A review by kellysrambles
Jamie by L.D. Lapinski

emotional hopeful informative inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Jamie is an absolute triumph! I knew I’d love this one and had been anticipating reading it for some time and I wasn’t wrong. My heart is full of joy and love after reading this. 

This is the story of Jamie: a non-binary person about to transition from primary to secondary school. They have been out to their friends, family and school for some time but then comes the gut wrenching realisation they have to choose whether to go to a boys or girls secondary school. It was a moment that really stopped me in my tracks, especially as a secondary school teacher who knows multiple non-binary pupils. Cue Jamie and their best friends Ash and Daisy trying to figure out how to help Jamie whilst also having to face the fact they will be going to different schools themselves.

Jamie is a character who shows enormous courage and huge self-belief when needing to stand up for themselves in some really difficult situations. They are such an inspirational character and I can only imagine how much reading this story will mean to so many young people in the world who will resonate with Jamie. I absolutely adored them! 

There is a whole host of fantastic characters such as Daisy and Ash who are the best friends Jamie could wish for. Olly, Jamie’s older brother, who couldn’t be more proud of Jamie. The adults in this book sometimes make questionable comments and decisions but their journey as this story progressed was one that was extremely well written.  

Aside from the story itself, I absolutely loved the inclusion of ‘Jamie Rambeau’s Guide to Words’ between each chapter. A true opportunity for readers to learn from this book by becoming familiar with key words and definitions commonly used within the LGBTQ+ community. I personally believe Jamie needs to be a book that features in schools and read by people of all ages as there is so much in this gorgeous novel to learn from. 

Full of hope, friendship, courage and love, Jamie is a book everyone needs to read.