A both heartbreaking & heart-warming middle grade. Following a young transsexual female who is not "out" to her family or friends, this story was so gently told. It was incredibly well-written in terms of its angle toward the middle grade audience, but also reads in a way that can be highly impactful for adults. Viewing the struggle of gender identity in someone so young is something so unique in a novel and I am in awe of how well it was done. Being an OwnVoices story certainly makes it more authentic and believable.

This book goes a long way toward creating a good education for those who aren't understanding of the struggle of gender identity, or even identity in general. The flexibility and compassion of young individuals is demonstrated well and it goes a long way toward showing that it is adults who really need to examine their treatment of those who may be different than themselves. The lessons of understanding and acceptance are incredibly well told. It is disappointing that this book is currently among the most commonly banned books in the United States.