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The Names We Buried
A thrilling, twisty homage to The Face on the Milk Carton about a trans boy who discovers that he was kidnapped as a child, and that his birth parents are still out there searching... for their daughter.Jaden's seventeenth birthday was meant to be monumental. As a surprise, his dad and Jaden’s boyfriend, Andy, arranged to take him to the courthouse to get his name changed to reflect his gender. But, horrifyingly, the clerk accuses Jaden's dad of forging Jaden's original birth certificate, and due to his criminal past, he's arrested. Heartbroken but also suspicious, Jaden secretly takes a DNA test and makes an even more shocking he's not biologically related to his dad. Jaden can't imagine his mother cheating, but the truth might be worse -- further DNA testing also identify Jaden as a perfect genetic match for a couple who have spent the last seventeen years searching for their kidnapped child.Their kidnapped daughter.After years struggling to come to terms with his gender identity as well as his parents' complicated pasts, Jaden is forced to re-evaluate everything. Who is he really? And where does he belong? With the dad who raised and loved him, and supported his transition without question? Or with the parents Jaden's never met, who might never be able to accept Jaden as their son?
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2026
About the author
Mia Siegert
3 books167 followersMia Siegert's sophomore novel SOMEBODY TOLD ME released in Spring 2020 with great trade reviews (SLJ's verdict was "Highly Recommended Read") and features in Teen Vogue, Book Riot, Buzzfeed, and many more.
Siegert's debut JERKBAIT made Goodreads Best YA of May 2016, Top 12 Indie YA from Barnes & Noble Teen Blog, Top 10 YA of 2016 from AndPop!, and gained attention from SB Nation, Publishers Weekly, Barnes & Noble Teen Blog, AndPOP!, MaximumPOP! UK, VOYA Magazine, Paste Magazine, Teen Librarian Toolbox, among many others.
When not writing, Siegert is a self-taught costume designer with their husband and two cats. Their work has appeared on Netflix's "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" and the CW's "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend."
Siegert's debut JERKBAIT made Goodreads Best YA of May 2016, Top 12 Indie YA from Barnes & Noble Teen Blog, Top 10 YA of 2016 from AndPop!, and gained attention from SB Nation, Publishers Weekly, Barnes & Noble Teen Blog, AndPOP!, MaximumPOP! UK, VOYA Magazine, Paste Magazine, Teen Librarian Toolbox, among many others.
When not writing, Siegert is a self-taught costume designer with their husband and two cats. Their work has appeared on Netflix's "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" and the CW's "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend."
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 21, 2026
I feel like this needed to be a little longer. The build up took forever, and then there was the TRAUMA TRAUMA TRAUMA of it, and then a sort of epilogue that let you know the work is ongoing.
And maybe with this sort of plot, the work would always be ongoing.
It was uncomfortable at times though.
I found Siegert a few years ago because I wanted specifically bigender characters and they were nowhere to be found. Since Siegert uses they/them and writes a lot about GNC, I figured this was an author to follow. The plots are tough for me though. The characters are all neurodivergent in a way that is reminiscent of CG Drews (no idea who came first or if this is just seperate people doing separate things), and then the plots are very ... sensational and crime and thriller and not my normal interest. So, more because I am here for the gender and not for the plot, this wasn't exactly my thing. But I am happy to support an author exploring race and gender even if the genre isn't my typical.
And maybe with this sort of plot, the work would always be ongoing.
It was uncomfortable at times though.
I found Siegert a few years ago because I wanted specifically bigender characters and they were nowhere to be found. Since Siegert uses they/them and writes a lot about GNC, I figured this was an author to follow. The plots are tough for me though. The characters are all neurodivergent in a way that is reminiscent of CG Drews (no idea who came first or if this is just seperate people doing separate things), and then the plots are very ... sensational and crime and thriller and not my normal interest. So, more because I am here for the gender and not for the plot, this wasn't exactly my thing. But I am happy to support an author exploring race and gender even if the genre isn't my typical.
June 26, 2026
This book initially appealed to me because it was pitched as a trans take on The Face on the Milk Carton. I was obsessed with that book (and movie) when I was a kid. The idea of someone finding out that they were kidnapped as a child and that their parents weren't actually their parents was such an interesting concept. This book being about a trans boy learning that he's a DNA match for a baby that was kidnapped from a wealthy family sounded awesome. Unfortunately... this is not a good book.
The characters are constantly having the same conversations over and over again. Reactions and situations are written in a melodramatic way instead of just dramatic. The messages about trans identities, racism, neurodivergence, and more are important, but the way they were delivered to the audience felt didactic instead of feeling seamlessly woven into the narrative. The book is so rushed towards the end and a lot of the important character development happens off page between the last chapter and the epilogue. Also, the trans character is deadnamed on page consistently throughout the book. I think at one point it happens 8 times on one page.
Maybe I just need to reread The Face on the Milk Carton again.
The characters are constantly having the same conversations over and over again. Reactions and situations are written in a melodramatic way instead of just dramatic. The messages about trans identities, racism, neurodivergence, and more are important, but the way they were delivered to the audience felt didactic instead of feeling seamlessly woven into the narrative. The book is so rushed towards the end and a lot of the important character development happens off page between the last chapter and the epilogue. Also, the trans character is deadnamed on page consistently throughout the book. I think at one point it happens 8 times on one page.
Maybe I just need to reread The Face on the Milk Carton again.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Scholastic Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“The Names We Buried” by Mia Siegert is one of those YA thrillers that hooks you with a wild premise and then hits you way harder emotionally than you expect. Before going into this review, I do recommend looking into content warnings as there is some transphobia in this book, such as deadnaming.
The story kicks off with Jaden, a trans teen who’s just trying to move forward with his life, starting with legally changing his name. But instead of a fresh start, everything blows up when his birth certificate is flagged as fake and suddenly his dad is arrested. From there, things spiral fast. A DNA test reveals the truth: Jaden was kidnapped as a baby, and his biological parents have been searching for their daughter for years.
Yeah. It’s a lot.
What really makes this book stand out isn’t just the mystery (though it is twisty and keeps you reading), but how deeply it dives into identity. Jaden isn’t just dealing with the shock of being kidnapped; he’s also forced to confront what it means to belong somewhere when both of his “families” are complicated in very different ways. His dad, who raised him, is flawed but genuinely loving and supportive of his transition. Meanwhile, his biological parents aren’t exactly what they first seem. There are some serious red flags, especially around how they view Jaden’s gender and their desperation to get “their child” back.
And honestly, that emotional tension is where the book shines. Jaden’s anger, confusion, and grief all feel very real. You really feel for him as his entire sense of self gets ripped apart. At the same time, he’s a strong character who advocates for himself and refuses to just be pushed around, which makes his growth throughout the story super satisfying.
There’s also some commentary on toxic relationships, specifically with his boyfriend Andy, who is the worst (though there is some character growth in the end). He’s way more concerned with going viral than respecting Jaden’s privacy, and it’s one of those relationships where you’re constantly like, “please break up with him.” It adds another layer of stress to everything Jaden is already dealing with.
“The Names We Buried” can get a bit heavy-handed with its themes at times, and the ending wraps things up a little too neatly considering how messy everything is. The ending felt a bit rushed, and I wish it was developed more. It would’ve been nice to see more of Jaden actually adjusting to this new reality instead of everything resolving so quickly.
But overall, this is a really unique, emotional thriller that combines mystery with a powerful exploration of identity, family, and belonging. It’s messy in a very human way, and even when it’s frustrating, it keeps you invested.
If you like your thrillers with a lot of heart (and a lot of emotional damage), this one’s definitely worth picking up.
“The Names We Buried” by Mia Siegert is one of those YA thrillers that hooks you with a wild premise and then hits you way harder emotionally than you expect. Before going into this review, I do recommend looking into content warnings as there is some transphobia in this book, such as deadnaming.
The story kicks off with Jaden, a trans teen who’s just trying to move forward with his life, starting with legally changing his name. But instead of a fresh start, everything blows up when his birth certificate is flagged as fake and suddenly his dad is arrested. From there, things spiral fast. A DNA test reveals the truth: Jaden was kidnapped as a baby, and his biological parents have been searching for their daughter for years.
Yeah. It’s a lot.
What really makes this book stand out isn’t just the mystery (though it is twisty and keeps you reading), but how deeply it dives into identity. Jaden isn’t just dealing with the shock of being kidnapped; he’s also forced to confront what it means to belong somewhere when both of his “families” are complicated in very different ways. His dad, who raised him, is flawed but genuinely loving and supportive of his transition. Meanwhile, his biological parents aren’t exactly what they first seem. There are some serious red flags, especially around how they view Jaden’s gender and their desperation to get “their child” back.
And honestly, that emotional tension is where the book shines. Jaden’s anger, confusion, and grief all feel very real. You really feel for him as his entire sense of self gets ripped apart. At the same time, he’s a strong character who advocates for himself and refuses to just be pushed around, which makes his growth throughout the story super satisfying.
There’s also some commentary on toxic relationships, specifically with his boyfriend Andy, who is the worst (though there is some character growth in the end). He’s way more concerned with going viral than respecting Jaden’s privacy, and it’s one of those relationships where you’re constantly like, “please break up with him.” It adds another layer of stress to everything Jaden is already dealing with.
“The Names We Buried” can get a bit heavy-handed with its themes at times, and the ending wraps things up a little too neatly considering how messy everything is. The ending felt a bit rushed, and I wish it was developed more. It would’ve been nice to see more of Jaden actually adjusting to this new reality instead of everything resolving so quickly.
But overall, this is a really unique, emotional thriller that combines mystery with a powerful exploration of identity, family, and belonging. It’s messy in a very human way, and even when it’s frustrating, it keeps you invested.
If you like your thrillers with a lot of heart (and a lot of emotional damage), this one’s definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Jaden Colby is surprised and thrilled when his father and his boyfriend give him what should be the greatest birthday present ever—a trip to the courthouse to legally change his name and gender. But the excitement quickly turns to confusion and fear when his request is rejected because his documents, apparently, were forged. The bigger problem is, this is news even to his dad, who’s accused of forging them.
As you know if you’ve read the blurb, Jaden eventually discovers that he was kidnapped as a baby, and that his birth parents have never given up searching… for their daughter. What follows is a twisty, complicated journey of self-discovery with no real heroes and no real villains, just a lot of messy people trying to do what their human hearts and brains think is best for the ones they love.
Mia Siegert has been a must-buy author for me ever since their debut, JERKBAIT, and if you enjoyed either that or his previous thriller, SOMEBODY TOLD ME, this should resonate with you as well. Siegert’s signature, to-the-point, put-you-right-in-the-character’s-head style is clear and present, and she continues to deliver on the raw emotional punch you’d come to expect from previous titles.
The plot and characters really need to be discussed together, because the characters drive the plot from beginning to end. Every time I thought I had a character figured out, another twist would cause me to doubt the fondness, or raw dislike, I’d developed for them over the previous chapters. From Jaden’s ex-con dad to his influencer boyfriend or bougie homemaker bio mom, every character was developed in such a multifaceted way that they all felt, for better or for worse, human above all.
I also really appreciated the way the story addressed socioeconomic differences alongside gender identity and race, as well as the ways in which socioeconomic class and race co-exist and collide. Class as identity, and the subtle and sometimes not-so-subtle bias against certain professions, lifestyles, and parts of town are topics that feel front-and-center on a daily basis, but are not discussed as often as I’d like to see in modern media. This book makes some powerful points in that area, without becoming preachy or talking down to the teen reader.
TL;DR, THE NAMES WE BURIED is a character-driven story full of raw emotion and grey morality that will have you thinking long after the pages are closed. The trans angle makes it particularly important in today’s political environment, but the themes of family, identity, and maybe-not-quite-forgiveness are timeless, and should continue to move readers for years to come.
Disclaimer: This review is based on an eARC, which I kindly received from the author. That in no way affected this impartial review.
As you know if you’ve read the blurb, Jaden eventually discovers that he was kidnapped as a baby, and that his birth parents have never given up searching… for their daughter. What follows is a twisty, complicated journey of self-discovery with no real heroes and no real villains, just a lot of messy people trying to do what their human hearts and brains think is best for the ones they love.
Mia Siegert has been a must-buy author for me ever since their debut, JERKBAIT, and if you enjoyed either that or his previous thriller, SOMEBODY TOLD ME, this should resonate with you as well. Siegert’s signature, to-the-point, put-you-right-in-the-character’s-head style is clear and present, and she continues to deliver on the raw emotional punch you’d come to expect from previous titles.
The plot and characters really need to be discussed together, because the characters drive the plot from beginning to end. Every time I thought I had a character figured out, another twist would cause me to doubt the fondness, or raw dislike, I’d developed for them over the previous chapters. From Jaden’s ex-con dad to his influencer boyfriend or bougie homemaker bio mom, every character was developed in such a multifaceted way that they all felt, for better or for worse, human above all.
I also really appreciated the way the story addressed socioeconomic differences alongside gender identity and race, as well as the ways in which socioeconomic class and race co-exist and collide. Class as identity, and the subtle and sometimes not-so-subtle bias against certain professions, lifestyles, and parts of town are topics that feel front-and-center on a daily basis, but are not discussed as often as I’d like to see in modern media. This book makes some powerful points in that area, without becoming preachy or talking down to the teen reader.
TL;DR, THE NAMES WE BURIED is a character-driven story full of raw emotion and grey morality that will have you thinking long after the pages are closed. The trans angle makes it particularly important in today’s political environment, but the themes of family, identity, and maybe-not-quite-forgiveness are timeless, and should continue to move readers for years to come.
Disclaimer: This review is based on an eARC, which I kindly received from the author. That in no way affected this impartial review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley, Scholastic Press, and Mia Siegert for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
📝 Summary
Jaden's seventeenth birthday is supposed to be a celebration, marking an important milestone in his life. Instead, a shocking discovery sends everything he thought he knew about himself and his family into question. As long buried secrets come to light, Jaden is forced to navigate questions of identity, family, belonging, and what it truly means to know where you come from.
💭 My Review
The Names We Buried ended up being a much more emotional and layered read than I expected.
At its heart, this is a story about identity, family, belonging, and the complicated ways our past can shape our present. Jaden is faced with an impossible situation, and I thought the author did a wonderful job exploring the emotional impact of everything he discovers without losing sight of who he is as a person.
What stood out most to me was the character growth. Jaden goes through so much over the course of this story, and watching him process new information, question long held beliefs, and ultimately learn more about himself felt authentic and heartfelt. His journey never felt rushed, and I appreciated how much space the story gave him to work through difficult emotions.
This book also touches on many important topics including identity, family relationships, racism, grief, loss, and acceptance. There is a lot packed into these pages, but for the most part I felt the author handled these subjects with care and compassion. Rather than focusing solely on the mystery surrounding Jaden's past, the story takes time to examine how those revelations affect the people involved and the relationships around them.
I was especially invested in the family dynamics. The emotional questions raised throughout the book often felt more powerful than the mystery itself. As secrets came to light, I found myself thinking about love, trust, and the many different ways people build families and support one another through difficult circumstances.
While there were a few moments where I wanted the pacing to move a little faster, I remained engaged because I cared about the characters and wanted to see where their journeys would lead. By the end, I felt satisfied with how everything came together and appreciated the thoughtful approach the author took with such complex subject matter.
✅ Would I Recommend It?
Yes. Readers who enjoy character driven stories, family mysteries, emotional growth, and thoughtful explorations of identity and belonging will likely find a lot to appreciate here. More than anything, this is a story about finding your place in the world and understanding that the people who love us often help shape who we become.
Thank you to NetGalley, Scholastic Press, and Mia Siegert for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
📝 Summary
Jaden's seventeenth birthday is supposed to be a celebration, marking an important milestone in his life. Instead, a shocking discovery sends everything he thought he knew about himself and his family into question. As long buried secrets come to light, Jaden is forced to navigate questions of identity, family, belonging, and what it truly means to know where you come from.
💭 My Review
The Names We Buried ended up being a much more emotional and layered read than I expected.
At its heart, this is a story about identity, family, belonging, and the complicated ways our past can shape our present. Jaden is faced with an impossible situation, and I thought the author did a wonderful job exploring the emotional impact of everything he discovers without losing sight of who he is as a person.
What stood out most to me was the character growth. Jaden goes through so much over the course of this story, and watching him process new information, question long held beliefs, and ultimately learn more about himself felt authentic and heartfelt. His journey never felt rushed, and I appreciated how much space the story gave him to work through difficult emotions.
This book also touches on many important topics including identity, family relationships, racism, grief, loss, and acceptance. There is a lot packed into these pages, but for the most part I felt the author handled these subjects with care and compassion. Rather than focusing solely on the mystery surrounding Jaden's past, the story takes time to examine how those revelations affect the people involved and the relationships around them.
I was especially invested in the family dynamics. The emotional questions raised throughout the book often felt more powerful than the mystery itself. As secrets came to light, I found myself thinking about love, trust, and the many different ways people build families and support one another through difficult circumstances.
While there were a few moments where I wanted the pacing to move a little faster, I remained engaged because I cared about the characters and wanted to see where their journeys would lead. By the end, I felt satisfied with how everything came together and appreciated the thoughtful approach the author took with such complex subject matter.
✅ Would I Recommend It?
Yes. Readers who enjoy character driven stories, family mysteries, emotional growth, and thoughtful explorations of identity and belonging will likely find a lot to appreciate here. More than anything, this is a story about finding your place in the world and understanding that the people who love us often help shape who we become.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When Jaden's father gets arrested and accused of forging Jaden's birth certificate and social security card, he is resolved to figure out why he doesn't have the original documents. With Jaden's father in jail for the weekend and his mother deceased, he desperately decides to use a mail-in DNA test to try to solve the mystery. Unexpected results send Jaden into a whirlwind of secrets, trauma, and family drama.
I guess my review is really a 4 star for my own enjoyment, but a 3 star for recommendation to teen readers. There are parts of this book that I really enjoyed. Jaden's relationship with his dad and his rekindled friendship with Terri are well developed and incorporate realistic conflict resolution. Each of those three characters is fully developed and the side plots involving them are important. Jaden's relationship with Andy is absolutely toxic, and I really didn't like the way all of that ended up playing out. I don't think the messaging related to that relationship was presented well. The real deal-breaker for me in recommending this book is the way Andy introduced drugs into the story. Even though I understand the inclusion of Cookie and how that character relates to later parts of the story, the casual incorporation of Xanax and Adderall without prescriptions and ultimately, without any consequences, isn't the messaging I want for teen readers.
I read an ARC from NetGalley.
I guess my review is really a 4 star for my own enjoyment, but a 3 star for recommendation to teen readers. There are parts of this book that I really enjoyed. Jaden's relationship with his dad and his rekindled friendship with Terri are well developed and incorporate realistic conflict resolution. Each of those three characters is fully developed and the side plots involving them are important. Jaden's relationship with Andy is absolutely toxic, and I really didn't like the way all of that ended up playing out. I don't think the messaging related to that relationship was presented well. The real deal-breaker for me in recommending this book is the way Andy introduced drugs into the story. Even though I understand the inclusion of Cookie and how that character relates to later parts of the story, the casual incorporation of Xanax and Adderall without prescriptions and ultimately, without any consequences, isn't the messaging I want for teen readers.
I read an ARC from NetGalley.
May 11, 2026
I absolutely loved this book’s awareness and inclusion of the trans community, the autism spectrum and the importance of Black Lives Matter. Had those themes not played such a major role in the story, I honestly think this book would have been too YA for me.
Jaden is finally ready to leave his deadname and inaccurate pronouns behind by legally changing his records. But when the request is denied and his father is handcuffed while his boyfriend films the whole thing, everything instantly unravels. It turns out Jaden’s birth certificate and social security card are fake and he was actually kidnapped 17 years ago. His birth parents never stopped searching for their daughter Holly, so how will they react when DNA results lead them to Jaden their son?
I love how fast paced this book was and appreciated the variety of perspectives, races, backgrounds and queer representation but the writing style often felt chaotic and scattered.
I struggled to connect with the characters because their personalities seemed to constantly shift from chapter to chapter. Many of their actions and thought processes felt contradictory to their own viewpoints, which made the story feel disjointed at times. Also, the ending was abrupt and I needed more from the very last chapter.
All and all, I didn’t hate this book just need more constancy and smoother writing/story telling. Would for sure read more from this author.
Jaden is finally ready to leave his deadname and inaccurate pronouns behind by legally changing his records. But when the request is denied and his father is handcuffed while his boyfriend films the whole thing, everything instantly unravels. It turns out Jaden’s birth certificate and social security card are fake and he was actually kidnapped 17 years ago. His birth parents never stopped searching for their daughter Holly, so how will they react when DNA results lead them to Jaden their son?
I love how fast paced this book was and appreciated the variety of perspectives, races, backgrounds and queer representation but the writing style often felt chaotic and scattered.
I struggled to connect with the characters because their personalities seemed to constantly shift from chapter to chapter. Many of their actions and thought processes felt contradictory to their own viewpoints, which made the story feel disjointed at times. Also, the ending was abrupt and I needed more from the very last chapter.
All and all, I didn’t hate this book just need more constancy and smoother writing/story telling. Would for sure read more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Scholastic for an advanced copy of The Names We Buried by Mia Siegert to review! The premise of this one struck me as interesting when I saw it on NetGalley, so I was excited to jump into this thriller. For the most part, I’d say that it didn’t disappoint!
Jaden’s very complicated story unfolds in this book, as he realizes that the mother he grew up with wasn’t everything he thought she was. This book tackles a lot of difficult issues, like identity, family, relationships, and criminal behavior. At times, it almost feels like the story is trying to tackle too much; I think this especially shows in some of the conversations that Jaden has with his best friend, Terri, around racial issues. They are important, but they don’t feel as fluid with the rest of the story.
The best aspect of this book is definitely the character development. There is a large cast of characters here, but they all felt distinct and had an important role in Jaden’s life. They help shape Jaden to who he is, and he gets support as he struggles through his new identity. The relationships also help to add tension to the story, building as everything comes together at the end.
All in all, this is a unique thriller that explores important identity topics, as well as familial issues. If you like complex thrillers, then this book is absolutely for you!
Jaden’s very complicated story unfolds in this book, as he realizes that the mother he grew up with wasn’t everything he thought she was. This book tackles a lot of difficult issues, like identity, family, relationships, and criminal behavior. At times, it almost feels like the story is trying to tackle too much; I think this especially shows in some of the conversations that Jaden has with his best friend, Terri, around racial issues. They are important, but they don’t feel as fluid with the rest of the story.
The best aspect of this book is definitely the character development. There is a large cast of characters here, but they all felt distinct and had an important role in Jaden’s life. They help shape Jaden to who he is, and he gets support as he struggles through his new identity. The relationships also help to add tension to the story, building as everything comes together at the end.
All in all, this is a unique thriller that explores important identity topics, as well as familial issues. If you like complex thrillers, then this book is absolutely for you!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
While some may think this story is not for them, trust me when I say everyone could learn something from this book. Whether it is about the trans community, the legal process for name and gender changes, the racism in prisons and law in general, the privilege across the country, the mental struggles or disorders we hide, the death of a parent, or the secrets we sweep under rugs from others to protect loved ones - this book has something to literally touch everyone. I will say that I struggled to connect to the main character's emotional turmoil (having the courage to take insanely brave steps for a name and gender change, yet also can't fathom a mother's double life?), but overall I see this could be a great success for touching so many different communities and hearts.
Thank you to NetGalley and Scholastic for the ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and Scholastic for the ARC!
May 25, 2026
I don't know why, but I was expecting this to be a fast paced, twisty, popcorn thriller. It wasn't at all that & I'm not at all mad.
There was still that initial mystery behind Jaden's DNA/origin & while it's an insane concept to think about, Mia Siegert did a fantastic job at making this feel very real & serious.
My heart broke for every single person involved. This was a somber story, but so, so good.
I loved all the representation. Each character was so uniquely them & I loved that. Though, I will say, I'm ready to throw hands with Andy when he is.
I do feel that the ending was rushed & abrupt. I wish we would've gotten to see more of Jaden & his biological family integrating together.
Originally, I was hoping that we were going to get the back story of why Margot did what she did, but after finishing & thinking about it, I'm glad that we didn't. Jaden will most likely never know that true reasoning behind it & I enjoy that we, as readers, will also never know along with him. (Although, with that said, I wouldn't be opposed to a prequel with Margot & Mick).
While I thoroughly enjoyed The Names We Buried, I overall think it was a bit too young adult for me to fully immerse myself. This would've been a favorite for 16 year old me & I think this will be (or should be) a popular one for today's youth.
There was still that initial mystery behind Jaden's DNA/origin & while it's an insane concept to think about, Mia Siegert did a fantastic job at making this feel very real & serious.
My heart broke for every single person involved. This was a somber story, but so, so good.
I loved all the representation. Each character was so uniquely them & I loved that. Though, I will say, I'm ready to throw hands with Andy when he is.
I do feel that the ending was rushed & abrupt. I wish we would've gotten to see more of Jaden & his biological family integrating together.
Originally, I was hoping that we were going to get the back story of why Margot did what she did, but after finishing & thinking about it, I'm glad that we didn't. Jaden will most likely never know that true reasoning behind it & I enjoy that we, as readers, will also never know along with him. (Although, with that said, I wouldn't be opposed to a prequel with Margot & Mick).
While I thoroughly enjoyed The Names We Buried, I overall think it was a bit too young adult for me to fully immerse myself. This would've been a favorite for 16 year old me & I think this will be (or should be) a popular one for today's youth.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Realistic Fiction-YA LGBTQ
Jaden is a trans youth. While attempting to officially get his name changed, Jaden’s dad is arrested. The documents are fake. Jaden’s dad insists it’s all a big mixup. On a whim, Jaden takes a DNA test from an ancestry site and it matches him with two perfect strangers. The lies unravel and Jaden is forced to meet his real parents….who named her, HOLLY.
Intrigued by the story line but it fell short for me. In my opinion this author tried to stuff too much into this story. She added an influencer boyfriend for Jaden, a father who is a former addict/ex-convict and a long lost friend who harbors ill feelings for him. I would have preferred a deep dive into this new relationship with his parents, their acceptance of his identity, and how they form a workable relationship with the non-bio dad.
Jaden is a trans youth. While attempting to officially get his name changed, Jaden’s dad is arrested. The documents are fake. Jaden’s dad insists it’s all a big mixup. On a whim, Jaden takes a DNA test from an ancestry site and it matches him with two perfect strangers. The lies unravel and Jaden is forced to meet his real parents….who named her, HOLLY.
Intrigued by the story line but it fell short for me. In my opinion this author tried to stuff too much into this story. She added an influencer boyfriend for Jaden, a father who is a former addict/ex-convict and a long lost friend who harbors ill feelings for him. I would have preferred a deep dive into this new relationship with his parents, their acceptance of his identity, and how they form a workable relationship with the non-bio dad.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a unique book. It includes many perspectives and voices that absolutely need to be represented in the books high schoolers are reading. However, I felt like the plot got lost a little bit in all the advocacy work the author was trying to do. Some of the conflict played out in ways that were fairly predicable, and the lack of any real answers felt frustrating. I understand that the goal was to portray most characters as complex and somewhat flawed, but it ended up making some of them unlikable (except Terri and her family, who rule). It WAS cool to see a book that takes place in Newark as someone from NJ. Overall, I think this would be good for high schoolers who are interested in social justice and advocacy.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I was so intrigued by the concept of this book. I think it does an incredible job exploring complicated family dynamics, trauma, and forgiveness (or lack thereof). Unfortunately, it is extremely repetitive, which keeps me from giving it a higher rating. Jaden has very similar conversations with his birth parents several times, which is not only frustrating but also makes the growth that occurs in the end a bit unrealistic, as the versions of them we see through most of the book seem to be stuck in their own feedback loops. Regardless, I found this book to be enjoyable and a unique perspective in YA lit.
June 22, 2026
A quick read, though hard to enjoy as it was just full of awfulness. Not only the kidnapping, but deadnaming a trans kid, huge violations of trust by the boyfriend, an overdose and a DUI. It's not that the characters themselves were awful, though very few were fully likeable, it's that the book was packed to the gills with awful things happening. I wish we'd seen more of the ways Jaden started to build a relationship with his birth family and how they adapted to finding their son after searching for a daughter for so long. It felt like we just saw the first sign of them all starting to really listen to each other, and then the book jumped ahead to an epilogue.
June 20, 2026
I couldn't stop listening to this book! I'm not usually a big fan of audiobooks, but I was immediately hooked. I finished it in about 24 hours - and you know what? Maybe I should listen to audiobooks more often!
The characters seem authentic, flawed, and the ending (without spoiling anything) has closure even though the characters still have work to do.
The audiobook narrator is top-notch. They bring a voice to Jaden that helped me get a more full picture of the character.
I'd definitely read this again! As an ELA teacher, I'd absolutely put it in my classroom library.
The characters seem authentic, flawed, and the ending (without spoiling anything) has closure even though the characters still have work to do.
The audiobook narrator is top-notch. They bring a voice to Jaden that helped me get a more full picture of the character.
I'd definitely read this again! As an ELA teacher, I'd absolutely put it in my classroom library.
June 22, 2026
By Mia Siegert, the author of Jerkbait and Somebody Told Me, The Names We Buried is top-notch: a YA LGBTQ+ page-turner with a trans protagonist named Jaden, who's in transition in several senses of that stage. Great plot, with more twists than Jersey's Route 519 (but no spoilers here), and family portraits that'll make you chuckle and wince at the same time. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to know how teens navigate today's socio-sexual landscape or for folks who just want a good read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was excited to read this as The Face on the Milk Carton is an all-time favorite of mine. This didn't disappoint exactly, but I do feel that it tried to fit a bit too much into a short runtime and ultimately fell flat on some of the points. Still a decent overall read and I would consider picking up a sequel.
June 14, 2026
I loved this book! I felt so fully connected and immersed in Jaden’s world and his struggles. His story offers such an important perspective that I feel is equally important for transgender teens to be able to have to relate to, as well as for their allies to further understand the transgender experience. This is an emotional read and I couldn’t put it down!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
So different from any other YA thriller. Exploring Jaden’s identity not only as a trans boy but as someone with a deeply traumatic history (with an added kidnapping to boot), this was a really fun read for me
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was kind of all over the place. I was truly intrigued by the premise of a trans boy finding out he was kidnapped as an infant. There was a lot that could have been done but there was a lot of repetition. Jaden had almost the exact same conversation with Alena at two points in the book, nearly word for word. And so much of I’m going but I’m not going, back and forth. And then the epilogue just tied everything up in a neat bow without real explanation. A real missed opportunity.
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June 5, 2026I will forever read anything Mia Siegert writes.
June 9, 2026
I couldn’t put this one down. More, please!!
June 15, 2026
3.5 stars. Audiobook. Almost all of the characters in this book, outside of the main character, were complicatedly unlikeable for most of the book.
June 16, 2026
Intriguing story, but the writing left much to be desired.
Review of advance copy
3.5
My review in School Library Journal:
Gr 9 Up–Jaden’s dad surprises him with the best 17th birthday gift: legally changing his name and gender at the courthouse to reflect his transition. When his birth certificate is flagged by a clerk as fraudulent, they are stunned, and Dad is jailed for the weekend. However, Dad was incarcerated briefly when Jaden was born, so his now-deceased mom handled the paperwork. DNA tests prove olive-skinned Jaden is not the biological child of the white, underprivileged man who raised him, but is a 99.9 percent match for a wealthy Russian Jewish couple whose baby girl was kidnapped as an infant. Jaden’s boyfriend Andy (aka Drew when influencing on social media) betrays them by posting the shocking story online. This unique premise is compelling and fast-paced. Relationships are fleshed out throughout, with Dad being a constant support and Drew the consistently toxic character readers will dislike. Black autistic friend Terri points out privilege, calls out “isms” (including racism and sexism), and provides a safe space. Bio parents Aaron and Alena seem to be manifesting Holly, misgendering Jaden for the daughter they lost years ago, rather than accepting him for who he is. Ivy brings sweetness and laughs to her newfound big brother. Meanwhile, Dad and Jaden must come to terms with mom Margot’s lies, as evidence points to her guilt in the kidnapping. The overall mood for much of the book is emotionally intense, until things suddenly wrap up very quickly in a bow at the end that feels too neat.
VERDICT A unique and intriguing addition to teen collections.
Reviewed by Lisa Krok , May 02, 2026
My review in School Library Journal:
Gr 9 Up–Jaden’s dad surprises him with the best 17th birthday gift: legally changing his name and gender at the courthouse to reflect his transition. When his birth certificate is flagged by a clerk as fraudulent, they are stunned, and Dad is jailed for the weekend. However, Dad was incarcerated briefly when Jaden was born, so his now-deceased mom handled the paperwork. DNA tests prove olive-skinned Jaden is not the biological child of the white, underprivileged man who raised him, but is a 99.9 percent match for a wealthy Russian Jewish couple whose baby girl was kidnapped as an infant. Jaden’s boyfriend Andy (aka Drew when influencing on social media) betrays them by posting the shocking story online. This unique premise is compelling and fast-paced. Relationships are fleshed out throughout, with Dad being a constant support and Drew the consistently toxic character readers will dislike. Black autistic friend Terri points out privilege, calls out “isms” (including racism and sexism), and provides a safe space. Bio parents Aaron and Alena seem to be manifesting Holly, misgendering Jaden for the daughter they lost years ago, rather than accepting him for who he is. Ivy brings sweetness and laughs to her newfound big brother. Meanwhile, Dad and Jaden must come to terms with mom Margot’s lies, as evidence points to her guilt in the kidnapping. The overall mood for much of the book is emotionally intense, until things suddenly wrap up very quickly in a bow at the end that feels too neat.
VERDICT A unique and intriguing addition to teen collections.
Reviewed by Lisa Krok , May 02, 2026
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