A review by bladelikesbooks
Kisses for Jet by Joris Bas Backer

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad 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

A YA graphic novel centring Jet, a teenage boy and his gender transition journey. The story is told in a very real, raw, way. It shows the real-life experiences of many FTM people and really highlights how much of a struggle trans people go through. I think this was a really beautiful and honest portrayal of the trans coming out journey and it’s one that will stick with me for a long time. I also really liked the illustrations and especially the blue colour palette, I thought that made it really unique! 

We see Jet go through many struggles in this graphic novel. From living without his parents in a boarding house, to starting to question his gender identity, experiencing Lesbophobic comments and even being outed by his best friend. This story really shows how imperfect people are, even the people who are trying to support you. 

Although it’s not specifically stated, I think Jet is also Aro/Ace because on page 142, Jet confesses to Ken “I don’t think I’ll ever feel like it” when they were talking about a make out session they’d previously had. 

The book also highlights how uncomfortable it can be to go to a gender clinic and how they really question your own identity and even your sanity. I think that scene could potentially be very triggering to a lot of trans people but I do think it has its place in the book. I think even if you yourself are not trans, you can benefit greatly from reading this as you’ll be able to get a better understanding of the trans experience. 

Obviously, trans people are not a monolith so this is only one person’s experience, but still I think everyone should read it! 

Rep - Trans (Jet); Fat (Sasha); Asian (Sasha); Migraines (Ken); Aro/Ace (Jet)

TWs/CWs - Blood; Bugs; Bullying; Cigarettes; Cussing; Death; Death of a loved one; Fatphobia; Harassment; Homophobia; Lesbophobia; Medical detail; Nudity; Outing; Peer Pressure; Periods; Postnatal Depression; Suicide; Suicide Ideation; Theft; Underage Drinking; Used Tampon; Violence