Juno Dawson has nailed another YA nonfiction title that answers questions, explores and challenges media and social expectations, and, most importantly, affirms trans and nonbinary experiences. 

This book is informative while being relatable, silly, and authentic. Dawson has a way of connecting with readers through her words and authentic descriptions.

I appreciate the section at the end of the book that addresses caregivers of trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming youth. It provides insight and resources on how to support youth. This is something that all adults should explore. 

This is a book that readers of all ages can appreciate and learn from, and it will definitely resonate with young readers.

A colorfully affirming graphic novel anthology from trans and nonbinary artists. 

The stories are unique and celebrate, comfort, and affirm trans and nonbinary experiences. I typically struggle reading anthologies, but I really appreciated that each artist gave a brief bio before their work. This helped to learn about the artist while also putting a nice break between stories. 

Further support and resources are noted at the end of this book. 

This is an awesome debut middle-grade books! 

There is beautiful representation and the discussions around queerness and intersectionality in identities. 

I appreciate that our main character and two main side characters all have their own personalities and challenges that are written in a way that  doesn’t overwhelm. It felt authentic to middle grade years of life, and the dynamics between these characters are so well-done. 

This is one of the most vulnerable, raw, and realistic middle-grade books I have read in a long time. 

Though this is only showing one experience, I appreciate that this book goes through the entire process of what it is like to struggle with mental health, particularly with an eating disorder. The internal battle was represented so well, and partnered with Jake's personal growth was painful and beautiful to experience. 

This is one of the most vulnerable, raw, and realistic middle-grade books I have read in a long time, and it was one of my top reads of 2024. Through beautiful and powerful verse, John Schu offers readers a glimpse into the mind of a teen struggling with an eating disorder. The conversations feel authentic and handled with care. Though this book may only show one experience, I appreciate that it goes through the entire process of what it is like to struggle with mental health, particularly with an eating disorder. The internal battle was represented so well, and partnered with the main character’s personal growth was painful and beautiful to experience. The author has a deeply personal afterword for context and support for readers. I would recommend telling readers to be aware of content warnings, and I think this is a book that will leave a lasting impact on many readers.  

LGBTQ+ takeover of a patriarchal system...in space...by jousting? Yup, I'm sold. 

I am looking forward to diving into book 2. 

A well-done, age-appropriate look at racism, violent racially-motivated attacks, and the systemic racism in our criminal justice system. 

Lamar's character development is strong and intentional, and I think that his interest in filmmaking was both unique and powerful. 

This book seems to quietly be making its entrance into the world, and it's one that is worth reading and sharing. 

This is a great nonfiction read that shares the story of one of the most influential disability rights activists in the United States, Judy Heumann.  

Reads very narrative-like, making this an accessible story for a wide range of readers. 

A laugh-out-loud, heartfelt graphic novel about finding your place in the world and discovering love. Oh, and LOTS of grilled cheese sandwiches!

This is a fast-paced and thrilling authentic sci-fi about a girl who wakes up lightyears away from Earth and not on the target ship she was expecting. After finding the the lander left in bloody destruction, Jessica must fight for survival and find her way off this planet. 

This is such a wholesome graphic novel that weaves together important messages of self-discovery and exploring friendship relationships. 

I would definitely recommend this to readers who enjoy queer stories, dogs, and a touch of magical fantasy.