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Jamie
There's a place for everyone, you've just got to find it. Jamie is a beautiful and uplifting story about how to make your own place in a world that doesn't think you fit.
Jamie Rambeau is a happy 11-year-old, nonbinary kid who loves hanging out with their two best friends, Daisy and Ash. But when the trio find out that their local middle schools separate into a school for boys and a school for girls, their friendship suddenly seems at risk. And when Jamie realizes no one has thought about where they are going to go, they decide to take matters into their own hands.
As the friends' efforts to raise awareness eventually become a rooftop protest against the binary rules for the local schools, Jamie realizes that if they don't figure out a way forward, they could lose both their friends forever.
Published in partnership with media advocacy organization GLAAD, this empowering book positively represents LGBTQ families.
Jamie Rambeau is a happy 11-year-old, nonbinary kid who loves hanging out with their two best friends, Daisy and Ash. But when the trio find out that their local middle schools separate into a school for boys and a school for girls, their friendship suddenly seems at risk. And when Jamie realizes no one has thought about where they are going to go, they decide to take matters into their own hands.
As the friends' efforts to raise awareness eventually become a rooftop protest against the binary rules for the local schools, Jamie realizes that if they don't figure out a way forward, they could lose both their friends forever.
Published in partnership with media advocacy organization GLAAD, this empowering book positively represents LGBTQ families.
240 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 2024
16 people are currently reading
1073 people want to read
About the author
L.D. Lapinski
18 books213 followersL. D. Lapinski is the best-selling author of JAMIE, Stepfather Christmas, and The Strangeworlds Travel Agency series, including Adventure in the Floating Mountains, which was a 2023 World Book Day title. JAMIE was nominated for the 2024 Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing.
L. D's new middle-grade fantasy series ARTEZANS launches in February 2024 with the first book Artezans: The Forgotten Magic.
L. D.'s books are published around the world in fifteen languages, and each book in the Strangeworlds trilogy has been awarded a Kirkus star - one of the most coveted designations in the book industry,
marking books of exceptional merit.
L. D. Lapinski lives just outside Sherwood Forest with their family, a lot of books, and a cat called Hector. L. D. first wrote a book aged seven; it was made of lined paper and sellotape, and it was about a frog who owned an aeroplane. When L. D. grows up, they want to be a free-range guinea pig farmer.
L. D.'s literary agent is Claire Wilson at Rogers, Coleridge and White Literary Agency. For Film / TV, contact Emily Hayward Whitlock.
Twitter / Instagram / TikTok: @ldlapinski
L. D's new middle-grade fantasy series ARTEZANS launches in February 2024 with the first book Artezans: The Forgotten Magic.
L. D.'s books are published around the world in fifteen languages, and each book in the Strangeworlds trilogy has been awarded a Kirkus star - one of the most coveted designations in the book industry,
marking books of exceptional merit.
L. D. Lapinski lives just outside Sherwood Forest with their family, a lot of books, and a cat called Hector. L. D. first wrote a book aged seven; it was made of lined paper and sellotape, and it was about a frog who owned an aeroplane. When L. D. grows up, they want to be a free-range guinea pig farmer.
L. D.'s literary agent is Claire Wilson at Rogers, Coleridge and White Literary Agency. For Film / TV, contact Emily Hayward Whitlock.
Twitter / Instagram / TikTok: @ldlapinski
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
June 17, 2024
✰ 3 stars ✰
“Even though nothing we’re doing is hurting them, they wish we didn’t exist. Being my true self is easy.
I wish other people would see that.”
Eleven-year-old Jamie Rambeau is looking forward to Year 6 with his best friends, Ash and Daisy, until they realize that there are only two selections for middle school in their hometown - St. Joseph's Academy for Boys OR Queen Elizabeth's High School for Girls. As a non-binary kid, they're faced with the difficult choice of deciding which school they're supposed to attend, when neither of the options represent who they are.
“Whether you make room for us or not, whether you accept us or not, whether you include us or not, we’re still going to be here.
And us existing doesn’t take anything away from you or make your life more difficult.”
Jamie is a special kind of book because it's a personal reflection of what it means to be a non-binary kid & the challenges they face when trying to have others understand what it means. Jamie had a very courageous and tenacious spirit, one that refused to bow down to what was expected of them, simply because the adults were not willing to listen. They've never shied away from who they are - proud of themselves and happy to be themselves. 'But I was about to find out that, despite what I’d thought, not everyone else was happy with me. 😟 Their stance against the system, demanding to be respected and treated equally was both uplifting and heartbreaking at how no one seemed to be taking them seriously, despite how what they wanted wasn't all that too difficult to comprehend or even act upon.
Friendship plays a big part in Jamie's struggle of persuading others to see it from their perspective. I loved how supportive Ash and Daisy were - even when they argued, they knew how important it was for Jamie to get their voice heard and pleas recognized. All three of them were opposites of each other, but being bosom buddies - best friends - really tightened their stance in standing up for what they believed in. 🫂🫂 Their good-natured and heartfelt interactions provided the levity to the seriousness of the situation, especially for the key moment depicted on the cover, where they truly went all out in doing whatever it took to gain awareness of what it means to be non-binary - anything for others to see how important it was for Jamie to be taken seriously. Even with the eventual possibility that they would be separated, the bonds of their friendship were tested and proven to survive at each critical moment. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
“They thought you’d grown out of it, like you grew out of your Pokémon obsession. They thought you’d eventually choose: boy or girl, man or woman. They didn’t think you’d grow up to be a non-binary adult.”
My heart especially broke when their parents confronted them - prompting them to not to make such a fuss over such a small thing. I was as startled as Jamie, and it hurt seeing how they've always thought their parents supported their decision, when in fact, it's something they are still learning and struggling to accept. 💔😥 That scene when their father exploded on them - even though he explained why he was so concerned for them, and Jamie understood why their father felt that way, their shock and fear at their father's sudden outburst - was so palpable.
It was a rude awakening to see that for all the times they felt that people had accepted their decision to be nonbinary with open arms, there were still those who did not take too lightly or kindly their decision in being who they've always felt themselves to be. Misrepresentation is so very important and it's not respectful or fair to write off or excuse; that moment where their gender was questioned - the frantic and desperate plea that Jamie expressed - as a violation of their trust and themselves. 🥺 I learned a lot in that one scene alone - how I, too, still need to make as much effort to be mindful and respectful of others' wishes on how to be seen.
“Misgendering can be very hurtful and make the person you’re talking to or about really sad. If you do it by accident, apologize and try again.”
Jamie's final act is one that teaches the importance of open-mindedness and acceptance and how crucial it is to be respectful of others - no matter who they are. I love that they refused to change - refused to be made to feel small, despite how others saw them - refused to break and be proud of themselves. 'Jamie Rainbow no longer, but the same person I’d always been. Proud....' 🥹 In a world that is still so very close-minded - I'm glad there are middle grade books like this that are being written for younger readers. It was written in a simple, but informative manner which at various points of the narrative, included brief educational insights into different facets of LGBTQIA+-related details that would be especially resourceful for readers to help broaden their own understanding of certain terms and its history. 🌈🌈
While one would argue that the accepting nature of the parents was forgiven too easily by Jamie - it's their resilience of not backing down, despite how many hurdles were thrown their way - how often they were dismissed for their simple requests of simply being seen - that eventually paid off in a believable and respectful manner - to those who it really had to matter. 💪🏻💪🏻 Change is not immediate - "changing the world is hard work'; it takes time and also comprehending where the fault lies in one's judgment. It ends on a hopeful and wholesome note that proves that with just a little patience and well-meaning intentions, those whose voices have been silenced and ignored, will finally have something to celebrate and to be proud of. 💛🤍💜🖤
“Even though nothing we’re doing is hurting them, they wish we didn’t exist. Being my true self is easy.
I wish other people would see that.”
Eleven-year-old Jamie Rambeau is looking forward to Year 6 with his best friends, Ash and Daisy, until they realize that there are only two selections for middle school in their hometown - St. Joseph's Academy for Boys OR Queen Elizabeth's High School for Girls. As a non-binary kid, they're faced with the difficult choice of deciding which school they're supposed to attend, when neither of the options represent who they are.
“Whether you make room for us or not, whether you accept us or not, whether you include us or not, we’re still going to be here.
And us existing doesn’t take anything away from you or make your life more difficult.”
Jamie is a special kind of book because it's a personal reflection of what it means to be a non-binary kid & the challenges they face when trying to have others understand what it means. Jamie had a very courageous and tenacious spirit, one that refused to bow down to what was expected of them, simply because the adults were not willing to listen. They've never shied away from who they are - proud of themselves and happy to be themselves. 'But I was about to find out that, despite what I’d thought, not everyone else was happy with me. 😟 Their stance against the system, demanding to be respected and treated equally was both uplifting and heartbreaking at how no one seemed to be taking them seriously, despite how what they wanted wasn't all that too difficult to comprehend or even act upon.
Friendship plays a big part in Jamie's struggle of persuading others to see it from their perspective. I loved how supportive Ash and Daisy were - even when they argued, they knew how important it was for Jamie to get their voice heard and pleas recognized. All three of them were opposites of each other, but being bosom buddies - best friends - really tightened their stance in standing up for what they believed in. 🫂🫂 Their good-natured and heartfelt interactions provided the levity to the seriousness of the situation, especially for the key moment depicted on the cover, where they truly went all out in doing whatever it took to gain awareness of what it means to be non-binary - anything for others to see how important it was for Jamie to be taken seriously. Even with the eventual possibility that they would be separated, the bonds of their friendship were tested and proven to survive at each critical moment. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
“They thought you’d grown out of it, like you grew out of your Pokémon obsession. They thought you’d eventually choose: boy or girl, man or woman. They didn’t think you’d grow up to be a non-binary adult.”
My heart especially broke when their parents confronted them - prompting them to not to make such a fuss over such a small thing. I was as startled as Jamie, and it hurt seeing how they've always thought their parents supported their decision, when in fact, it's something they are still learning and struggling to accept. 💔😥 That scene when their father exploded on them - even though he explained why he was so concerned for them, and Jamie understood why their father felt that way, their shock and fear at their father's sudden outburst - was so palpable.
It was a rude awakening to see that for all the times they felt that people had accepted their decision to be nonbinary with open arms, there were still those who did not take too lightly or kindly their decision in being who they've always felt themselves to be. Misrepresentation is so very important and it's not respectful or fair to write off or excuse; that moment where their gender was questioned - the frantic and desperate plea that Jamie expressed - as a violation of their trust and themselves. 🥺 I learned a lot in that one scene alone - how I, too, still need to make as much effort to be mindful and respectful of others' wishes on how to be seen.
“Misgendering can be very hurtful and make the person you’re talking to or about really sad. If you do it by accident, apologize and try again.”
Jamie's final act is one that teaches the importance of open-mindedness and acceptance and how crucial it is to be respectful of others - no matter who they are. I love that they refused to change - refused to be made to feel small, despite how others saw them - refused to break and be proud of themselves. 'Jamie Rainbow no longer, but the same person I’d always been. Proud....' 🥹 In a world that is still so very close-minded - I'm glad there are middle grade books like this that are being written for younger readers. It was written in a simple, but informative manner which at various points of the narrative, included brief educational insights into different facets of LGBTQIA+-related details that would be especially resourceful for readers to help broaden their own understanding of certain terms and its history. 🌈🌈
While one would argue that the accepting nature of the parents was forgiven too easily by Jamie - it's their resilience of not backing down, despite how many hurdles were thrown their way - how often they were dismissed for their simple requests of simply being seen - that eventually paid off in a believable and respectful manner - to those who it really had to matter. 💪🏻💪🏻 Change is not immediate - "changing the world is hard work'; it takes time and also comprehending where the fault lies in one's judgment. It ends on a hopeful and wholesome note that proves that with just a little patience and well-meaning intentions, those whose voices have been silenced and ignored, will finally have something to celebrate and to be proud of. 💛🤍💜🖤
February 22, 2023
An utterly gorgeous story overflowing with compassion, acceptance and heart. This is the kind of story that’s beneficially for readers both young and old. It’s moving, emotional, education and, whilst difficult to read at times, ultimately incredibly hopeful. Books like this are going to change the world for the better.
TW: transphobia
TW: transphobia
May 23, 2023
Jamie and their friends are incredible, and this book is full of hope! The main trio are inspirational, from the rooftop protest to the school pride, they made a huge difference.
I really enjoyed the little tidbits of information from Jamie throughout the book. While I knew the definitions of the words that Jamie told us, the intended audience of this book is much younger than me, and will likely learn a lot from this book.
This is the book I wish I'd had at Jamie's age, and I am so happy for all the nonbinary children who will get to read this and see that they belong.
I really enjoyed the little tidbits of information from Jamie throughout the book. While I knew the definitions of the words that Jamie told us, the intended audience of this book is much younger than me, and will likely learn a lot from this book.
This is the book I wish I'd had at Jamie's age, and I am so happy for all the nonbinary children who will get to read this and see that they belong.
March 24, 2023
rep: nonbinary mc, Nigerian British character, Indian British character, achillean character, Chinese British nonbinary side character
well, this is a very sweet story and i'm so happy kids these days are getting these kinds of books! i hope it reaches everyone who needs it
but it also basically feels like it was written as an educational manifesto first, and a novel second
(the rep, apart from nonbinary one, was barely there on page but i felt compelled to mention)
well, this is a very sweet story and i'm so happy kids these days are getting these kinds of books! i hope it reaches everyone who needs it
but it also basically feels like it was written as an educational manifesto first, and a novel second
(the rep, apart from nonbinary one, was barely there on page but i felt compelled to mention)
October 29, 2022
okay but I really was crying at the end of this — what a hopeful beam of light this book is. A story of taking up space, of growth and acceptance, of protest and pride, of love and friendship. A necessary, needed novel.
This is LD Lapinski magic through and through — heartwarming characters and an honest story about difficult things in life but how we can seek to change them through radical acts and radical care. I’m just completely blown away by it
I really am not being hyperbolic when I say I needed this book as a kid, and so many other kids need it to, especially in our current climate where trans kids are constantly told they’re wrong. This is a riding tide of hope and love against all that.
Every library needs a copy, every school needs a copy, every kid who has ever felt different needs a copy because this book posits a future of inclusivity, of change, of acceptance, of the power of your own voice and the voices of others together. It’s an instant classic.
This is LD Lapinski magic through and through — heartwarming characters and an honest story about difficult things in life but how we can seek to change them through radical acts and radical care. I’m just completely blown away by it
I really am not being hyperbolic when I say I needed this book as a kid, and so many other kids need it to, especially in our current climate where trans kids are constantly told they’re wrong. This is a riding tide of hope and love against all that.
Every library needs a copy, every school needs a copy, every kid who has ever felt different needs a copy because this book posits a future of inclusivity, of change, of acceptance, of the power of your own voice and the voices of others together. It’s an instant classic.
December 10, 2023
This was all kinds of wonderful.
This book is definitely aimed at 10 year olds - as the MC is 10. There are wonderful additions after each chapter in which Jamie explains things that kids might not have ever heard of before - or even anyone older who picks this book up and finds themselves learning things.
Everything about this book is top notch for a middle grade novel about a nonbinary child who just wants to go to school with their friends.
This book is definitely aimed at 10 year olds - as the MC is 10. There are wonderful additions after each chapter in which Jamie explains things that kids might not have ever heard of before - or even anyone older who picks this book up and finds themselves learning things.
Everything about this book is top notch for a middle grade novel about a nonbinary child who just wants to go to school with their friends.
April 7, 2023
3.5 starts.
I love that there are books like this being published and so visibly and wonderfully queer. Kids need books like this and it makes my heart sing to see it, and you can bet there will be copies going into my school’s library. However, my personal feelings on it as a story are conflicted.
Jamie’s voice was very strong but unfortunately the story and writing just felt very flimsy and weak to me, and the characters were like talking heads a lot of the time. I couldn’t visualise anywhere the characters were really, except the odd occasion where Jamie’s POV was more in the moment, and that felt like such a leap compared to the rich description of the Strangeworlds books. Sooo much was just told to us by Jamie and summarised and the actual scenes were too few. Conversations between the kids didn’t sound at all like real Y6 kids to me either, which was a shame as Jamie themself was so vibrant as the narrator.
As much as I so badly wanted to love this book, I think that other than it being one of the first joyful non-binary British reps I’ve ever seen in kidlit, it’s quite forgettable as a story. Just not much really happened outside of what’s already told to us in the blurb and cover illustration (absolutely fantastic though the cover is). I think it needed more fleshing out as a story first, teaching tool second. I was so unsure who this book was really for - the non-binary kids who need this rep and message of self love or their cis classmates and teachers who need educating? Too often it felt weighted towards the latter which I don’t think worked in it’s favour.
I love that there are books like this being published and so visibly and wonderfully queer. Kids need books like this and it makes my heart sing to see it, and you can bet there will be copies going into my school’s library. However, my personal feelings on it as a story are conflicted.
Jamie’s voice was very strong but unfortunately the story and writing just felt very flimsy and weak to me, and the characters were like talking heads a lot of the time. I couldn’t visualise anywhere the characters were really, except the odd occasion where Jamie’s POV was more in the moment, and that felt like such a leap compared to the rich description of the Strangeworlds books. Sooo much was just told to us by Jamie and summarised and the actual scenes were too few. Conversations between the kids didn’t sound at all like real Y6 kids to me either, which was a shame as Jamie themself was so vibrant as the narrator.
As much as I so badly wanted to love this book, I think that other than it being one of the first joyful non-binary British reps I’ve ever seen in kidlit, it’s quite forgettable as a story. Just not much really happened outside of what’s already told to us in the blurb and cover illustration (absolutely fantastic though the cover is). I think it needed more fleshing out as a story first, teaching tool second. I was so unsure who this book was really for - the non-binary kids who need this rep and message of self love or their cis classmates and teachers who need educating? Too often it felt weighted towards the latter which I don’t think worked in it’s favour.
April 16, 2023
a book with my name and a big non binary pride flag on it? it had to be good and it was😭😭 this book was so good and so important and so hopeful and should be required reading in schools🥺
June 2, 2023
Hopefully this book will help encourage schools to be more inclusive of LGBTQIA students.
March 17, 2025
En fantastiskt bra och viktig bok. Jamie är ickebinär och identifierar sig därför inte som tjej eller kille. Jamie är stolt över vem hen är men möts ibland av oförståelse och ren diskriminering av sin omgivning. Det är främst vuxna som inte riktigt verkar förstå sig på Jamie och hens behov, de förstår inte att Jamie är sig själv 24 timmar om dygnet och inte bara kan sluta för att samhället ska slippa ändra på sig.
Jamie och hens två vänner Daisy och Ash står för ett dilemma. När de ska börja i årskurs 5 måste de skiljas åt och börja på antingen en skola för tjejer eller en skola för killar. Skolan verkar ha glömt bort att det finns barn som Jamie, ingen har tänkt på var hen ska ta vägen.
Tillsammans med sina två kompisar bestämmer sig Jamie för att utföra en protest, de ska hitta ett sätt att få samhället att ändra sig till det bättre. Det visar sig vara ganska svårt och de stöter på en del problem längs vägen. Men slutet gott allting gott!
En jättefin bok som belyser problematiken med att vi lever i ett samhälle där så mycket är uppdelat efter könstillhörighet. Det är också en bra skildring av starka vänskapsband, att stå upp för varandra. Superbra att boken också ger exempel på hur man demokratiskt kan bära sig åt för att få sin röst hörd, via t.ex. namninsamlingar, demonstrationer och att uppmärksamma media på ett problem. I slutet av varje kapitel finns en ordlista som förklarar olika begrepp kopplat till hbtqfrågor. Det enda som skulle ha gjort boken bättre var om bilderna på regnbågsflaggorna i boken inte var svartvita. Tycket faktiskt att det är lite snålt att inte ge dem färg.
Jamie och hens två vänner Daisy och Ash står för ett dilemma. När de ska börja i årskurs 5 måste de skiljas åt och börja på antingen en skola för tjejer eller en skola för killar. Skolan verkar ha glömt bort att det finns barn som Jamie, ingen har tänkt på var hen ska ta vägen.
Tillsammans med sina två kompisar bestämmer sig Jamie för att utföra en protest, de ska hitta ett sätt att få samhället att ändra sig till det bättre. Det visar sig vara ganska svårt och de stöter på en del problem längs vägen. Men slutet gott allting gott!
En jättefin bok som belyser problematiken med att vi lever i ett samhälle där så mycket är uppdelat efter könstillhörighet. Det är också en bra skildring av starka vänskapsband, att stå upp för varandra. Superbra att boken också ger exempel på hur man demokratiskt kan bära sig åt för att få sin röst hörd, via t.ex. namninsamlingar, demonstrationer och att uppmärksamma media på ett problem. I slutet av varje kapitel finns en ordlista som förklarar olika begrepp kopplat till hbtqfrågor. Det enda som skulle ha gjort boken bättre var om bilderna på regnbågsflaggorna i boken inte var svartvita. Tycket faktiskt att det är lite snålt att inte ge dem färg.
May 18, 2023
This book made me so unbelievably happy.
August 10, 2024
Such an important book! They should have this in every school.
This explains pride and LGBTQ+ really well, but mostly nonbinary. Which I think people can learn more about. Aside from that it's also just a cute story about being yourself, friends and going to high school.
This explains pride and LGBTQ+ really well, but mostly nonbinary. Which I think people can learn more about. Aside from that it's also just a cute story about being yourself, friends and going to high school.
October 30, 2023
A powerful, uplifting story with fantastic characters who show adults a thing or two about how to (and how not to) treat people.
May 14, 2025
En fantastiskt bra och viktig bok. Jamie är ickebinär och identifierar sig därför inte som tjej eller kille. Jamie är stolt över vem hen är men möts ibland av oförståelse och ren diskriminering av sin omgivning. Det är främst vuxna som inte riktigt verkar förstå sig på Jamie och hens behov, de förstår inte att Jamie är sig själv 24 timmar om dygnet och inte bara kan sluta för att samhället ska slippa ändra på sig.
Jamie och hens två vänner Daisy och Ash står för ett dilemma. När de ska börja i årskurs 5 måste de skiljas åt och börja på antingen en skola för tjejer eller en skola för killar. Skolan verkar ha glömt bort att det finns barn som Jamie, ingen har tänkt på var hen ska ta vägen.
Tillsammans med sina två kompisar bestämmer sig Jamie för att utföra en protest, de ska hitta ett sätt att få samhället att ändra sig till det bättre. Det visar sig vara ganska svårt och de stöter på en del problem längs vägen. Men slutet gott allting gott!
En jättefin bok som belyser problematiken med att vi lever i ett samhälle där så mycket är uppdelat efter könstillhörighet. Det är också en bra skildring av starka vänskapsband, att stå upp för varandra. Superbra att boken också ger exempel på hur man demokratiskt kan bära sig åt för att få sin röst hörd, via t.ex. namninsamlingar, demonstrationer och att uppmärksamma media på ett problem. I slutet av varje kapitel finns en ordlista som förklarar olika begrepp kopplat till hbtqfrågor. Det enda som skulle ha gjort boken bättre var om bilderna på regnbågsflaggorna i boken inte var svartvita. Tycket faktiskt att det är lite snålt att inte ge dem färg.
Jamie och hens två vänner Daisy och Ash står för ett dilemma. När de ska börja i årskurs 5 måste de skiljas åt och börja på antingen en skola för tjejer eller en skola för killar. Skolan verkar ha glömt bort att det finns barn som Jamie, ingen har tänkt på var hen ska ta vägen.
Tillsammans med sina två kompisar bestämmer sig Jamie för att utföra en protest, de ska hitta ett sätt att få samhället att ändra sig till det bättre. Det visar sig vara ganska svårt och de stöter på en del problem längs vägen. Men slutet gott allting gott!
En jättefin bok som belyser problematiken med att vi lever i ett samhälle där så mycket är uppdelat efter könstillhörighet. Det är också en bra skildring av starka vänskapsband, att stå upp för varandra. Superbra att boken också ger exempel på hur man demokratiskt kan bära sig åt för att få sin röst hörd, via t.ex. namninsamlingar, demonstrationer och att uppmärksamma media på ett problem. I slutet av varje kapitel finns en ordlista som förklarar olika begrepp kopplat till hbtqfrågor. Det enda som skulle ha gjort boken bättre var om bilderna på regnbågsflaggorna i boken inte var svartvita. Tycket faktiskt att det är lite snålt att inte ge dem färg.
February 7, 2024
Such a moving and wholesome story! Teaching kids about gender and about protesting for what’s important to you.
March 24, 2023
4.75 stars rounded up
October 28, 2023
Jamie spoke right from my heart so many times, and they're so incredibly brave and persistent. It's such a wonderful book. And it's a hopeful one at that. I hope it gets translated into many languages and gets into schools and libraries all across.
March 30, 2023
"‘I’m not the only non-binary kid in the world, Mum. And none of us should have to lie about who we are just to make things easier for the rest of you.’"
Jamie is proud to be non binary. Every thing was fine in their life. Their friends accepted them, their life in school and at home was good, until it wasn't.
When Jamie and their friends start Year Six, it is officially time to start thinking about secondary schools, except, Jamie is in a dilemma.
There is a secondary school for boys, a school for girls, but what about Jamie? Where should they go when they don't identify as either?
It's not fair, but with help from their friends Jamie want to show the teachers, their parents and anyone who will listen that being non binary is not a phase, and they deserve to be in a school where they don't have to hide or lie about who they truly are.
Thank you so much to the publishers for providing me with an eArc of the book in exchange for my honest review!
Jamie is proud to be non binary. Every thing was fine in their life. Their friends accepted them, their life in school and at home was good, until it wasn't.
When Jamie and their friends start Year Six, it is officially time to start thinking about secondary schools, except, Jamie is in a dilemma.
There is a secondary school for boys, a school for girls, but what about Jamie? Where should they go when they don't identify as either?
It's not fair, but with help from their friends Jamie want to show the teachers, their parents and anyone who will listen that being non binary is not a phase, and they deserve to be in a school where they don't have to hide or lie about who they truly are.
Thank you so much to the publishers for providing me with an eArc of the book in exchange for my honest review!
May 10, 2023
4.5/5 A joyous, hopeful and timely read that focuses on the importance of changing out dated societal rules in order to make sure everyone feels included and welcome. This would be an excellent addition to any senior primary classroom and would spark lots of worthwhile conversations about gender identity, human rights, the power of friendship and kindness with readers aged 11+
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to adding it to my collection!
Thank you to Netgalley.co.uk and Orion Children's Books for the free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to adding it to my collection!
Thank you to Netgalley.co.uk and Orion Children's Books for the free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2023
TW: enby-phobia, non understanding parents, mentions of transphobia
Amazing cover and so nice to find a book with enby rep. However, the adults were written so weirdly. When talking to them, they would reply with blatent and unfeeling words all the time, especially teachers and political office holders. Honestly, this is not how those adults would realistically talk to these kids. They would add a liiiitle decorum to their responses. Instead, it was almost comically transphobic.
Cliffnotes:
11 year olds politly speaking to council member: 'Excuse us, sir, can you hang this non binary flag we have provided on international non binary day?'
Fully grown council member: 'Look, kids, I'm not gonna hang a flag for each kid who identifies as a penguin.'
Yes, adults can totally be jerks like this, but they dress it up and usually are not this harsh to kids. But ALL the adults in this book are so harsh and never ease any blow to the kids. Even the one supportive parent turns her back on the kids when the going gets tough.
I did like that lgbtqia+ educational snippets between chapters. It's a great way to teach without having walls of text.
Amazing cover and so nice to find a book with enby rep. However, the adults were written so weirdly. When talking to them, they would reply with blatent and unfeeling words all the time, especially teachers and political office holders. Honestly, this is not how those adults would realistically talk to these kids. They would add a liiiitle decorum to their responses. Instead, it was almost comically transphobic.
Cliffnotes:
11 year olds politly speaking to council member: 'Excuse us, sir, can you hang this non binary flag we have provided on international non binary day?'
Fully grown council member: 'Look, kids, I'm not gonna hang a flag for each kid who identifies as a penguin.'
Yes, adults can totally be jerks like this, but they dress it up and usually are not this harsh to kids. But ALL the adults in this book are so harsh and never ease any blow to the kids. Even the one supportive parent turns her back on the kids when the going gets tough.
I did like that lgbtqia+ educational snippets between chapters. It's a great way to teach without having walls of text.
January 28, 2023
Full review to come later but honestly this book is so so so so good! It took me a while to read because it hit very close to home as a non-binary person and made me very emotional because of it but that’s just because it was so well written. Cannot recommend this book enough. One that I wished I had as a child and one that I am so glad future generations will have.
February 27, 2023
A joyous, tender story about realising that sometimes you have to "make a fuss" and be loud and make others uncomfortable in order to carve a place for yourself in a world that refuses to bend its shape to acommodate you. I am so glad that young readers have this kind of book, that's both an engaging story and a valuable resource.
January 15, 2023
Quick read, but inspiring and joyful. And heartfelt forcing us to think about the ways non-binary kids have had to navigate a world that cares little for their needs.
Informative without being preachy or teachy.
Informative without being preachy or teachy.
October 30, 2022
I can see what this is trying to do and how needed it is to help raise awareness
January 15, 2024
The pride party at the school made me cry because it wouldn't even have been legal for a school to celebrate pride when I was Jamie's age.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2022
Okay, so this book doesn’t come out until 28 March NEXT YEAR. What I am SUPPOSED to do, when my (own internal) rule is to write a review, keep it in my notes, post before release.
But. I. Can’t. Wait.
This book firmly falls under the category of ‘I absolutely NEEDED’ this book when I was a pre-teen (See Also: Both of @notagainben kids books, Boy Meets Hamster by @seramilano , Gay Club! And Sleepover Takeover by @simonjamesgreen and Boy Queen by @thegeorgelester - you’re all welcome for that list).
Jamie Rambeau is non-binary. They aren’t a boy, and not a girl. And they are getting sick of having to tick boxes and take options in life that don’t actually represent them. The final straw comes when it comes to picking a secondary school, and the only options are a boys school and a school for girls. But what do they do? And why does no one care?
The story is great, but the real joy here is in the characters - the main trio, Jamie and their friends Ash and Daisy are very well written, act and talk like real kids and it’s a pleasure to spend some time with them.
The structure of the book has periodic information from Jamie, in the form of a glossary of words to do with sexuality and gender.
It’s clear and informative and there are some adults in my life that I would love to make read these parts.
In fact, as a whole, the book sets out to inform and educate on Jamie and their identity - but never at the expense of Lapinski’s writing - which is beautifully done, filled with love empathy and acceptance.
Did I cry a bit at the end? Sure, but it’s okay - you will too.
What a lovely experience of a novel that LITERALLY BELONGS IN EVERY PRIMARY SCHOOL LIBRARY IN THE COUNTRY.
Pre order it now, show some support as the author is, of course, getting some narrow minded, unintelligent, prehistoric attitudes hurled at them, and this sends a message.
You will most certainly have to read a second review of this at the time of release as I will HAVE to read it again.
Ages 8+ (and by plus I mean at least 41).
But. I. Can’t. Wait.
This book firmly falls under the category of ‘I absolutely NEEDED’ this book when I was a pre-teen (See Also: Both of @notagainben kids books, Boy Meets Hamster by @seramilano , Gay Club! And Sleepover Takeover by @simonjamesgreen and Boy Queen by @thegeorgelester - you’re all welcome for that list).
Jamie Rambeau is non-binary. They aren’t a boy, and not a girl. And they are getting sick of having to tick boxes and take options in life that don’t actually represent them. The final straw comes when it comes to picking a secondary school, and the only options are a boys school and a school for girls. But what do they do? And why does no one care?
The story is great, but the real joy here is in the characters - the main trio, Jamie and their friends Ash and Daisy are very well written, act and talk like real kids and it’s a pleasure to spend some time with them.
The structure of the book has periodic information from Jamie, in the form of a glossary of words to do with sexuality and gender.
It’s clear and informative and there are some adults in my life that I would love to make read these parts.
In fact, as a whole, the book sets out to inform and educate on Jamie and their identity - but never at the expense of Lapinski’s writing - which is beautifully done, filled with love empathy and acceptance.
Did I cry a bit at the end? Sure, but it’s okay - you will too.
What a lovely experience of a novel that LITERALLY BELONGS IN EVERY PRIMARY SCHOOL LIBRARY IN THE COUNTRY.
Pre order it now, show some support as the author is, of course, getting some narrow minded, unintelligent, prehistoric attitudes hurled at them, and this sends a message.
You will most certainly have to read a second review of this at the time of release as I will HAVE to read it again.
Ages 8+ (and by plus I mean at least 41).
July 11, 2025
4.25 stars. This was exactly what I was looking for, a sweet middle grade read about kids making a difference. It can be a bit heavily didactic at times, and the 11-year-olds don't really sound like 11-year-olds, but if the book itself is aimed at raising awareness about non-binary identities (much as Jamie and their friends try to do within the story), then I can forgive a bit of monologuing and children having perfectly articulate and concise summaries of the history of non-binary identities throughout the world and whatnot. I also appreciated that Lapinski never tells us (or implies) Jamie's assigned gender at birth; it has surprised me that every other book I've read with a non-binary protagonist has given the reader that information, and I think it strengthened the book's message not to include that. For folks coming to this book for a mirror, the barrage of ignorance and discrimination Jamie faces in the first half of the book could be a bit brutal, and conversely the resolution is incredibly tidy, but again, as a middle grade read, I think it's great overall.
May 16, 2025
This is great -- highly readable, character forward, complex but not too complex, and mostly about friendship, identity, and accidental trouble. I loved how supportive Jamie's family, friends and school (ultimately) end up being. I love the easily accessible discourse on nonbinary and identities. I'm split on the terminology sections -- in some ways, they feel a bit didactic, and like things that kids readrs will already know. On the other hand, it's a really helpful and concise way to talk about concepts with people who don't know, so I think on balance it's like a toolbox for the intended audience. Nice.
January 30, 2023
Jamie and his friends are incredible, and this book is full of hope! The main trio are inspirational, from the rooftop protest to the school pride, they made a huge difference.
I really enjoyed the little tidbits of information from Jamie throughout the book. While I knew the definitions of the words that Jamie told us, the audience of this book is much younger than me, and will likely learn a lot from this book.
This is the book I wish I'd had at Jamie's age, and I am so happy for all the nonbinary children who will get to read this and see that they belong.
I really enjoyed the little tidbits of information from Jamie throughout the book. While I knew the definitions of the words that Jamie told us, the audience of this book is much younger than me, and will likely learn a lot from this book.
This is the book I wish I'd had at Jamie's age, and I am so happy for all the nonbinary children who will get to read this and see that they belong.
June 25, 2023
This is the kind of book that I wish I had when I was younger, it was an incredibly tender story. I loved how after each chapter there was a page called, “Jamie Rambeu’s Guide to Words” and it was educating people on terms, flags, meanings, and history with pride. Love how one of the author’s purposes with this was to tell their readers to be loud and “make a fuss”, because you matter just as much as everyone else and you MUST make people accomodate you too! SO CUTE AHHHH, glad this is available for queer kids to read.
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