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A review by saesteorra
Jamie by L.D. Lapinski
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Jamie Rambeau is excited to start year six, even though that means making decisions about where to apply to secondary school. But there are only two options in their town: St Joseph's Academy for Boys, and Queen Elizabeth's High School for Girls. Where exactly is a non-binary kid like Jamie supposed to go?
Some of the adults who seemed understanding enough when Jamie came out a couple of years ago no longer seem to get it. Jamie's being asked to choose, knowing that they'll be perceived a certain way whatever they decide. But Jamie knows deep down that they shouldn't have to change to fit in at these schools - it should be the other way around.
One of Jamie's main concerns is being split up from one of their best friends - Daisy and Ash - because of the binary choices presented by the schools. Their friendship is funny, genuine and (mostly) uncomplicated, and reminded me so vividly of being that age. I loved the various ways that the trio try to raise awareness of what it means to be non-binary and drum up support for their cause, especially the accidental adventure that features on the cover.
It is really powerful to see representation like this in a middle grade book - of gender diversity, the LGBTQ+ movement, the history of Pride - all of which is delivered in such an earnest and heartfelt way. As a non-binary author writing for this age group too, it really gives me courage to be bolder and more open. I couldn't stop reading, and I was crying happy tears by the end.
While I'm sure this book is going to be hugely popular with readers in this age group, I know that it's going to mean the world to gender diverse kids to see themselves in Jamie.
Some of the adults who seemed understanding enough when Jamie came out a couple of years ago no longer seem to get it. Jamie's being asked to choose, knowing that they'll be perceived a certain way whatever they decide. But Jamie knows deep down that they shouldn't have to change to fit in at these schools - it should be the other way around.
One of Jamie's main concerns is being split up from one of their best friends - Daisy and Ash - because of the binary choices presented by the schools. Their friendship is funny, genuine and (mostly) uncomplicated, and reminded me so vividly of being that age. I loved the various ways that the trio try to raise awareness of what it means to be non-binary and drum up support for their cause, especially the accidental adventure that features on the cover.
It is really powerful to see representation like this in a middle grade book - of gender diversity, the LGBTQ+ movement, the history of Pride - all of which is delivered in such an earnest and heartfelt way. As a non-binary author writing for this age group too, it really gives me courage to be bolder and more open. I couldn't stop reading, and I was crying happy tears by the end.
While I'm sure this book is going to be hugely popular with readers in this age group, I know that it's going to mean the world to gender diverse kids to see themselves in Jamie.