My heart. 

At my big age, I found Sparrow's struggles to be so relatable. I was (essentially) the oldest daughter in my house and my growing up looked a lot like Sparrow's childhood. Seeing such a honest, open look at how "just a kid", as Sparrow says, had to be the strong, responsible one for their parent hit me right in the chest. Having them take on responsibilities they had no business taking on and trying to hold it all together really was nice to see on the page, and I think so important for younger kiddos to read.

Sparrow's journey to find themselves was so pure and still so emotionally raw that I couldn't help but root for them. Finding yourself is tough, and watching someone actively fight finding themselves to make others happy is just as tough, but Sparrow figured it out in the end. And the setting! I would have given anything to grow up in a place like Rainbow House with all it's beautiful queer, accepting residents. The house was one of my favorite parts of the entire story. Aunt Mags is a whole saint. 

This was such a magical, affirming & reassuring story that's honestly going to change young readers lives. It's informative without being preachy or bashing, and I just wanted to hug the whole book several times. I loved it.