*I think it's important to preface this by saying that I am not trans, so I cannot speak on whether this book has good rep - so definitely read reviews from #ownvoices readers who can better address the representation*

With that said, I do think this book could and will be really important to trans readers. It definitely felt personal to the author and I really liked how honest and raw the book was. I will say that I had a few issues with it that I'm not really sure how to articulate. I think the ending felt rushed. I was flipping my e-arc looking for more pages. I also felt like the

breakup between Zoe and Dean wasn't addressed fully. I liked that they came to an understanding later, but I wish Zoe's perspective had been respected a little more in the text. While Zoe had no right to be transphobic or expect Dean to not transition for her (like wtf), I think it should also be said that if Zoe is a lesbian than it shouldn't be expected that Zoe would still date Dean since Dean isn't a girl. I wish that had been discussed more in the text aside from the minimal conclusion made at the end

. I also felt that there were too many characters and in the beginning, I had a really hard time keeping track of them and each of their side stories. I love the found family trope and that this book used it, but I wish the family had been just a bit smaller so I could have felt more connected to each of the characters. (With that said, Ronnie is my absolute favorite and I would love to see an entire novel dedicated to him.)

Anyway, I did really like this! I appreciated that the issues within Dean's family weren't black and white and that his mom was changing toward the end. That stuff hit a little harder for me.

I definitely recommend this! I think some of my issues with it honestly are now coming down to my pickiness with YA. A book really has to have me connected to the characters more emotionally and has to *do more* for me to give it four or five stars and this just didn't have it for me. I think it'll be a really important book in 2021 and I hope it gets the hype it deserves!

-Book Hugger