A review by amylia
Both Can Be True by Jules Machias

challenging emotional hopeful informative reflective fast-paced

4.0

 
Ash and Daniel are two seemingly unlikely friends. Ash has just transferred middle schools in the 7th grade after being attacked at their old school, and Daniel is a photography enthusiast who is constantly being told he feels too many things too strongly. When Daniel accidentally ends up with an almost euthanized dog, Ash ends up teaming up with him to help him conceal and save the dog. Both kids have to examine their identities and preferences when they start falling for each other. 

I loved so many things about this book. I loved that Ash had a gender affirming parent. I loved the friendship turned romance between Ash and Daniel. I didn’t love the fact that once again a trans story was being told through the lens of something tragic having happened to them. I just want more stories about trans or gender non-conforming kids just living their lives, going through regular tween/teen issues, but not always having to be bullied or hate crimed for their narrative to move forward. 

Overall I would still suggest this book to my students, but would be more wary of suggesting it to all of my GSA kids. 

  Thank you NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for review! 
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