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charlottesomewhere's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-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? N/A
Izzy's dad is transitioning and it is an adjustment for the whole family, we see how they all react differently and I am sure their story will help many readers. Such a gorgeous story of family, friendship, acceptance and love.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Religious bigotry, and Transphobia
valereads's review
challenging
emotional
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
First thing I want to be clear about when reviewing this book is I am transgender. I am trans masculine rather than a trans woman like Dee and I'm certainly not a parent but I am coming from a background of someone who has come out as trangender to family and friends and I am reviewing this book with my own life experience in mind.
If you want to read books about trans people I will always always recommend you pick books by trans authors. That said, if you are going to pick a book about trans people written by a cisgender author, this one is a good choice.
There was a lot of controversy last year about a book with a similar premise: a cis author writing about a trans woman coming out from the point of view of a cisgender family member. Boyne's book drew a lot of criticism from the community for the outright offensive approach and lack of consultation with real trans people. I am pleased to say that Hagger-Holt did not make the same mistakes as Boyne.
This book takes an honest approach to what it's like to have a family member come out and begin transitioning while always being respectful towards the trans people involved. Not every member of Dee's family is accepting at first but they all come to understand and love her for who she is by learning more about the trans community and just what it means to be transgender.
This was a wonderful middle grade contemporary that I flew through and I'd absolutely recommend it. In fact I am considering buying this book for my younger brother who was a little way off beginning primary school when I came out and began transitioning.
I’d also like to take a moment to recommend some trans authors who readers who enjoyed this book should check out. Alex Gino, Lucas Hasten, and Lisa Bunker write middle grade books. For older readers Meredith Russo and Anna-Marie McLemore are a must read. And if you’re interested in non-fiction C.N. Lester’s Trans Like Me and Trans Britain edited by Christine Burns explore many of the same issues Nothing Ever Happens Here does and more besides.
Content Warnings: bullying, transphobia, misgendering
If you want to read books about trans people I will always always recommend you pick books by trans authors. That said, if you are going to pick a book about trans people written by a cisgender author, this one is a good choice.
There was a lot of controversy last year about a book with a similar premise: a cis author writing about a trans woman coming out from the point of view of a cisgender family member. Boyne's book drew a lot of criticism from the community for the outright offensive approach and lack of consultation with real trans people. I am pleased to say that Hagger-Holt did not make the same mistakes as Boyne.
This book takes an honest approach to what it's like to have a family member come out and begin transitioning while always being respectful towards the trans people involved. Not every member of Dee's family is accepting at first but they all come to understand and love her for who she is by learning more about the trans community and just what it means to be transgender.
This was a wonderful middle grade contemporary that I flew through and I'd absolutely recommend it. In fact I am considering buying this book for my younger brother who was a little way off beginning primary school when I came out and began transitioning.
I’d also like to take a moment to recommend some trans authors who readers who enjoyed this book should check out. Alex Gino, Lucas Hasten, and Lisa Bunker write middle grade books. For older readers Meredith Russo and Anna-Marie McLemore are a must read. And if you’re interested in non-fiction C.N. Lester’s Trans Like Me and Trans Britain edited by Christine Burns explore many of the same issues Nothing Ever Happens Here does and more besides.
Content Warnings: bullying, transphobia, misgendering
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Deadnaming, Homophobia, and Transphobia
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