The Fights That Make Us

by Sarah Hagger-Holt

An unputdownable read about LGBTQ+ history and standing up for what you believe in, from award-winning author Sarah Hagger-Holt.

Maybe there was a place in history for people like me, not on the edges of the story, but right in the centre.

Jesse has recently come out as non-binary, and is struggling to find their place at school, and ideas for their project on lost stories from history.

Thirty-five years earlier, Jesse's cousin Lisa is falling for her best friend, but with new laws being introduced to restrict LGBT people's rights, they'll have to fight for the world to accept who they are.

When Jesse stumbles across Lisa's teenage diary, they are fascinated and horrified by her stories of living a secret life and protesting in the streets. Now it's Jesse's turn to find a way to shine a spotlight on a history that mustn't be forgotten.

Praise for Sarah

Winner of the Little Rebels Award

Twice-nominated for the Carnegie Medal

"Gentle and compassionate" The Times Literary Supplement.

"A fantastic book - I absolutely loved it!" L.D. Lapinski, author of The Strangeworlds Travel Agency.

"Warm, funny and believable" The Guardian

Genres: Middle Grade, LGBT, Fiction, Queer, Young Adult, Contemporary, Historical

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2024

Reviews

[Brittany (whatbritreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thank you to Usborne for sending me a copy of this to review!*

Oh this book was lovely, I read it in just a couple of sittings and it had my attention start to finish. I think this is such an important read for both young people and adults, it has a whole lot of heart interwoven with a whole lot of important history. It even taught me snippets of LGBT history I had been previously oblivious to.

It’s a very accessible and digestible read, and I think it was extremely palatable while also maintaining a somewhat educational and more mature tone to it when appropriate. It was well written and fun, and managed to juggle the dual timeline style of narration really well. It made a real effort to include quite a lot of diversity within the representation as well which I really appreciated. Very engaging and fast paced as a story, and very easy to read. Though it did tackle some emotionally heavier themes, it managed to balance it out with a very hopeful overall tone.

I liked it a lot. If you’re in the market for a middle grade book with an non-binary protagonist that explores identity, friendship, and history - this is a fab pick. The side of queer side characters are excellent as well.

[Insomniac Library (Drew) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars - 15 / 100 for 2024 - Paperback / Annotated
*Thank you to Pride Book Tours for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review*
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TW/CW: Discussions of homophobia, transphobia, deliberate misgendering, invalidating non-binary identities, discussions of section 28 and effects
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...when I realised that I didn't have to accept the labels - that some other people choose not to either - then I could show people the person I was but had kept hidden away. Right now, changing my hair or what I wear is one part of feeling more comfortable in who I am, and in showing that to the world, but it's not the only way.
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I am in love.
When Pride Book Tours announcement this one I RAN to sign up for a copy and I am so happy I received one because this was a brilliant story and I adored every page.
The Fights That Make Us follows Jesse who has recently come out as non-binary and is struggling to find their place at school and just in general. When their mother's cousin Lisa passes away, Jesse finds her diary.
In 1987, and Lisa is falling for her best friend but new laws are being brought in that will change everything for LGBTQ+ people in the UK, in particular Section 28.
Jesse is interested in Lisa's life and deeply saddened and even horrified by her stories of living a hidden life and attending history changing protests, Jesse is determined to shine a light on this history they believe should never been forgotten...
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I'm better at knowing what I don't like, rather than what I do. And anyway, it's only recently that I've started looking in the mirror and reocgnizing the person looking back. Simran calls it 'finding my style'. But I think it's more like finding a aprt of myself.
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I was expecting this to be dual POV which it is, but Lisa's POV is told via her diary entry that Jesse is reading which I really enjoyed, hearing about what life was like for a very closeted Lisa in the eighties then hearing what Jesse thinks about it all after was really nicely done and it's breaks the story up nicely. This is really well paced for a middle-grade, something I find some of them struggle with.
Jesse and her best friend, a pansexual girl called Simran (who is a legend and I adore her) decide to use Lisa's diary for their history project, Jesse becomes a little obsessive about it all. I suppose a young LGBTQ+ person, finding out how a relative you had suffered would be a difficult thing to comprehend and process.
When their teacher has to leave for her maternity leave earlier however a new substitute takes over and essentially cancels the personal projects, she also misgenders Jesse and pulls the whole 'you can't use they as a singular' nonsense. I usually really dislike homophobia / transpohobia in middlegrade and YA because it's often used as the only drama but here it's handled well, because they are teachers like this in the education system, Jesse is evenutally brave enough to tell their parents who contact the school and the issue is resolved.
Jesse decides to still confirm their project and in the end makes an exbition at their local LGBTQ+ bookstore / coffee shop and even finds the girl Lisa fell in love with all those years ago...
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Also, side note, supportive parents. SUPPORTIVE. PARENTS. We LOVE to see it, we need to see it more, give me all of it! This particular quote really made me tear up: Once, when I borrowed Mum's laptop for something, I saw she had a website open, with blogs from parents of non-binary kids. It was nice to know she was trying to understand it better...
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I teared up multipl times reading this, I needed this a gender questioning teenager, when they weren't really words for what I felt at the time. Well, not words I knew anyway.
I am so happy younger LGBTQ+ people have access to books and stories like this, books like this will save non-binary and trans kids because they deserve to grow up.
I wasn't worried about whether Ms Grant thought I was stupid any more. I was thinking about what she had said and how it made me feel - that the people and events that everyone said were so important weren't the only ones that mattered. So maybe there was a place in history for people like me, not on the edges of the story, but right in the centre.

[molly ⸆⸉ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book the authors writing she really knows how to grab the attention of readers . I loved Lisa’s and Nickys story line and hate Lisa’s parents I love the way that sim and Jesse were so interested it it too

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You can't just sit and wait for the universe to sort things out."

- The Fights That Make Us

rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Let me start with saying I don't usually read middle-grade but I'm glad I read this book. 💜
I think the release of this book around the same time (non-binary kid) Nex Benedict died after they were attacked by their classmates in school is telling. And I guess it's a reminder. We've come a long way, but we're not there yet. Not by a long shot.

I really enjoyed the glimpse in UK LGBTQ+ history. I had never heard of Section 28 before (which isn't too strange considering most UK people haven't!) and I always find it fascinating how different countries deal with hate and bigotry. Loved the frame narrative with the diary flashbacks. All in all I think it was a very wholesome read on a very loaded topic. 😊

If you do pick this up, please be aware of the content warnings, most obviously queerphobia. Read: Everything hurts. 🥲

[Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how the friendship between Sirmar and Jesse has been going on for years and is still strong. They both support each other. Sirmar has always been there for Jesse, especially as they came out as non-binary last year. Sriman is now supporting Jesse by going to Lisa's funeral who was her mom's aunt. I liked how, at the end of the funeral, they went to the wake and Jesse got to discover Lisa's past through her diary. I found this very intriguing. As we read Lisa's diary, we can see how much has changed over the past few years for the LGBTQI+ community. I adored reading the diary and loved visiting 'Over the Rainbow Cafe'. I loved how we have got some facts in here and the educational section on section/clause 28. I also loved how the girls are still working on this as their history project even though they have been told to abandon it. Additionally, I loved how through Lisa's diary we got to know about what life was like for her and the hardships she and others faced.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up thinking it would be a relatively lighthearted story about young queer teens, and instead was incredibly surprised that it took homophobia, transphobia, and prejudice incredibly serious. It made it a tough read at times - I was sitting in the ED with my best friend trying not to cry while reading it - but it felt incredibly, refreshingly honest. It's a dual timeline story, with some chapters following Lisa, Jesse's lesbian first cousin once removed, as she grows up in the eighties, and others following Jesse and Simran's story in the present day as they try to piece together what happened to Lisa thirty years ago. I found myself really enjoying the story and loving the way it presents and constructs history as a real thing. The author's note in the back indicates that Sarah Hagger-Holt has written other middle grade books about queer kids; I will definitely be seeking those out.

[Mrs Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another amazing book by this author. I loved the link between the past, present and future. This a history that should never be forgotten, and acknowledgment that the fight still continues.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book but found it oddly soporific so it took a long time to read, even though it was very interesting!

[Steph Hayward-bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story of the LGBQ struggles over the last few decades. It's made relevant to children and the diary entries really make it. Me and my daughter loved it and it encouraged her to ask lots of questions about why people act the way they do .

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is all kinds of important. It’s history and family and LGBTQIA+ stories that matter. It’s understanding how Section 28 changed the lives of so many. It’s understanding the past and doing things to change the present and future. These characters were so lovely. As a queer person, as a teacher, as a human, this just spoke to my soul.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

I absolutely loved this book - I think it's such a needed book in that it's exposing more people to queer history. I love that this makes the history of section 28 accessible through MG fiction - like what a wonderful starting point for queer children and adults alike.

I thought Jesse was an absolutely fantastic main character. They were so compelling and engaging (as well as, for me, relatable) with their passion for their history project and creating their exhibition. The use of Lisa's diary in Jesse's exploration of queer history was so clever - it also was such an amazing vessel to show the reader how far we've come in terms of queer rights whilst also showing that there's still a way to go through how the cover teacher reacted to/disrespected Jesse's pronouns.

Also, the way the community was portrayed was also so good. I loved the relationships amongst peers shown through Jesse's friendship with Simran, as well as Lisa's with Andy. I also really enjoyed the inter-generational friendships and support that were shown from how Maz and Leo gave Jesse and Simran a place for the exhibition (and just generally provided a safe space in Over the Rainbow) to how teachers like Ms Grant (for Jesse) and the teacher Lisa, Nicky and Andy saw after the Section 28 protest,

Just, the book was everything I wanted it to be and I loved every second of it. I'd highly recommend.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

True Rating: 4/5 Stars

Content/Trigger Warnings: Discussion of prejudice against the LGBTQIA+ community, Purposefully mis-gendering a nonbinary character, Mentions of slurs against LGBTQIA+ members, Discussions and descriptions of protests/marches (no violence), Mentions of informal child disownment, Forced coming-out, Bullying, Depictions of grief and mentions of the death of family members

"The little things matter, they are worth fighting for, because they can become big."

This is a novel I wish I'd had in middle school, when I (a young sheltered girl living in the deep of the Bible Belt) began to really learn about the existence of LGBTQIA+ youth, and my own inclinations (and, in some cases, the lack thereof).

"The Fights That Make Us" is a novel that, while about a specific British experience, speaks to queer youth all around the world. It has conflicts that all of us have experienced at least once, and sheds a light on just how troubling it can be for a young person versus an adult.

Hagger-Holt handles the topics of prejudice and discrimination, and the fight against them, with the delicacy that they deserve for a younger audience. There's enough of the dark areas to really sell Jesse and Lisa's experiences without overwhelming younger readers who may be more sensitive. They aren't trying to sugarcoat or hide anything.

Perhaps the book's biggest drawback is that it's trying to do a little too much. It's juggling Lisa's story, Jesse's work on their history project, Jesse's problems with a new teacher and classmates at school misgendering them, as well as their own internal problems and the actual history being brought to life. The author does a great job weaving it all together, but it does still feel like a little too much at some moments, like some plotlines (such as Jesse's issues at school) are almost glossed over. While I don't expect these things to be wrapped in neat little bows (that would definitely go against reality), it did feel a bit too rushed.

Still, this is an extremely important book and one that I very much enjoyed reading. I definitely plan on looking up more of this author's work.

[Lou Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fights That Make Us is an inspiring and beautifully written story that brings the past and present together in a way that feels both powerful and relevant. The plot follows Jesse, a non-binary teenager, who finds an old diary written by a girl named Lisa during the 1980s. As Jesse reads Lisa’s story, they begin to understand more about identity, activism, and the importance of speaking out.

The way the story switches between Jesse’s present and Lisa’s past works really well. Each chapter builds on the last, slowly revealing the challenges both characters face in different times. The pacing is smooth, and every event feels like it pushes the story forward in a meaningful way.

The characters are the heart of the book. Jesse’s journey from feeling unsure to becoming more confident and outspoken is truly moving. Lisa’s diary shows how brave she had to be at a time when being herself wasn’t accepted. Both characters grow so much, and their stories connect in a way that’s emotional and uplifting.

This is a story about being true to yourself, finding your voice, and learning from those who came before you. It’s powerful without being heavy, and hopeful without being unrealistic. A brilliant, important read for young people today.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fights That Make Us by Sarah Hagger-Holt 🌈

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book had both rage and joy coursing through my veins. An important read for young people who may never have heard of Section 28 nor be aware of its impact. Eye-opening maybe for those who do not realise that this fight still continues for those of us who identify as LGBTQ+.

Jesse’s passion for their exhibition is inspiring and the only real downside for me is that I can’t see it for myself! Jesse’s parents are brilliant and their friendship with Simran really warmed my heart.

I particularly enjoyed how this flitted back and forth between Jesse and Lisa’s timelines which really allowed the reader to draw comparisons and similarities between their stories.

“Change only happens if you do something to make it happen”

An inspiring, thought-provoking read that I’ll want to throw into the hands of all the young people I teach.

Thank you to Usborne, Sarah Hagger-Holt and NetGalley for my early review copy in exchange of a fair and honest review.

[Georgie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent read.
This is the third book this year I've read which explores the despicable Section 28 legislation.
William Hussey's THE OUTRAGE explores what might happen if Section 28-style legislation not only returned but became even more severe.
Simon James Green's BOY LIKE ME is set in 1994, and explores what life under Section 28 was like when it was well underway.
This book has a dual timeline. In 2022, Jesse has recently come out as non-bimary and is struggling to find their place, and their voice, at school. When they discover the diary of their cousin, Lisa, we travel back to 1987. Clause/Section 28 is looming, and Lisa is in love with a girl...

While this book explores homophobia and transphobia both overt and subtle, it's also full of queer joy, brave LGBTQ+ characters and wonderful allies, from Nicky's dad Michael to the utterly wonderful Simram (Jesse's BFF). There's anger and sadness, but hope and love (in many forms) and joy too.

Another top read of 2024.

[Alec ⟠]

I really enjoyed this beautiful story of love, family, and pride, Jesse, a non-binary child, discovers a diary belonging to a cousin who lived through Section 28, and reads about how Lisa began to discover feelings for her friend Nicky, in a time where talking about LGBT+ issues wasn’t allowed, and homophobia was rife. I loved the parallel narratives of Jesse and Lisa, and the way they both fought for what they believed in, and I think this was beautifully and sensitively written, in a way which makes Section 28 education accessible to a younger audience who may not understand how devastating this was for the LGBT+ community at the time, and even after. It was an amazing story and I would recommend this for all ages!

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t tell you how incredibly proud I am that V’s school is hosting the author of this book (one of V’s fav authors) today. And sadly, it has been a fight for it to happen - I’m so grateful for those who fought that fight because this book is IMPORTANT. It’s a beautiful story about the history of being LGBTQ+ in the UK, about grief and discovering family and shared history, and about fighting for change.

I firmly believe that as a parent today, I have the responsibility to raise an activist, a child who knows how to protest, to resist, to speak out for what is right and how to make their voice heard; this book is an exceptionally wonderful support to that goal (AND it includes an awesome non-binary protagonist). Thank you to Sarah Hagger-Holt for writing this!

[Mees · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

The Fights That Make Us tells the story of 12 y/o Jesse and their long lost cousin Lisa. When Jesse attends the funeral of Lisa, they stumble upon Lisa’s teenage diary from the 1980s. Jesse is surprised to discover they are not the only LGBTQ+ person in the family. Lisa was gay, and being queer in the 80s wasn’t easy, so she had to struggle with a lot of homophobia and anti-LGBT laws. Jesse and their friend Simran decide to honour Lisa and dedicate their history project to her and the LGBT history. Because their history should not be forgotten.

I don’t even know where to begin. This book is amazing. It gave me so much joy. There were supportive parents, a wholesome queer café and a wonderful elder lgbtq generation. I adored Jesse and Simran, their supportive friendship and the passion they both have for their community.

The connection between the older queer generation and the younger generation was beautiful. They were so supportive and encouraging to the queer teens, as if they were their mentors. 💜

What’s most special about this book to me is reading about the journeys of two people living in different decades. It shows the differences and sadly also the similarities with the 1980s. Homophobic, transphobia, anti-LGBT laws. It sounds quite familiar and it’s scary to see the increase in queerphobia.

But this book shows us that we’re not alone in this, that there are people fighting this with us. Right now, and even decades ago. I think this book is a beautiful tribute to our queer history and our community that keeps fighting.

[Rachel C · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel is a good introduction for younger readers (year 7 plus) to understand what life might have been like for LGBTQ+ people in the past, or for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ characters.
The story follows a girl who is still finding herself in the modern day, when she finds her dead aunts journal. Told in alternate chapters the moderns perspective and the diary entries show the struggles and prejudice that can be faced by anyone who's different.

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book that looks at the struggles of modern day young queer people, as well as the struggles of the young queer people living through Thatcher's Britain. It's incredibly educational, as well as wildly entertaining. It may be a young adult book, but as an adult who is a little too young to have known Thatcher's Britain, it was a brilliant read.

[Rebecca Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book a must read for the LGBTQ community and all connected to or supporting them.
Fantastic to see a non binary main character.
As always in Sarah Hagger-Holt books the writing of teens and tweens and families is brilliant

[Victoria Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Sarah Hagger-Holt that I know will be a great hit in my school library. I really enjoyed the way this book is told through two different timelines. It is so sad reading about the way Jesse's cousin Lisa was. treated by her parents. Jesse receives so much support from their parents. It is great to see the difference in their attitudes compared to Lisa's. However, Jesse's peers and teachers don't show the same understanding. One teacher in particular makes Jesse's life a misery and also by default gives some of their classmates tacit consent to do the same. Through reading Lisa's diary and getting to understand the battles she went through, Jesse finds the courage to stand up to their bullies and to fight for the respect they deserve (and should receive without having to fight). This book is great because it will spark conversations and challenge stereotypes but also because it's really well written and has characters you really care about.

[Manic Booksy Dreamgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would award this a million stars if I could, it's simply wonderful. Storytelling at its best, it made my heart sing. I wish we had books like this when I was a teenager!

Sarah Hagger-Holt has immediately become a must-buy author for me. Can't wait to check out the rest of their work.

[WallofText · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book really reminded me of The Civil War of Amos Abernathy, queer middle grade books that focus on history just rule! This one had some heavy subjects, varied representation, and a lot of charm. Beautiful work!

[Natasha Angermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant book for its age group, i’ll admit, i’m not in the age group it is aimed at but still thoroughly enjoyed it. It was great from start to finish and i felt deep connection to the characters. What an important message written in a wonderful way.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting story which encourages standing up for yourself. It is a very good debut novel thought provoking and engaging.

[ꜰɪɴɴ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story <3 10/10 would recommend reading, if you care about LGBTQ+ rights

[Cody Detain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly I loved this book cant wait for more. Hopefully.

[Josefine Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is brilliant. The storyline was good and I learned a lot.

[amyrah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was brilliant at being informative and heartwarming at the same time, despite being sad about things that happened in the past the ending was sweet and the feeling of togetherness was constantly there during it. I really enjoyed this book, despite it being a library book and me having low expectations, would recommend!