her to wear a frilly dress and skate to princess-themed music, Ana doesn’t know why she’s hesitating. Then she meets Hayden, a trans boy who assumes Ana is a boy too and she lets him to try it out. Ana doesn’t feel comfortable in “boy” skin either. It’s then she realizes she’s nonbinary. Having the words finally makes her feel free. The rest she’s going to figure out.
⛸️
This was a good perspective for those who might have a child or student who is struggling with their identity and needs the right words to express who they are. The author’s note at the end really shed light on how (in our past as a society) we didn’t really talk about gender as freely as we do now. Important topic; just okay story IMO.
CW: transphobia, misgendering, coming out themes, bullying
annagoldberg's review against another edition
5.0
Every so often you read a book that makes you go, “That’s me.” Ana’s story is amazing in its own right, but the resonance it held for my own experiences, both as an adult who came into knowing my non-cis gender as an adult and a kid who knew something was different but wasn’t quite sure what. I have rarely felt so touched by a story as this one, and I am so grateful that I got to read it and that kids like me will have this book to read too.
bmulford's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely stunning - this should be on the curriculum for all teens