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Gracefully Grayson
Alone at home, twelve-year-old Grayson Sender glows, immersed in beautiful thoughts and dreams. But at school, Grayson grasps at shadows, determined to fly under the radar. Because Grayson has been holding onto a secret for what seems like forever: “he” is a girl on the inside, stuck in the wrong gender’s body.
The weight of this secret is crushing, but leaving it behind would mean facing ridicule, scorn, and rejection. Despite these dangers, Grayson’s true self itches to break free. Strengthened by an unexpected friendship and a caring teacher who gives her a chance to step into the spotlight, Grayson might finally have the tools to let her inner light shine.
Debut author Ami Polonsky’s moving, beautifully-written novel shines with the strength of a young person’s spirit and the enduring power of acceptance.
The weight of this secret is crushing, but leaving it behind would mean facing ridicule, scorn, and rejection. Despite these dangers, Grayson’s true self itches to break free. Strengthened by an unexpected friendship and a caring teacher who gives her a chance to step into the spotlight, Grayson might finally have the tools to let her inner light shine.
Debut author Ami Polonsky’s moving, beautifully-written novel shines with the strength of a young person’s spirit and the enduring power of acceptance.
243 pages, Hardcover
First published November 4, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,290 reviews
September 10, 2015
It's been a long time since a book has made me teary-eyed, but Gracefully Grayson had me sniffling at the end. The story is beautiful and authentic. Grayson is a sixth grader who has always felt different and alone. His parents died when he was young. He hasn't eaten in the lunchroom with his peers since second grade. When he looks in the mirror, his reflection does not match what he feels inside. Secretly, he imagines his over-sized shirts are dresses and his workout pants are long skirts. He wishes more than anything that he could be who he really is on the outside as well as the inside. When the school play comes around, The Myth of Persephone, Grayson tries out for the lead female role of Persephone, causing a storm of reaction that will affect everyone in his life. I know the character of Grayson. I have taught Grayson in my own classroom. His struggle and his bravery are portrayed with great love and insight. I'm grateful this book exists -- not just for transgender youth, but for all young readers who are searching for their own identity and their own voice in the face of societal pressures.
July 13, 2017
Posted at Shelf Inflicted
This book caught my eye, but I was going to give it a pass, thinking it was more suitable for much younger readers. Then I came across a friend's review and grabbed it from the library. Surprisingly, the book was difficult to put down and I got through it in no time at all.
I am not going to summarize the plot here, since there is really none to speak of. This is a sensitive and delicately written portrayal of Grayson Sender, a 12-year-old who is harboring a deep secret. Grayson’s parents were aware of that secret and respectful of their child’s uniqueness, but they were killed in a car accident when Grayson was little. Grayson is now living in the home of an aunt, uncle, and older cousin, all of whom show love, but not the support or understanding Grayson needs.
Grayson struggles with loneliness and isolation and eventually makes a new friend. Auditioning for the female lead in the school play allows Grayson the opportunity for self-expression outside of established gender norms. While Grayson has the support of a progressive teacher and the play’s cast members, there is still fear and prejudice to contend with.
My only gripe with this story was that it lacked complexity. I would have liked to see a deeper exploration of Grayson’s desire to be a girl. The experimentation with clothing, hair and jewelry heavy-handedly presented outdated feminine ideals with no attempt to dismantle gender stereotypes.
Nevertheless, I liked this story a lot and found Grayson to be a very sympathetic and dynamic character. Grayson’s family was also realistic as they dealt with their fears and concerns.
"White and black. Light and dark. And me, in the middle of it all. Gray."
This book caught my eye, but I was going to give it a pass, thinking it was more suitable for much younger readers. Then I came across a friend's review and grabbed it from the library. Surprisingly, the book was difficult to put down and I got through it in no time at all.
I am not going to summarize the plot here, since there is really none to speak of. This is a sensitive and delicately written portrayal of Grayson Sender, a 12-year-old who is harboring a deep secret. Grayson’s parents were aware of that secret and respectful of their child’s uniqueness, but they were killed in a car accident when Grayson was little. Grayson is now living in the home of an aunt, uncle, and older cousin, all of whom show love, but not the support or understanding Grayson needs.
Grayson struggles with loneliness and isolation and eventually makes a new friend. Auditioning for the female lead in the school play allows Grayson the opportunity for self-expression outside of established gender norms. While Grayson has the support of a progressive teacher and the play’s cast members, there is still fear and prejudice to contend with.
My only gripe with this story was that it lacked complexity. I would have liked to see a deeper exploration of Grayson’s desire to be a girl. The experimentation with clothing, hair and jewelry heavy-handedly presented outdated feminine ideals with no attempt to dismantle gender stereotypes.
Nevertheless, I liked this story a lot and found Grayson to be a very sympathetic and dynamic character. Grayson’s family was also realistic as they dealt with their fears and concerns.
July 19, 2015
I majorly question a non-trans author's intents when the word "transgender" or any variation of it is absent from a book about a trans person. At no point in the story is it ever said that there are other people like the narrator (other trans girls). I also find it extremely disheartening that more than half of the reviews on Goodreads for this book refer to the narrator as "he" and as a boy and they think that it's fine to do that to a trans girl.
If this book were meant to help trans kids, it would have had the word transgender in it, or some mention of the existence of transgender people that makes it clear that the narrator isn't the only trans person in the world. This is a book written so that non-trans folks can feel good about themselves for sympathizing with a sad trans girl, while still calling her "he" and a boy.
If this book were meant to help trans kids, it would have had the word transgender in it, or some mention of the existence of transgender people that makes it clear that the narrator isn't the only trans person in the world. This is a book written so that non-trans folks can feel good about themselves for sympathizing with a sad trans girl, while still calling her "he" and a boy.
October 16, 2016
What did I think of this book? I didn't think anything. I just
felt
, God, what I felt!!!
I have had this book in my collection for quite a while now, and I am quite busy hitting myself on the head for picking it up NOW, so late! Yeah, I know. Pathetic of me. I'm well aware of the fact.
Well, getting back to my review. While I was reading the book (the later parts, when all the trouble for Grayson started), I was so choked up, so emotional from then onwards, that I thought I would just give the book a five star rating and skip the review. Seems foolish, right? Well, you see, this book is such perfection, such a revolution, that I really thought that me using some inconsequential, lame words to describe what all I felt while reading it would just be a disgrace to this work of high praise. And I didn't want to do that.
I felt everything so strongly that I laughed at Grayson's silly observations, which made him smile but wouldn't have registered with anyone else, had they been in his place. I am out and proud to admit that I cried like a baby . God, the emotions, the thoughts, THE WRITING. It was so raw, and yet so polished, at the same time. I got such a wonderful view to the life of those scared, PETRIFIED kids that want to come out, but fear for the exact reason that happened in the story. I had always had a vague idea of this, I would have these thoughts that what those bigoted people are doing is so hurtful. But to actually feel it via the person suffering from it? Priceless! And the play? Perfectly written!
I am feeling... BLESSED for having read this book. My heart has been heavy all the while as I have been typing this review. This book doesn't need a review, a summary, or anyone's interpretation of it. This book isn't MEANT to be read. It is an amalgamation of raw anguish (having to pretend), struggle (to believe in yourself), fear (over how everyone will react), defeat (when you accept that some close ones will not understand, and consequently, support you), suffocation (over being trapped inside, not able to let yourself out, let yourself JUST BE), small joys (when you get acceptance where you couldn't even have dreamed for), and finally, FREEDOM (when you believe enough to finally come out).
I am bowing down, in awe, to the author for having created such a masterpiece. I loved the acknowledgements, and I thank all those amazing people who were lucky enough to be a part of this journey.
I am greedy, A LOT greedy, so I would have loved to know how Grayson fared after making that grand coming-out entry. I really wish there is a novella or something to maybe give a short glimpse into what Grayson is doing now, a famous actress in the theatre world, blowing the minds of everyone who saw her, even once! *sighing dreamily*
I have had this book in my collection for quite a while now, and I am quite busy hitting myself on the head for picking it up NOW, so late! Yeah, I know. Pathetic of me. I'm well aware of the fact.
Well, getting back to my review. While I was reading the book (the later parts, when all the trouble for Grayson started), I was so choked up, so emotional from then onwards, that I thought I would just give the book a five star rating and skip the review. Seems foolish, right? Well, you see, this book is such perfection, such a revolution, that I really thought that me using some inconsequential, lame words to describe what all I felt while reading it would just be a disgrace to this work of high praise. And I didn't want to do that.
I felt everything so strongly that I laughed at Grayson's silly observations, which made him smile but wouldn't have registered with anyone else, had they been in his place. I am out and proud to admit that I cried like a baby . God, the emotions, the thoughts, THE WRITING. It was so raw, and yet so polished, at the same time. I got such a wonderful view to the life of those scared, PETRIFIED kids that want to come out, but fear for the exact reason that happened in the story. I had always had a vague idea of this, I would have these thoughts that what those bigoted people are doing is so hurtful. But to actually feel it via the person suffering from it? Priceless! And the play? Perfectly written!
I am feeling... BLESSED for having read this book. My heart has been heavy all the while as I have been typing this review. This book doesn't need a review, a summary, or anyone's interpretation of it. This book isn't MEANT to be read. It is an amalgamation of raw anguish (having to pretend), struggle (to believe in yourself), fear (over how everyone will react), defeat (when you accept that some close ones will not understand, and consequently, support you), suffocation (over being trapped inside, not able to let yourself out, let yourself JUST BE), small joys (when you get acceptance where you couldn't even have dreamed for), and finally, FREEDOM (when you believe enough to finally come out).
I am bowing down, in awe, to the author for having created such a masterpiece. I loved the acknowledgements, and I thank all those amazing people who were lucky enough to be a part of this journey.
I am greedy, A LOT greedy, so I would have loved to know how Grayson fared after making that grand coming-out entry. I really wish there is a novella or something to maybe give a short glimpse into what Grayson is doing now, a famous actress in the theatre world, blowing the minds of everyone who saw her, even once! *sighing dreamily*
January 12, 2015
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
Gracefully Grayson approaches the transgender issue with sheer grace. A middle-grade story that is truly middle-grade. There is no foul language, no sex, no romance, just the story of Grayson Sender – a 12-year old boy who looks in the mirror until he can see the reflection of the girl he really knows is inside of him.
What an important little book this was. In a day and age where young people are stepping into oncoming traffic because they aren’t accepted for who they are and 8-year olds are being belittled for daring to walk the red carpet in a suit rather than a dress, Grayson’s story is one that needs to be told. I encourage parents and children alike to read this one.
I find myself at a bit of a loss for words. Thinking too hard about the struggles of young people just makes me sad (and it’s a Monday so I’m sad enough in general already), so I'm just going to steal some words from Mr. Feeny . . .
Thank heaven for teachers who overstep their boundaries when parents aren’t willing to deal with hard issues. I’m pretty sure Grayson would agree.
And to the kids out there who are afraid of being "different" - I hope one day your differences are embraced and celebrated and you feel comfortable enough to be who you are - whether that person is one who wears a suit, or a dress, or rocks a purple cast while simultaneously maintaining superhero status ; )
If you or a young person you know is LGBT and thinking about suicide, please call The Trevor Lifeline at 1-866-488-7386, or the Trans Lifeline at 1-877-565-8860.
Gracefully Grayson approaches the transgender issue with sheer grace. A middle-grade story that is truly middle-grade. There is no foul language, no sex, no romance, just the story of Grayson Sender – a 12-year old boy who looks in the mirror until he can see the reflection of the girl he really knows is inside of him.
What an important little book this was. In a day and age where young people are stepping into oncoming traffic because they aren’t accepted for who they are and 8-year olds are being belittled for daring to walk the red carpet in a suit rather than a dress, Grayson’s story is one that needs to be told. I encourage parents and children alike to read this one.
I find myself at a bit of a loss for words. Thinking too hard about the struggles of young people just makes me sad (and it’s a Monday so I’m sad enough in general already), so I'm just going to steal some words from Mr. Feeny . . .
Thank heaven for teachers who overstep their boundaries when parents aren’t willing to deal with hard issues. I’m pretty sure Grayson would agree.
And to the kids out there who are afraid of being "different" - I hope one day your differences are embraced and celebrated and you feel comfortable enough to be who you are - whether that person is one who wears a suit, or a dress, or rocks a purple cast while simultaneously maintaining superhero status ; )
If you or a young person you know is LGBT and thinking about suicide, please call The Trevor Lifeline at 1-866-488-7386, or the Trans Lifeline at 1-877-565-8860.
January 12, 2015
Quick review as I head out of Sydney:
***2.5***
Even though this novel is definitely not aimed at my demographic as a cis adult, I still wanted to read this book as it sounded like a unique coming of age story about a transgender girl. What bothered me about this novel was that I felt it oversimplified the needs and struggles of transgender children. Grayson's desire to "be a girl" was very much restricted to the way she dressed and put her hair. I can understand that the author probably didn't want to get too much into the "philosophy" as it's a middle school aimed book and it would've required more complexity but it's exactly this complexity that this book lacked. The book ends with Grayson coming into class with a pink shirt, which honestly tells me more about gender stereotypes than gender identity. Furthermore I felt the novel couldn't adequately settle it's resolutions it was all very wishy washy, /especially/ for a middle school novel. Was kind of disappointed.
***2.5***
Even though this novel is definitely not aimed at my demographic as a cis adult, I still wanted to read this book as it sounded like a unique coming of age story about a transgender girl. What bothered me about this novel was that I felt it oversimplified the needs and struggles of transgender children. Grayson's desire to "be a girl" was very much restricted to the way she dressed and put her hair. I can understand that the author probably didn't want to get too much into the "philosophy" as it's a middle school aimed book and it would've required more complexity but it's exactly this complexity that this book lacked. The book ends with Grayson coming into class with a pink shirt, which honestly tells me more about gender stereotypes than gender identity. Furthermore I felt the novel couldn't adequately settle it's resolutions it was all very wishy washy, /especially/ for a middle school novel. Was kind of disappointed.
April 11, 2017
I kind of hate giving one of the very few middle grade readers about trans kids 2 stars, but I was pretty disappointed with this one. For one, it was slow and understated, and, well, sad. It just wasn't very fun to read. I can't imagine a lot of kids being into this book for those reasons. It felt like a bit of a slog to me, and I'm an adult. It is definitely on the high end of middle readers though; I would consider it an older middle reader / young teen read even thought the main character is in grade 6.
I've been trying to figure out what exactly I didn't like about this book, and there's the slowness, and sadness, but I think the main problem is that it feels like the main purpose of Gracefully Grayson is to evoke pity for Grayson. To me, that means that it is a book aimed at "educating" cis kids about trans kids, not a book for trans kids (for a book that does feel like it's written for trans kids, see George). I'm certainly not saying we don't need to teach cis kids empathy and about trans issues but evoking pity is not the way to do that. Do we need a kids book about bad thing after bad thing happening to a meek 11-year-old trans girl mostly lacking support and agency and empowerment? What does this do except make us feel sorry for her? And how does this kind of attitude affect real trans kids?
This books is rife with well-used and/or offensive stereotypes about trans people: a brave yet in many ways pathetic protagonist; evocation of pity for the trans person; an emphasis on "stuck in the wrong body"; a lot of focus on girly clothes as the primary way of expressing gender identity. I'm not saying this book is intentionally offensive, but, well, the material is pretty tired.
When I say this book evokes pity, let me explain what Grayson endures / has endured: parents dying in a car crash when she was 4; bullying by her cousin / stepbrother as well as multiple boys as school, which culminates in her wrist getting broken; Grandma dies; hasn't had friends for 4 years at the beginning of the novel; first new friend she makes ditches her after finding her wearing girls' clothes; bullying aunt trying to make her conform to gender norms; favourite teacher is essentially forced to leave the school because he cast Grayson as the female lead in the school play. In a nutshell: isn't life awful for trans people, let's feel sorry for them and deny them agency!
Polonsky is really stuck in the "stuck-in-the-wrong-body" trope; despite my best intentions, I couldn't help but think of Grayson as a boy sometimes, even though it is clear that how Grayson really identifies is as a girl. There are even a few issues with pronouns: "he" in quotation marks is used in the back cover blurb, and a poetic description of the play Grayson stars in--as a female character--uses he/him at first and then switches to she/her halfway, as if playing a female character has somehow transformed Grayson into a girl. (Cis people often fuck this up when writing/talking about trans people, but I think the amount of reviews I read referring to Grayson as "he" point to how Polonsky has failed in this regard).
Also, I found it strange that Grayson was dressing as a girl and telling her family that she was a girl when she was younger, but at age 11 had no memory of this and didn't have the internal knowledge that she was a girl (at least, that was shared with the reader). This just kind of felt like a weird plot device to have Grayson discover herself and "come out" in the present of the novel.
Also, also, also, despite that fact that this book is about a trans girl and is really only about being trans with a capital T, it never uses the word trans. None of the important adults in Grayson's life, even the ones who are portrayed positively, ever ask Grayson about her gender identity or use the word trans.
A few good things: the novel did do a thoughtful job of showing the complexity of the reactions of the adults in Grayson's life, although I couldn't help but wish Grayson's aunt hadn't been quite so awful (her version of supporting Grayson is to try to force her into cisnormativity so she doesn't get bullied at school). Again, the portrayal of the aunt seems more catered to parents of trans kids who might be reading the book and needing a lesson than actual trans kids. Whoops I'm supposed to be highlighting good things. Well the writing isn't amazing but it's pretty good, with some nice turns of phrase. And I did like the plot device of Grayson getting to read old letters by her mom showing that her parents supported her gender expression.
I've been trying to figure out what exactly I didn't like about this book, and there's the slowness, and sadness, but I think the main problem is that it feels like the main purpose of Gracefully Grayson is to evoke pity for Grayson. To me, that means that it is a book aimed at "educating" cis kids about trans kids, not a book for trans kids (for a book that does feel like it's written for trans kids, see George). I'm certainly not saying we don't need to teach cis kids empathy and about trans issues but evoking pity is not the way to do that. Do we need a kids book about bad thing after bad thing happening to a meek 11-year-old trans girl mostly lacking support and agency and empowerment? What does this do except make us feel sorry for her? And how does this kind of attitude affect real trans kids?
This books is rife with well-used and/or offensive stereotypes about trans people: a brave yet in many ways pathetic protagonist; evocation of pity for the trans person; an emphasis on "stuck in the wrong body"; a lot of focus on girly clothes as the primary way of expressing gender identity. I'm not saying this book is intentionally offensive, but, well, the material is pretty tired.
When I say this book evokes pity, let me explain what Grayson endures / has endured: parents dying in a car crash when she was 4; bullying by her cousin / stepbrother as well as multiple boys as school, which culminates in her wrist getting broken; Grandma dies; hasn't had friends for 4 years at the beginning of the novel; first new friend she makes ditches her after finding her wearing girls' clothes; bullying aunt trying to make her conform to gender norms; favourite teacher is essentially forced to leave the school because he cast Grayson as the female lead in the school play. In a nutshell: isn't life awful for trans people, let's feel sorry for them and deny them agency!
Polonsky is really stuck in the "stuck-in-the-wrong-body" trope; despite my best intentions, I couldn't help but think of Grayson as a boy sometimes, even though it is clear that how Grayson really identifies is as a girl. There are even a few issues with pronouns: "he" in quotation marks is used in the back cover blurb, and a poetic description of the play Grayson stars in--as a female character--uses he/him at first and then switches to she/her halfway, as if playing a female character has somehow transformed Grayson into a girl. (Cis people often fuck this up when writing/talking about trans people, but I think the amount of reviews I read referring to Grayson as "he" point to how Polonsky has failed in this regard).
Also, I found it strange that Grayson was dressing as a girl and telling her family that she was a girl when she was younger, but at age 11 had no memory of this and didn't have the internal knowledge that she was a girl (at least, that was shared with the reader). This just kind of felt like a weird plot device to have Grayson discover herself and "come out" in the present of the novel.
Also, also, also, despite that fact that this book is about a trans girl and is really only about being trans with a capital T, it never uses the word trans. None of the important adults in Grayson's life, even the ones who are portrayed positively, ever ask Grayson about her gender identity or use the word trans.
A few good things: the novel did do a thoughtful job of showing the complexity of the reactions of the adults in Grayson's life, although I couldn't help but wish Grayson's aunt hadn't been quite so awful (her version of supporting Grayson is to try to force her into cisnormativity so she doesn't get bullied at school). Again, the portrayal of the aunt seems more catered to parents of trans kids who might be reading the book and needing a lesson than actual trans kids. Whoops I'm supposed to be highlighting good things. Well the writing isn't amazing but it's pretty good, with some nice turns of phrase. And I did like the plot device of Grayson getting to read old letters by her mom showing that her parents supported her gender expression.
December 19, 2022
I have a rule that I don’t start books late in the evening so I don’t lose out on sleep. I finished reading Gracefully Grayson a few minutes before midnight with tears running down my face. Good books will do that to you. :)
Ami Polonsky has created an absolutely mesmerising voice with Grayson. I sometimes think I use the word ‘love’ to lightly but with Grayson I can truly say I loved her – still love her.
Grayson has successfully isolated herself from those around her. A new student ends up being the trigger for Grayson stepping out of her shell but this in turn means judgement. One of the things that I was impressed with was the insight Ami Polonsky gives you for the other characters; Grayson’s aunt for example and Grayson’s cousin.
I don’t really want to give more away because part of the joy of book is going on the journey with Grayson, through all of it. With the tears there are those moments that make your heart sing.
Gracefully Grayson is a beautiful book – read it.
Ami Polonsky has created an absolutely mesmerising voice with Grayson. I sometimes think I use the word ‘love’ to lightly but with Grayson I can truly say I loved her – still love her.
Grayson has successfully isolated herself from those around her. A new student ends up being the trigger for Grayson stepping out of her shell but this in turn means judgement. One of the things that I was impressed with was the insight Ami Polonsky gives you for the other characters; Grayson’s aunt for example and Grayson’s cousin.
I don’t really want to give more away because part of the joy of book is going on the journey with Grayson, through all of it. With the tears there are those moments that make your heart sing.
Gracefully Grayson is a beautiful book – read it.
December 30, 2014
“I have a theory that sometimes, everything needs to fall apart before it can come back together the way it’s supposed to.” This is a sweet little YA novel about a boy named Grayson Sender who, as far back as anyone can remember, believed he was meant to be a girl. Before his parents died in a car accident, they took photos of three-year-old Grayson dressing in a pink tutu.
Now in high school outside Chicago and living with his aunt and uncle’s family, Grayson still dresses in the most feminine clothes he can get away with, pretending his long jerseys are dresses instead. On a thrift store trip he buys a T-shirt with a heart design and a bird pendant and wears them under his usual hoodie when he goes to school. When he has the chance to audition for the female lead in the school play, Persephone, he has to decide whether he has the courage to be himself in spite of bullies, ambivalent teachers and disappointed family members.
I’ve read much more sophisticated novels about gender identity ( Middlesex and For Today I Am a Boy are two), but this could be a good one for getting younger teens thinking about the issues. I never warmed to Grayson’s voice, though; I think third-person narration might actually have worked better in this case.
Now in high school outside Chicago and living with his aunt and uncle’s family, Grayson still dresses in the most feminine clothes he can get away with, pretending his long jerseys are dresses instead. On a thrift store trip he buys a T-shirt with a heart design and a bird pendant and wears them under his usual hoodie when he goes to school. When he has the chance to audition for the female lead in the school play, Persephone, he has to decide whether he has the courage to be himself in spite of bullies, ambivalent teachers and disappointed family members.
I’ve read much more sophisticated novels about gender identity ( Middlesex and For Today I Am a Boy are two), but this could be a good one for getting younger teens thinking about the issues. I never warmed to Grayson’s voice, though; I think third-person narration might actually have worked better in this case.
November 20, 2014
Note: I am using male pronouns throughout this review. The book is unambiguous that Grayson is a girl, but she is identified as male throughout the story.
First of all, GRACEFULLY GRAYSON is notable from being a middle grade (or tween) novel that deals with trans* issues. There aren't stories that deal with this issue for that age group filling the shelves, so this fills a very important gap.
I was a bit disappointed at first. There seemed to be nothing happening in the novel except for Grayson's discomfort with his gender role, and then a tentative relationship with a new girl. I felt rather sorry for the kid as he seemed to think that becoming a girl would be all skirts, dresses, and princesses.
Things really pick up when Grayson tries out for the school play -- as the female lead. It's an important step in Grayson stepping out of his shell and reaching for the person that he wants to be, but not all of the adults around him recognize it as such. I liked that there were no true villains. Some of the adults come close, but only because they're trying to protect Grayson from bullying (that reaches the extent of bodily harm). Yes, sometimes adults have to overrule a child's wishes to keep them safe. It's a difficult conundrum, even if Grayson much prefers one side of the battle.
GRACEFULLY GRAYSON is a fairly slight story that leans a bit too heavily on the issue and too light on plot, especially at first. However, that doesn't make it a dull issue novel of the eighties. Ami Polonsky's writing is quite sweet, and she has a good knack for character. I particularly liked the various girls who reach out and become friends with Grayson. There's also a brief appearance by a progressive mom that I really enjoyed.
One day, LGBTQ books will be widely available for all age groups, and kids will be able to find themselves and their troubles reflected in the stories around them. GRACEFULLY GRAYSON is a good step in the right direction. Grayson's struggle is sympathetically drawn and very suitable for younger readers.
First of all, GRACEFULLY GRAYSON is notable from being a middle grade (or tween) novel that deals with trans* issues. There aren't stories that deal with this issue for that age group filling the shelves, so this fills a very important gap.
I was a bit disappointed at first. There seemed to be nothing happening in the novel except for Grayson's discomfort with his gender role, and then a tentative relationship with a new girl. I felt rather sorry for the kid as he seemed to think that becoming a girl would be all skirts, dresses, and princesses.
Things really pick up when Grayson tries out for the school play -- as the female lead. It's an important step in Grayson stepping out of his shell and reaching for the person that he wants to be, but not all of the adults around him recognize it as such. I liked that there were no true villains. Some of the adults come close, but only because they're trying to protect Grayson from bullying (that reaches the extent of bodily harm). Yes, sometimes adults have to overrule a child's wishes to keep them safe. It's a difficult conundrum, even if Grayson much prefers one side of the battle.
GRACEFULLY GRAYSON is a fairly slight story that leans a bit too heavily on the issue and too light on plot, especially at first. However, that doesn't make it a dull issue novel of the eighties. Ami Polonsky's writing is quite sweet, and she has a good knack for character. I particularly liked the various girls who reach out and become friends with Grayson. There's also a brief appearance by a progressive mom that I really enjoyed.
One day, LGBTQ books will be widely available for all age groups, and kids will be able to find themselves and their troubles reflected in the stories around them. GRACEFULLY GRAYSON is a good step in the right direction. Grayson's struggle is sympathetically drawn and very suitable for younger readers.
July 19, 2014
This book was so delicately and sweetly done. It's written from the viewpoint of a sixth grader, but not in the fairly typical way many writers do--slightly wry, with too much knowledge and self possession to really have been written by a child of 11 or 12. This really feels like the mind of a child who is struggling with his image of who he is. He's largely inarticulate about it, because that's how many children are. He comes to realizations through a combination of cues of self-awareness, flashes of insight handed to him from the reactions of others, and a little guidance, both voluntary and involuntary, from the adults in his life. The evolution is wonderful to watch, and the outcome is so satisfying. In addition, the theme of the book will make it important to those children and parents struggling with the same awareness that how a child looks on the surface is not always who the child is inside, and that letting what's inside be what's important is both difficult and essential. Bravo.
March 12, 2018
I wasn't impressed by this book. Transgender is a strong and important subject, the author worked seriously on it, and the book is conscientiously written.
That's for the good points.
Alas the story wasn't sustained by the narration. The characters are functional but cruelly lack personality, the dialogues are extremely basics, repetitive and dull, there are so much things left unsaid that in the end very little is ever told. I'm all for show don't tell but the show here was sadly tepid and unimaginative.
Another point annoyed me: Grayson is shy and rather boring, but I could have come to terms with that. But I couldn't stomach that all along the book femininity was reduced to some girlish attributes. Grayson is supposed to be quite young, eleven or so (six grade is "sixième" in France) but have liberties of a teenager, and seems to be an adolescent, not a child anymore. But even if he (I would have wrote 'she' if the book had convinced me more) behaved like a child most people are at eleven, I don't believe that being a girl should be about wearing pink and lavender, having sparkling shoes and playing with (sparkling) hair-clips girlishly.
The whole point of the book was to express that being a girl isn't about having two X chromosomes, and I don't understand this choice of showing such a restrictive image of femininity, even for- and especially for - very young girls. I don't really know what the essence of femininity is, but I'm quite sure that one can be feminine wearing trousers, sweet-shirt, having short hair, disliking Little Poney sparkling colors, and so on.
I applaud the author effort, the read wasn't painful and neither was it botched, quite the contrary, but I found this book incredibly dull and uninteresting.
I was very more moved and marked by the account of a young girl, Corey Maison, who was born a boy, and had suffered a lot before being able to be what she really was, thanks to her parents. Please have a look at this beautiful video: http://www.teenvogue.com/story/14-yea...
That's for the good points.
Alas the story wasn't sustained by the narration. The characters are functional but cruelly lack personality, the dialogues are extremely basics, repetitive and dull, there are so much things left unsaid that in the end very little is ever told. I'm all for show don't tell but the show here was sadly tepid and unimaginative.
Another point annoyed me: Grayson is shy and rather boring, but I could have come to terms with that. But I couldn't stomach that all along the book femininity was reduced to some girlish attributes. Grayson is supposed to be quite young, eleven or so (six grade is "sixième" in France) but have liberties of a teenager, and seems to be an adolescent, not a child anymore. But even if he (I would have wrote 'she' if the book had convinced me more) behaved like a child most people are at eleven, I don't believe that being a girl should be about wearing pink and lavender, having sparkling shoes and playing with (sparkling) hair-clips girlishly.
The whole point of the book was to express that being a girl isn't about having two X chromosomes, and I don't understand this choice of showing such a restrictive image of femininity, even for- and especially for - very young girls. I don't really know what the essence of femininity is, but I'm quite sure that one can be feminine wearing trousers, sweet-shirt, having short hair, disliking Little Poney sparkling colors, and so on.
I applaud the author effort, the read wasn't painful and neither was it botched, quite the contrary, but I found this book incredibly dull and uninteresting.
I was very more moved and marked by the account of a young girl, Corey Maison, who was born a boy, and had suffered a lot before being able to be what she really was, thanks to her parents. Please have a look at this beautiful video: http://www.teenvogue.com/story/14-yea...
March 18, 2017
This book was...emotional. This is going to be a short review, but only because I don't know how to say exactly what I want to say about it. I though it was amazing. It's such a powerful book, and I was surprised that it wasn't longer. There were so many plot twists, and so much courage packed into a 243-page book, and it was truly amazing.
Amelia was one of my favorite characters, but only in the beginning. Once she saw Grayson in the skirt, and how she acted when she did, made her one of my least favorite characters. She may have almost redeemed herself in the end though, but not fully. Because honestly, if she was ever going to be Grayson's friend, she shouldn't have treated him like that.
The ending was amazing, but it definitely had me wanting to read more. I loved how the author decided to end it, but I honestly do wish there was more. I think seeing what happened after Grayson entered the classroom, and really what happened during the rest of his life, would've been great.
This is a book that I wish everyone would read, because there's honestly such a great lesson inside. But I know, that with society the way it is, that won't happen. This book is so amazing, and so truthful, that it was such an easy 5 stars to give. The writing style was also great, which made it even easier to give it the 5 stars. (I guess the review wasn't that short after all...oh well!)
Amelia was one of my favorite characters, but only in the beginning. Once she saw Grayson in the skirt, and how she acted when she did, made her one of my least favorite characters. She may have almost redeemed herself in the end though, but not fully. Because honestly, if she was ever going to be Grayson's friend, she shouldn't have treated him like that.
The ending was amazing, but it definitely had me wanting to read more. I loved how the author decided to end it, but I honestly do wish there was more. I think seeing what happened after Grayson entered the classroom, and really what happened during the rest of his life, would've been great.
This is a book that I wish everyone would read, because there's honestly such a great lesson inside. But I know, that with society the way it is, that won't happen. This book is so amazing, and so truthful, that it was such an easy 5 stars to give. The writing style was also great, which made it even easier to give it the 5 stars. (I guess the review wasn't that short after all...oh well!)
June 11, 2020
PS: I am using male pronouns to describe Grayson in my review, as this is what was used in the book - even in Grayson's own thoughts. I do NOT mean any disrespect by doing so, but am simply following the lead of the author.
****
Grayson's parents died in a car accident when he was very young, and since then he has been living with his aunt, uncle and two cousins. He is very much a loner though - both at home and at school - because he is scared that somebody will get too close and discover the secret he's been hiding for as long as he can remember: Grayson is really a girl, trapped in a boy's body.
But in 6th grade, admitting such a thing would be tantamount to putting a "target" sign on your chest. So instead Grayson hides away in the library during recess and dreams himself away by drawing princesses that looks like doodling, and imagining himself in the pretty dresses he sees his classmates wearing.
Thanks to an openminded teacher and a new friend, Grayson gets the chance he needs to break out, when he tries out for the school play. Grayson may finally be able to show others his/her true self.
Much of this book made for rather unpleasant reading. It is never nice to read about people being bullied, and even more so when that bullying spreads over to a person's home life. I hope Grayson grows up to trust his uncle, and that his aunt realizes what a disservice she's doing him, by wanting him to appear "normal". I can understand her reasoning, but some things are just more important than keeping yourself "safe" from bullying (which obviously doesn't work anyway, but somehow some people keep thinking it will).
The book was a bit slow to start, but once the rehearsals for the school play began it really took off, and I found it hard to put down. I loved how Grayson finally managed to find a place for himself in the school, and how he started to relate to the other actors.
This could have been a 5-star read, but unfortunately the end fell a bit flat. I would have liked to see Grayson's relationship with Jack and his aunt be resolved somewhat. I'm glad Ami Polonsky didn't end it immediately after the play though, which is what I originally had feared.
I think it is an important book, and am glad such a book has been written for a younger audience than normal. Many thanks to Netgalley for this advanced copy.
****
Grayson's parents died in a car accident when he was very young, and since then he has been living with his aunt, uncle and two cousins. He is very much a loner though - both at home and at school - because he is scared that somebody will get too close and discover the secret he's been hiding for as long as he can remember: Grayson is really a girl, trapped in a boy's body.
But in 6th grade, admitting such a thing would be tantamount to putting a "target" sign on your chest. So instead Grayson hides away in the library during recess and dreams himself away by drawing princesses that looks like doodling, and imagining himself in the pretty dresses he sees his classmates wearing.
Thanks to an openminded teacher and a new friend, Grayson gets the chance he needs to break out, when he tries out for the school play. Grayson may finally be able to show others his/her true self.
Much of this book made for rather unpleasant reading. It is never nice to read about people being bullied, and even more so when that bullying spreads over to a person's home life. I hope Grayson grows up to trust his uncle, and that his aunt realizes what a disservice she's doing him, by wanting him to appear "normal". I can understand her reasoning, but some things are just more important than keeping yourself "safe" from bullying (which obviously doesn't work anyway, but somehow some people keep thinking it will).
The book was a bit slow to start, but once the rehearsals for the school play began it really took off, and I found it hard to put down. I loved how Grayson finally managed to find a place for himself in the school, and how he started to relate to the other actors.
This could have been a 5-star read, but unfortunately the end fell a bit flat. I would have liked to see Grayson's relationship with Jack and his aunt be resolved somewhat. I'm glad Ami Polonsky didn't end it immediately after the play though, which is what I originally had feared.
I think it is an important book, and am glad such a book has been written for a younger audience than normal. Many thanks to Netgalley for this advanced copy.
March 10, 2017
Wow, words cannot describe all the emotions I felt while reading this book.
It was such a beautiful and moving story about Grayson Sender, a "boy" trapped into the wrong gender's body. There were so many twists and turns, so many emotions, and so much courage shoved into one 243-page book.
While I was reading, there was a character who I expected to be the one who helped Grayson become who they really were. But I was wrong. In fact, she became one of my least favorite characters. It really shows how true friends can come from odd, unexpected places. Gracefully Grayson was so honest and so powerful, but there was one tiny bit that made me almost hurl my book across the room in the middle of writing class. And that was the ending.
In a way, I actually did kind of like the ending, because it kept you wondering. But I really, really need to know what ended up happening!!
Overall, I absolutely loved this book, and I would recommend it to anyone. It's so truthful, and the writing style is amazing. I'd easily give it 5 stars.
It was such a beautiful and moving story about Grayson Sender, a "boy" trapped into the wrong gender's body. There were so many twists and turns, so many emotions, and so much courage shoved into one 243-page book.
While I was reading, there was a character who I expected to be the one who helped Grayson become who they really were. But I was wrong. In fact, she became one of my least favorite characters. It really shows how true friends can come from odd, unexpected places. Gracefully Grayson was so honest and so powerful, but there was one tiny bit that made me almost hurl my book across the room in the middle of writing class. And that was the ending.
In a way, I actually did kind of like the ending, because it kept you wondering. But I really, really need to know what ended up happening!!
Overall, I absolutely loved this book, and I would recommend it to anyone. It's so truthful, and the writing style is amazing. I'd easily give it 5 stars.
November 1, 2014
The full review will be on my blog once this book is published (thanks, NetGalley, for letting me read it this summer!), but the most relevant part of that review for readers, I think:
"Grayson's world is populated by complicated and sympathetic characters who display a vast, believable range of reactions to Grayson as she reveals more and more of who she really is. There are the confused, the uncomfortable, the fully-supportive, the ignorant, the tentatively-supportive, and a lot of other more more multi-faceted reactions. We watch all of these reactions through Grayson's eyes and, like her, we have no idea how each person she reveals a small part of herself to will react. Every time a little more of her real self shows, the reader feels that little tightness in the chest about how this will go. Some characters surprise you with their kindness and some disappoint you with their bile. The way Polonsky builds empathy for Grayson through these moments is masterful, and what I think makes this book so important."
I first only gave this book four stars because I reserve five stars for books on my all-time-favorites list, but I really couldn't think of any reason to keep that last star away from this sweet, brave, exciting book, so five it is.
"Grayson's world is populated by complicated and sympathetic characters who display a vast, believable range of reactions to Grayson as she reveals more and more of who she really is. There are the confused, the uncomfortable, the fully-supportive, the ignorant, the tentatively-supportive, and a lot of other more more multi-faceted reactions. We watch all of these reactions through Grayson's eyes and, like her, we have no idea how each person she reveals a small part of herself to will react. Every time a little more of her real self shows, the reader feels that little tightness in the chest about how this will go. Some characters surprise you with their kindness and some disappoint you with their bile. The way Polonsky builds empathy for Grayson through these moments is masterful, and what I think makes this book so important."
I first only gave this book four stars because I reserve five stars for books on my all-time-favorites list, but I really couldn't think of any reason to keep that last star away from this sweet, brave, exciting book, so five it is.
June 20, 2019
This was a very cute read. I enjoyed reading it, but I didn't like it very much. It's not because it's a bad book - the topic and Grayson's struggle is executed very well. But this book just doesn't offer anything new for me. I also think this book could've been longer because the ending was really unsatisfying and we don't get to know the characters very well, so I didn't like them very much.
November 20, 2020
The short fiction novel "Gracefully Grayson" by Amy Polonsky is an emotion packed story that melted my heart. I would like to start off this book review with a quote that I believe connects to the moral and point of this novel “When you feel as if your whole world is falling apart, this is actually the beginning of it being put back together, the way it was supposed to be in the first place.” ― Christine E. Szymanski. I feel this quote gives insight to Grayson’s journey with gender identity throughout the novel. In the sense that when things became difficult, it was all building up to the point at which Grayson could finally be who SHE was meant to be. This fictional novel is about the beginning of Grayson, a twelve-year-old “boy’s” journey to realize they are a transgender female. In school Grayson generally stays in other’s shadows and does not put themselves out there. As a generally shy and reserved person, you see throughout the story how Grayson unfolds. When Grayson auditions for the lead in the school play, they find themselves facing one of the hardest times in their lives. I would honestly recommend this book to anyone with an open mind who would be willing to learn about the hardships of being a teen struggling with gender identity. This book was helpful for me to read because it was relatable to some of my own experiences. Also, already being in the LGBTQ+ community, I had a little knowledge of the mind of a transgender person. After I read the book, I suggested my parents read it too, so they could better educate themselves. I found this book to be unique and full of emotion. The novel was well written in the sense that the author, Amy Polonsky truly made you feel like you were in the setting, in Grayson’s shoes. On the other hand, many people including myself feel that the struggles were far too over-simplified. It also seems slightly out of place for a Cis-gender person to write a book about a feeling they do not understand; especially because the book was written from the point of view of Grayson. But overall, it was an amazing read and I highly recommend.
January 11, 2018
Anticipating a snow day, I stopped in at the Briscoe Library for a book. I'm trying to get ahead on the reading for my Young Adult Literature class at Salem State this semester, and lucky me! Gracefully Grayson was on the shelf.
This book is about middle schoolers, and sixth graders in particular (my favorite kiddos!). Grayson is a smart sixth grader who has been isolating himself, feeling out-of-place among his classmates, but unsure why. Once he begins to befriend a new girl, Amelia, his circle of friends increases, and his confidence level rises. His role in the spring play allows him to cultivate more friendships, to learn to handle conflict, and to realize the truth about himself that he had forgotten.
I particularly liked Mr. Finnegan, the popular Humanities teacher. He uses a variety of small groups and class discussions so students can evaluate different perspectives on issues they study. He invites his students to take risks, and encourages them to find their best selves. And, he takes his own philosophy to heart. Grayson takes the risk of auditioning for the female lead in the spring play, and Finn knows that this student would be great for the role, and so casts Grayson as Persephone. For Grayson, this leads to deep friendships with other performers, as well as conflict with bullies (including his cousin). For Finn, it is exciting to watch his student commit to the play and perform so well, but he also must deal with closed-minded parents and an unsupportive administration. This book is not all happy ending, and that's important for middle-school readers to experience, also.
This book has great imagery and symbolism. Look for the shades of gray, including white and black, light and darkness, and how things are frequently non-binary. Look for hands, and all the things hands do. Watch for colorful birds and a phoenix spread throughout the book. Explore the painful feeling of being ignored, how it feels to be worthless, from both Grayson's and the bullies' perspectives. Follow Grayson's social transformation from isolation to friendship, love, and acceptance. Gracefully Grayson has so much good stuff to discuss and write about.
This book is about middle schoolers, and sixth graders in particular (my favorite kiddos!). Grayson is a smart sixth grader who has been isolating himself, feeling out-of-place among his classmates, but unsure why. Once he begins to befriend a new girl, Amelia, his circle of friends increases, and his confidence level rises. His role in the spring play allows him to cultivate more friendships, to learn to handle conflict, and to realize the truth about himself that he had forgotten.
I particularly liked Mr. Finnegan, the popular Humanities teacher. He uses a variety of small groups and class discussions so students can evaluate different perspectives on issues they study. He invites his students to take risks, and encourages them to find their best selves. And, he takes his own philosophy to heart. Grayson takes the risk of auditioning for the female lead in the spring play, and Finn knows that this student would be great for the role, and so casts Grayson as Persephone. For Grayson, this leads to deep friendships with other performers, as well as conflict with bullies (including his cousin). For Finn, it is exciting to watch his student commit to the play and perform so well, but he also must deal with closed-minded parents and an unsupportive administration. This book is not all happy ending, and that's important for middle-school readers to experience, also.
This book has great imagery and symbolism. Look for the shades of gray, including white and black, light and darkness, and how things are frequently non-binary. Look for hands, and all the things hands do. Watch for colorful birds and a phoenix spread throughout the book. Explore the painful feeling of being ignored, how it feels to be worthless, from both Grayson's and the bullies' perspectives. Follow Grayson's social transformation from isolation to friendship, love, and acceptance. Gracefully Grayson has so much good stuff to discuss and write about.
August 21, 2019
I’ve given this book 4 stars based on how I would rate it if I was in middle school. I think the author did a good job with the feelings of anyone who is an outsider of any kind, whether you’re the new kid in school, shy, have negative body image or, as in Grayson’s case, are in the wrong body. The response of the kids in the play was interesting but isn’t 100% believable to me. Although there are many accepting kids out there I don’t think it would be many. I also think the negative comments would be much more hurtful than those in the book. The stairs incident is something that is very realistic. Given the age of the audience this is geared to I think the author allowed enough realism to make you feel uncomfortable and enough hope to make you feel everything will turn out well.
Read
November 4, 2021I don't remember much bc I read it a long time ago...
May 7, 2023
Quel dommage d'écrire un livre entier sur une jeune fille trans sans jamais mentionner le terme de transidentité dans tout le roman. C'est le cœur de cette histoire, Grayson souffre de dysphorie de genre (non mentionné non plus) et pourtant l'autrice évite le sujet. Ce qui aurait pu être un très bon roman pour ado devient un roman fantoche et couard. Malgré tout, j'ai eu de l'attachement pour le personnage principal et ses tribulations, même si encore une fois les clichés de genre sont appuyés, toute la question de la dysphorie se cristallise uniquement sur les choix vestimentaires du personnage et sur capacité à porter des vêtements roses.
January 12, 2015
Sixth grader Grayson Sender has always known he wasn't who he appeared to be, that he was really a girl in a boy's body. After her parents were killed in a car accident when she was very young, Grayson went to live with her Aunt Sally and Uncle Evan and their two children, Jack and Brett. When she was younger, she and Jack hung out and goofed around together, but that changed as they grew older. Now, Grayson has no friends, prefers to eat alone in the library than to eat alone in the cafeteria where she would be open to bullying, and spends a lot of time doodling princesses and pretending to be one in front of her bedroom mirror.
When new student Amelia befriends Grayson, she seems to come out of her shell somewhat, but so does the desire to be the girl that she knows she truly is grow stronger and stronger, itching to come out. When a favorite Humanities teacher, Mr. Finnegan, holds auditions for the school play, The Myth of Persephone, Grayson tries out for the lead role - Persephone - and to everyone's surprise and over Aunt Sally's strong objections, s/he gets the part.
Grayson's wish to be able to have her mother back helps her identify with Persephone's longing to return to her mother Demeter. As result, she makes a great Persephone. During rehearsals, she even begins to make friends among the other cast members. When the girls sit around braiding each others hair, they braid Grayson's hair as well. But even as rehearsals go on through the winter, Aunt Sally continues to strongly object. Grayson is surprised when she rejoins the PTA, but doesn't think much about it. On the other hand, her uncle is much more supportive, even helping Grayson memorize her lines at night.
When her grandmother dies, some letters are found from her mother that had been put away for Grayson. Grayson is surprised by the content, and while it only makes her feel closer to her mom and more confident about her true gender identity, they enrage Aunt Sally.
Contending with Aunt Sally and Jack at home, and a few bullies at school, the only time Grayson is truly happy is at rehearsals, where she feels like she has understanding friends, and where she can really be who she is.
As the night of the play approaches, things start to come to a head. Rehearsals are not going smoothly anymore, Mr. Finnegan is always late for class and rehearsals, and refuses to look at Grayson, and the bullies just can't contain themselves anymore.
In the face of all the contention swirling around her, will Grayson continue to find enough inner strength and external support to remain herself?
Gracefully Grayson is a story about being brave, and about the process of coming out as a transgender 12 year old. The story is narrated by Grayson, so that the reader not only experiences her thoughts and emotions, but also how she perceives the people and their reactions to who she is and her playing the female lead in the school play. Aunt Sally and the school bullies aren't the only ones for whom this becomes a firestorm.
I thought this was a sensitively written, yet eye-opening look at the struggles a transgender preteen must contend with, often without any adult support, but with lots of rejection. Gracefully Grayson is Ami Polonsky's debut novel and I thought she handled her subject with respect and dignity. There aren't many middle grade novels out there for young transgender kids to read, so Gracefully Grayson is certainly a needed and welcomed addition.
As good as I think this book is, it is not without flaws. Other characters in the book are not as well fleshed out as Grayson. I don't know if that was to spotlight Grayson, but I would have liked a little more depth to the other characters. They were more like a Greek chorus than people with thoughts, feelings, and opinions. I was also sorry to see that Grayson's 'role model' was a princess in a castle. Princesses are so unrealistic for 12 year old, more the ideal of 5-7 year olds, and living in a castle is just as isolating as the life Grayson already has. A more concrete role model would have been more palatable.
On the other hand, spotlighting Grayson also captures the loneliness and longing for friendship that she experiences every day in school and at home. Grayson self-isolates out of fear that she will be found out and to avoid any potentially ugly confrontations.
It is my hope that Gracefully Grayson will be read not only by any preteen struggling with their gender identity, but by their friends, family, and teachers as well.
This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was borrowed from the NYPL
This review was originally posted on Randomly Reading
When new student Amelia befriends Grayson, she seems to come out of her shell somewhat, but so does the desire to be the girl that she knows she truly is grow stronger and stronger, itching to come out. When a favorite Humanities teacher, Mr. Finnegan, holds auditions for the school play, The Myth of Persephone, Grayson tries out for the lead role - Persephone - and to everyone's surprise and over Aunt Sally's strong objections, s/he gets the part.
Grayson's wish to be able to have her mother back helps her identify with Persephone's longing to return to her mother Demeter. As result, she makes a great Persephone. During rehearsals, she even begins to make friends among the other cast members. When the girls sit around braiding each others hair, they braid Grayson's hair as well. But even as rehearsals go on through the winter, Aunt Sally continues to strongly object. Grayson is surprised when she rejoins the PTA, but doesn't think much about it. On the other hand, her uncle is much more supportive, even helping Grayson memorize her lines at night.
When her grandmother dies, some letters are found from her mother that had been put away for Grayson. Grayson is surprised by the content, and while it only makes her feel closer to her mom and more confident about her true gender identity, they enrage Aunt Sally.
Contending with Aunt Sally and Jack at home, and a few bullies at school, the only time Grayson is truly happy is at rehearsals, where she feels like she has understanding friends, and where she can really be who she is.
As the night of the play approaches, things start to come to a head. Rehearsals are not going smoothly anymore, Mr. Finnegan is always late for class and rehearsals, and refuses to look at Grayson, and the bullies just can't contain themselves anymore.
In the face of all the contention swirling around her, will Grayson continue to find enough inner strength and external support to remain herself?
Gracefully Grayson is a story about being brave, and about the process of coming out as a transgender 12 year old. The story is narrated by Grayson, so that the reader not only experiences her thoughts and emotions, but also how she perceives the people and their reactions to who she is and her playing the female lead in the school play. Aunt Sally and the school bullies aren't the only ones for whom this becomes a firestorm.
I thought this was a sensitively written, yet eye-opening look at the struggles a transgender preteen must contend with, often without any adult support, but with lots of rejection. Gracefully Grayson is Ami Polonsky's debut novel and I thought she handled her subject with respect and dignity. There aren't many middle grade novels out there for young transgender kids to read, so Gracefully Grayson is certainly a needed and welcomed addition.
As good as I think this book is, it is not without flaws. Other characters in the book are not as well fleshed out as Grayson. I don't know if that was to spotlight Grayson, but I would have liked a little more depth to the other characters. They were more like a Greek chorus than people with thoughts, feelings, and opinions. I was also sorry to see that Grayson's 'role model' was a princess in a castle. Princesses are so unrealistic for 12 year old, more the ideal of 5-7 year olds, and living in a castle is just as isolating as the life Grayson already has. A more concrete role model would have been more palatable.
On the other hand, spotlighting Grayson also captures the loneliness and longing for friendship that she experiences every day in school and at home. Grayson self-isolates out of fear that she will be found out and to avoid any potentially ugly confrontations.
It is my hope that Gracefully Grayson will be read not only by any preteen struggling with their gender identity, but by their friends, family, and teachers as well.
This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was borrowed from the NYPL
This review was originally posted on Randomly Reading
June 24, 2019
„𝚆𝚊𝚜 𝚠𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚝 𝚒𝚑𝚛 𝚋𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚒𝚝𝚜 𝚞̈𝚋𝚎𝚛 𝚎𝚞𝚌𝚑?
𝐈𝐜𝐡 𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐬, 𝐝𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐞𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚̈𝐝𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐢𝐧.“
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Eben habe ich „Und mitten drin ich“ in einem rutsch durchgelesen. 😊 Ich fand es schön geschrieben, berührend und sehr authentisch. Seine Entwicklung in dem Buch war schwierig und hat in mir viel ausgelöst aber es war auch schön. Er ist als junge geboren und wäre gerne ein Mädchen. „Er“ hat eine große Fantasiewelt im Kopf in der er sich vorstellt Kleider und Röcke zu tragen „er“stellt sich dies oft vor und ich konnte mir „ihn“ dabei bildlich vorstellen. Es ist schwer in Worte zu fassen wie unheimlich schwer und wie viel in einem Kind vorgeht das sich im falschen Körper fühlt. Eines Tages beschließt „er“an einem Theaterstück in der Schule mitzumachen, für die weibliche Hauptrolle vor zusprechen damit gerät ziemlich viel ins rollen. Und auch Briefe seiner Mutter welche „er“ erhält nach dem Tod seiner Großmutter bringen seine Welt und seine Familie an ihre Grenzen.
Ich fand die Beziehung zu seinem
Onkel bei dem er aufwächst sehr schön und mit die stärkste im Buch. Mir viel es irgendwann aber schwer das Greyson im Buch bis zum Ende als er betitelt wurde ich hätte mir gewünscht das man dies geändert hätte aber ich finde auch das die Autorin einem sehr gut das Gefühl vermitteln konnte das dieses Buch wenn man es liest real wird. Man stellt sich die Schule vor in die Greyson geht, man stellt ihn sich daheim vor wir er in Gedanken 💭 wie ein Mädchen aussieht und man verdrückt Tränen als es im Buch immer schwieriger für „ihn“ wird denn wer wie ein Phoenix aufsteigt der muss leider mit Mobbing, und hänseleien rechnen aber er kriegt Hände hingehalten die „ihm“ helfen sei es von seinem
Onkel, dem Lehrer der nur sein bestes wollte und auch mit den starken Vorurteilen der Menschen zu kämpfen hat oder ein Par Mädchen die es als ganz normal sehen das Greyson zu ihnen gehören will.
Ich kann euch dieses Buch wirklich empfehlen, denn es macht sensibel. Und es kann helfen Transgender Kinder zu verstehen.
Bewertung: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4,5|5
𝐈𝐜𝐡 𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐬, 𝐝𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐞𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚̈𝐝𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐢𝐧.“
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Eben habe ich „Und mitten drin ich“ in einem rutsch durchgelesen. 😊 Ich fand es schön geschrieben, berührend und sehr authentisch. Seine Entwicklung in dem Buch war schwierig und hat in mir viel ausgelöst aber es war auch schön. Er ist als junge geboren und wäre gerne ein Mädchen. „Er“ hat eine große Fantasiewelt im Kopf in der er sich vorstellt Kleider und Röcke zu tragen „er“stellt sich dies oft vor und ich konnte mir „ihn“ dabei bildlich vorstellen. Es ist schwer in Worte zu fassen wie unheimlich schwer und wie viel in einem Kind vorgeht das sich im falschen Körper fühlt. Eines Tages beschließt „er“an einem Theaterstück in der Schule mitzumachen, für die weibliche Hauptrolle vor zusprechen damit gerät ziemlich viel ins rollen. Und auch Briefe seiner Mutter welche „er“ erhält nach dem Tod seiner Großmutter bringen seine Welt und seine Familie an ihre Grenzen.
Ich fand die Beziehung zu seinem
Onkel bei dem er aufwächst sehr schön und mit die stärkste im Buch. Mir viel es irgendwann aber schwer das Greyson im Buch bis zum Ende als er betitelt wurde ich hätte mir gewünscht das man dies geändert hätte aber ich finde auch das die Autorin einem sehr gut das Gefühl vermitteln konnte das dieses Buch wenn man es liest real wird. Man stellt sich die Schule vor in die Greyson geht, man stellt ihn sich daheim vor wir er in Gedanken 💭 wie ein Mädchen aussieht und man verdrückt Tränen als es im Buch immer schwieriger für „ihn“ wird denn wer wie ein Phoenix aufsteigt der muss leider mit Mobbing, und hänseleien rechnen aber er kriegt Hände hingehalten die „ihm“ helfen sei es von seinem
Onkel, dem Lehrer der nur sein bestes wollte und auch mit den starken Vorurteilen der Menschen zu kämpfen hat oder ein Par Mädchen die es als ganz normal sehen das Greyson zu ihnen gehören will.
Ich kann euch dieses Buch wirklich empfehlen, denn es macht sensibel. Und es kann helfen Transgender Kinder zu verstehen.
Bewertung: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4,5|5
June 14, 2016
Gracefully Grayson ist die Geschichte eines jungen, 12-jährigen Mädchens, dem der Rest der Welt zu sagen scheint, dass sie ein Junge wäre. Jahrelang hat sie sich dem untergeordnet und ihr eigenes Spiel gespielt, zum Beispiel: Die Shirts, die sie kauft, sind extragroß, und in ihrer Vorstellung Kleider. Aber irgendwann fällt ihr das immer schwerer und je mehr sie sicher ist, dass sie ein Mädchen ist, desto größer wird ihr Wunsch, das endlich offen zeigen zu können. Für junge Transmädchen und generell Kinder, die trans sind, ist es sicherlich auch ein hilfreiches Buch. Denn auch wenn es Menschen gibt, die sich weigern, Grayson so zu akzeptieren, wie sie ist und ihr ihre eigenen Vorstellungen aufzwingen wollen, gibt es genauso Menschen, die sie akzeptieren und unterstützen. Und darum soll es am Ende im Buch vielleicht auch gehen: Du bist nicht allein.
Einer der Kritikpunkte, den ich oftmals gesehen habe, ist, dass Grayson sich sehr stereotypisch orientiert. Soll heißen: Sie ist ein Mädchen, also will sie pink tragen, mag Glitzer und Kleider etc. Und das stimmt durchaus, andererseits sagen ihr so viele, sie sein kein Mädchen, dass sie sich nicht nur an den Mädchen und Frauen in ihrer Umgebung orientiert, sondern das, was sie sieht, wird auch überspitzt, wie um zu rufen: Ich bin ein Mädchen! Grayson bemerkt selber, dass die anderen Mädchen auch mal Jeans und ein einfaches Shirt tragen, das auch blau oder grün sein kann – aber die anderen Mädchen werden deswegen nicht hinterfragt. Von daher erscheint mir Graysons Reaktion ganz verständlich, zumal sie wirklich erst 12 ist und nie wirklich eine Person hatte, mit der sie darüber reden kann. Sollte Ami Polonsky jemals eine ganze Reihe über Grayson machen wollen (was bisher nicht der Plan ist oder je war), es wäre wundervoll, Grayson weiterhin auf ihrem Weg zu begleiten.
Einer der Kritikpunkte, den ich oftmals gesehen habe, ist, dass Grayson sich sehr stereotypisch orientiert. Soll heißen: Sie ist ein Mädchen, also will sie pink tragen, mag Glitzer und Kleider etc. Und das stimmt durchaus, andererseits sagen ihr so viele, sie sein kein Mädchen, dass sie sich nicht nur an den Mädchen und Frauen in ihrer Umgebung orientiert, sondern das, was sie sieht, wird auch überspitzt, wie um zu rufen: Ich bin ein Mädchen! Grayson bemerkt selber, dass die anderen Mädchen auch mal Jeans und ein einfaches Shirt tragen, das auch blau oder grün sein kann – aber die anderen Mädchen werden deswegen nicht hinterfragt. Von daher erscheint mir Graysons Reaktion ganz verständlich, zumal sie wirklich erst 12 ist und nie wirklich eine Person hatte, mit der sie darüber reden kann. Sollte Ami Polonsky jemals eine ganze Reihe über Grayson machen wollen (was bisher nicht der Plan ist oder je war), es wäre wundervoll, Grayson weiterhin auf ihrem Weg zu begleiten.
July 3, 2014
Although I questioned some of the details of Grayson's motivations for transitioning from male to female, I thought there was a lot about the book that was really lovely. First, let me say that I'm thrilled that there is another author taking GLTBQ issues into middle grade novels. These kids going through puberty may be the most at need to be able to explore themselves and their comrades through the relative safety of literature. In this novel, Polonsky separates sexuality issues from Grayson's gender identity journey- it is unclear if Grayson is attracted to boys, girls, or neither if that may be of concern. On the other hand, I'd like a little more info myself, mostly because I'm curious, but also because the intersections of gender, sexual preference, and gender expression are really interesting. I was a little concerned that Grayson's primary interest with being a girl seemed to focus on clothing. Although this seems like a pretty safe starting place, I also believe that it is entirely possible to want to dress like a girl and still feel like a boy. The depth of Grayson's femininity really isn't plumbed, but I suppose this is a relatively short middle grade novel. Instead Polonsky focuses on the conflicts created by Grayson's desire to transition rather than the motivations for transitioning. However, I did really enjoy the fluidity of friendships and the realism of the characters.
April 12, 2015
This is a beautiful, affecting book about a 6th grade trans girl that belongs in every upper elementary and middle school classroom library.
After the death of her parents when she was four, Grayson goes to live with her aunt, uncle, and cousins in Chicago. She's lonely, isolated, and knows that how she looks on the outside (like a boy) doesn't match how she feels on the inside. She deals with this dissociation by staying to herself and keeping a low profile.
On a desperate whim, Grayson decides to try out for the school play and in the moment of the audition, asks to read for Persephone, a girl's part, even though everyone believes her a boy.
When she's cast as Persephone, whose story mirrors Grayson's in a number of thematically interesting ways, she's both accepted and rejected by her classmates and her family. Polansky is smart in her depiction of the kindness as well as the cruelty of both children and adults -- in this way, the book is very balanced.
Grayson's participation in the play and the discovery of several letters from her mom to her (also deceased) Grandmother enable her to reclaim a powerful personal history that was lost after her parents' death. They help her slowly reveal who she is.
Everything about this book is appropriate for kids -- all kids. Its themes of courage, friendship, and acceptance resonate. I'd like to give it to every teacher I know.
After the death of her parents when she was four, Grayson goes to live with her aunt, uncle, and cousins in Chicago. She's lonely, isolated, and knows that how she looks on the outside (like a boy) doesn't match how she feels on the inside. She deals with this dissociation by staying to herself and keeping a low profile.
On a desperate whim, Grayson decides to try out for the school play and in the moment of the audition, asks to read for Persephone, a girl's part, even though everyone believes her a boy.
When she's cast as Persephone, whose story mirrors Grayson's in a number of thematically interesting ways, she's both accepted and rejected by her classmates and her family. Polansky is smart in her depiction of the kindness as well as the cruelty of both children and adults -- in this way, the book is very balanced.
Grayson's participation in the play and the discovery of several letters from her mom to her (also deceased) Grandmother enable her to reclaim a powerful personal history that was lost after her parents' death. They help her slowly reveal who she is.
Everything about this book is appropriate for kids -- all kids. Its themes of courage, friendship, and acceptance resonate. I'd like to give it to every teacher I know.
January 12, 2015
This review is also posted on: http://wp.me/p5m5jd-5n
Disclaimer: This copy of ARC is obtained from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange of my honest review.
Grayson is a boy with a girl's soul. She stays with her uncle's family after her parents' death in a car accident when she was very young. She is quiet and tends to hide herself from her school mates and even had her lunch in the library. Everything changes when she decides to take the female lead role in a play. Since then, she starts to build up her self confidence and is brave enough to show her true self to the public.
This book is the first book I read in this theme - transgender. I thought I would dislike this book but I'm not. And surprisingly, I finished this book faster than I expected.
I think the main theme of this book is not only about transgender, but to accept yourself and be real. None of us is perfect and we have to accept our anomalies and to face it. Grayson is a brave boy (girl) and I can understand her pain when she needs to hide her secrets from everyone.
Be brave and be true.
Disclaimer: This copy of ARC is obtained from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange of my honest review.
Grayson is a boy with a girl's soul. She stays with her uncle's family after her parents' death in a car accident when she was very young. She is quiet and tends to hide herself from her school mates and even had her lunch in the library. Everything changes when she decides to take the female lead role in a play. Since then, she starts to build up her self confidence and is brave enough to show her true self to the public.
This book is the first book I read in this theme - transgender. I thought I would dislike this book but I'm not. And surprisingly, I finished this book faster than I expected.
I think the main theme of this book is not only about transgender, but to accept yourself and be real. None of us is perfect and we have to accept our anomalies and to face it. Grayson is a brave boy (girl) and I can understand her pain when she needs to hide her secrets from everyone.
Be brave and be true.
January 2, 2018
I was disappointed by this book. Its strongest theme was about fitting in, how the theatre people accepted Grayson and made an effort to include her. What I didn't like is that the only aspect of being female that we hear Grayson lament is wearing traditionally female clothes like dresses, skirts, jewelry, and the colors pink and purple.
This interest doesn't clearly convey that Grayson is a girl, in my opinion. I would have loved to hear more about what she was thinking and feeling and why she felt like a girl. The author is a cis woman, and I wonder what inspired her to take on a trans character and what research she did into the trans experience.
I would have liked this book more if Grayson's gender dysphoria was deeper, the sympathetic adults took more action than just saying "I'm here if you need me," and if the story had extended into Grayson's transition. I don't feel that it offers a strong window or mirror, when it had great potential to.
This interest doesn't clearly convey that Grayson is a girl, in my opinion. I would have loved to hear more about what she was thinking and feeling and why she felt like a girl. The author is a cis woman, and I wonder what inspired her to take on a trans character and what research she did into the trans experience.
I would have liked this book more if Grayson's gender dysphoria was deeper, the sympathetic adults took more action than just saying "I'm here if you need me," and if the story had extended into Grayson's transition. I don't feel that it offers a strong window or mirror, when it had great potential to.
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