This is an ARC review. Thanks to NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

One of the Boys is simply an excellent book, presenting an emotional and complex story of the transfeminine experience. Grace's transition is in the earlier stages that what's usually shown in the media, and I think the way it was portrayed in the book was fantastic. On top of that, it is a sports book, and while I've never watched a game of American football in my life, I feel like the mechanics of the game, and especially the bonds between the players on the team, were wonderfully fleshed out in the story. I think Grace's relationship with her football friends and her newer friends from the theater club were what made this book really great - she's not exactly finding a brand new place after her transition, but settling into an old one that has changed. It was definitely interesting to see the exploration of this situation, of how not only Grace found joy in something she felt like she had to leave with her transition, but also how the other players and people in general changed in regards to their actions towards Grace. It was absolutely wonderful how her friends quickly and without qualms welcomed her back, and how the friendship Grace had with them gave her support against those who were transphobic, be it the misguided adults or the punchable bigots. Grace herself was such an interesting character too, and I found her motivations for playing and her character development to be great parts of the book.
Overall, this was a highly enjoyable young adult book, and I had a great time reading.