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A review by alittleoverdue
Obie Is Man Enough by Schuyler Bailar
5.0
The beautiful cover first drew me to this book and the description intrigued me. While I can think of a handful of middle grade books that deal with transgender, I'm hard-pressed to think of another fiction book for tweens that specifically features a transgender man. This is a fictional account of a middle school student, Obie, adjusting to a new school and swim team living as a transgender male, Based on the author's own experience as a champion mixed-race swimmer (and the first recorded transgender NCAA athlete to compete as a man)., the book heartbreakingly explores the obstacles facing trans folks, from bullying to body image to emotional adjustments, on top of the other challenges of growing up. (Trigger warning for intense bullying and anti-trans discrimination and violence).
I devoured this story, simultaneously feeling deeply moved and reaching new understandings. I wish the characters had been more nuanced, though I realize some of this was a conscious choice. While the author is quick to note that Obie's experience of receiving loving support from family, friends, coaches, and classmates is not the reality for most, by depicting supportive characters the novel offers models for caring and helpful behavior for allies. The story provides a window for understanding the intersections of race, culture, and gender identity, and offers numerous resources for further reading. Obie's deeply moving story has stayed with me in the weeks since I've read it, and I'm excited to recommend this important read to parents, educators, and kids.
*Thanks to NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review*
I devoured this story, simultaneously feeling deeply moved and reaching new understandings. I wish the characters had been more nuanced, though I realize some of this was a conscious choice. While the author is quick to note that Obie's experience of receiving loving support from family, friends, coaches, and classmates is not the reality for most, by depicting supportive characters the novel offers models for caring and helpful behavior for allies. The story provides a window for understanding the intersections of race, culture, and gender identity, and offers numerous resources for further reading. Obie's deeply moving story has stayed with me in the weeks since I've read it, and I'm excited to recommend this important read to parents, educators, and kids.
*Thanks to NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review*