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3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really appreciated this graphic novel, though I can't say I enjoyed it. On the one hand, I appreciated how absolutely MESSY all of the teens were, including Phoebe the protagonist. I did think that Mackenzie (and Ben, honestly) came across more as tropes than as people, though Macca was allowed a little bit more character development than Ben. I wish the surfing subplot was more central (and that Pheobe's relationship with Jessica was more fleshed out) because although I realize that Phoebe being a passenger in her own life is one of the themes, I wish the narrative spent more time focused on Phoebe's internal life rather than her boyfriends and specific friendship with Mackenzie. I feel like this graphic novel would have gelled more for me if it was a little more of a heightened reality/surreal, like a full-on tribute to '90s makeover teen movies.
Also, just a bit of a warning, while I feel like the author was trying to dig into the ways high schoolers actually speak to each other, there's several instances of slurs being used throughout the story without being challenged or unpacked. This didn't particularly bother me because it feels realistic, but just a head's up in case people going in unprepared are taken aback.
Also, just a bit of a warning, while I feel like the author was trying to dig into the ways high schoolers actually speak to each other, there's several instances of slurs being used throughout the story without being challenged or unpacked. This didn't particularly bother me because it feels realistic, but just a head's up in case people going in unprepared are taken aback.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Homophobia
Minor: Drug use
emotional
lighthearted
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Phoebe is starting over- she's moved across the country to be with her dad, who is still getting used to the idea of having a trans daughter. But at least she can start fresh as a girl at her new school. The only problem is that Phoebe doesn't really know how to be a girl. But popular girl Mackenzie is there to show Phoebe the way. She takes Phoebe under her wing and vows to teach her how to survive as a girl in the world. But the more Phoebe learns from Mackenzie, the more she questions what kind of girl she really is.
I appreciate the idea of this book. Phoebe feels like she has to be a certain way to be considered a girl and not just a "trans girl." Mackenzie has created her image as a type of shield to protect herself from the world. But some of the language and the way the girls talked to each other just kind of bothered me. The repeated use of "dyke" and the threat of making someone develop an eating disorder just soured me on this a bit.
I appreciate the idea of this book. Phoebe feels like she has to be a certain way to be considered a girl and not just a "trans girl." Mackenzie has created her image as a type of shield to protect herself from the world. But some of the language and the way the girls talked to each other just kind of bothered me. The repeated use of "dyke" and the threat of making someone develop an eating disorder just soured me on this a bit.
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was a really nice coming-of-age story. It complicates a lot of common tropes in a way I found really satisfying in the end. It can be a bit on-the-nose at times, but it's working with a lot of ideas in nuanced and interesting ways. The art's great as well, perfect fit for the story and just a treat to spend time with page after page.
One thing I'd flag, partially based on some other reviews I've seen: This is a story about a girl figuring out who she is in relation / response to a bunch of her peers telling her who she's supposed to be. Those peers don't always have Phoebe's best interests at heart, or might be working through things themselves, and Phoebe doesn't start the story with the sense of self required to see that. She excuses a lot of bad behavior as a result on her way to figuring out what her values are. None of that is structurally very surprising; it's Phoebe's main character arc and Visaggio even lays this whole theme out in the first Brit Lit scene discussing Jane Eyre. However, it means that the story is less comfy than the cover / overall vibe might suggest. If you're down for that but frustrated with some of the characters, then know that it's worth it and the story knows where it's going, even when Phoebe doesn't. If that's not what you're looking for right now, totally cool, but maybe leave this on the to-read pile for now and swing back later.
One thing I'd flag, partially based on some other reviews I've seen: This is a story about a girl figuring out who she is in relation / response to a bunch of her peers telling her who she's supposed to be. Those peers don't always have Phoebe's best interests at heart, or might be working through things themselves, and Phoebe doesn't start the story with the sense of self required to see that. She excuses a lot of bad behavior as a result on her way to figuring out what her values are. None of that is structurally very surprising; it's Phoebe's main character arc and Visaggio even lays this whole theme out in the first Brit Lit scene discussing Jane Eyre. However, it means that the story is less comfy than the cover / overall vibe might suggest. If you're down for that but frustrated with some of the characters, then know that it's worth it and the story knows where it's going, even when Phoebe doesn't. If that's not what you're looking for right now, totally cool, but maybe leave this on the to-read pile for now and swing back later.
emotional
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
Exploring girlhood through the lens of a recently out transgender girl, Girlmode captures the complexities of being a girl in the 21st century and how that relates to navigating high school. There's a lot of tough themes that Visaggio tackles in this book, but I feel as though that they serve the purpose they were there to do and that Girlmode can be a really good resource for teens who need a book like this, especially for trans teens.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Transphobia
Moderate: Bullying, Domestic abuse, Abandonment
Minor: Lesbophobia
I loved this book. The topics that this book explored were done so well! The characters were flawed, and the book did such a good job at letting the characters apologize for their mistakes.
CW: sexism; misogyny; transphobia; bullying
CW: sexism; misogyny; transphobia; bullying
I adored this graphic novel. Thank you to Harper Alley, Magdalene Visaggio, and Paulina Ganucheau for the ARC!
Exploring the life of a high school trans girl experiencing girlhood for the first time, we get to see all the highs and lows of her school year, between boys, friends, and the transphobia that can creep out of the most unexpected places.
This story is soft and gentle but still touches on the challenges in a way that feels real and raw. I adored the art style and how well it brought the story to life. Many pages I just stared at for a while because of the beauty; others, I laughed out loud at how well the art brought the humor out.
Overall an excellent piece of art! ❤️ I adored it.
Exploring the life of a high school trans girl experiencing girlhood for the first time, we get to see all the highs and lows of her school year, between boys, friends, and the transphobia that can creep out of the most unexpected places.
This story is soft and gentle but still touches on the challenges in a way that feels real and raw. I adored the art style and how well it brought the story to life. Many pages I just stared at for a while because of the beauty; others, I laughed out loud at how well the art brought the humor out.
Overall an excellent piece of art! ❤️ I adored it.
I recieved a free eARC of this book. Thank you for the opportunity to read it.
Phoebe is new to California. She's moved to live with her dad, and to start a new life. Her new school is more accepting of her gender identity.
Phoebe quickly meets Ben, a nerdy guy who shares her interests, and Mackenzie, who wants to help her be the best girl she can be. But all isn't what it seems. Nerdy guys can be jerks. Pretty girls can be insecure. And trans girls....can find a place in high school..right?
Phoebe is a well written character and her struggles to find herself will be familiar to EVERY teen girl. Mackenzie is also far better written and more empathetic than I expected. She also needs to find herself.
The guys come off less 3d, but again, that's the teen girl experience.
This is a beautiful book. It deserves a place in school and community libraries. I plan to add it to my little free library. There is nothing graphic, nothing that couldn't, and doesn't, take place in halls of high schools around the country. Unfortunately, due to where I live, this book likely won't get shelved. So, parents, we need to make up the difference. Because there are girls who need this book.
Phoebe is new to California. She's moved to live with her dad, and to start a new life. Her new school is more accepting of her gender identity.
Phoebe quickly meets Ben, a nerdy guy who shares her interests, and Mackenzie, who wants to help her be the best girl she can be. But all isn't what it seems. Nerdy guys can be jerks. Pretty girls can be insecure. And trans girls....can find a place in high school..right?
Phoebe is a well written character and her struggles to find herself will be familiar to EVERY teen girl. Mackenzie is also far better written and more empathetic than I expected. She also needs to find herself.
The guys come off less 3d, but again, that's the teen girl experience.
This is a beautiful book. It deserves a place in school and community libraries. I plan to add it to my little free library. There is nothing graphic, nothing that couldn't, and doesn't, take place in halls of high schools around the country. Unfortunately, due to where I live, this book likely won't get shelved. So, parents, we need to make up the difference. Because there are girls who need this book.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
No