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The Other Boy
A heartfelt and timely middle grade story about a transgender boy’s journey toward acceptance and empathy. Perfect for fans of George and Gracefully Grayson.
Twelve-year-old Shane Woods is just a regular boy. He loves pitching for his baseball team, working on his graphic novel, and hanging out with his best friend, Josh. But Shane is keeping something private, something that might make a difference to his teammates, to Josh, and to his new crush, Madeline. And when a classmate threatens to reveal his secret, Shane’s whole world comes crashing down. It will take a lot of courage for Shane to ignore the hate and show the world that he’s still the same boy he was before. And in the end, those who stand beside him may surprise everyone, including Shane.
Twelve-year-old Shane Woods is just a regular boy. He loves pitching for his baseball team, working on his graphic novel, and hanging out with his best friend, Josh. But Shane is keeping something private, something that might make a difference to his teammates, to Josh, and to his new crush, Madeline. And when a classmate threatens to reveal his secret, Shane’s whole world comes crashing down. It will take a lot of courage for Shane to ignore the hate and show the world that he’s still the same boy he was before. And in the end, those who stand beside him may surprise everyone, including Shane.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2016
108 people are currently reading
4470 people want to read
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November 4, 2020
*Thank you to Harper Collins for sending me an ARC of this book. This is my full and honest opinion.*
Actual Rating: 4.25
Meet Shane Woods. He is twelve-years old. He loves playing baseball and drawing his own graphic novel. Oh, and one more thing - he's transgender, something he's kept a secret even from his best friend Josh. But when he's found out, everything comes crashing down, and Shane has to learn how to be strong and love himself in a world that is constantly trying to push him down.
I felt like all the characters were three-dimensional and realistic, and the way they talked and acted definitely mirrored modern society's attitude towards transgender people. I especially loved the dynamic between Shane and Josh, and the emotional journey they went through together was touching in itself.
In fact, throughout the story, I found that one of the most appealing aspects of the characters was how they interacted with Shane before and after they found out about his secret. The side characters have such diverse personalities - just like in real life. Some people were accepting of Shane. Others took some time to get used to the idea. And still others found themselves unable to accept him for who he was. This made the story so much more real, and as I read, I found myself understanding what it would feel like to be rejected by somebody who I loved and who was supposed to love me - because of something that was out of my control.
That leads me to the main character: Shane is such a down-to-earth, relatable, and lovable character, and it was so easy to connect to him and understand why he was feeling the way he was. In fact, as his story progressed, I found that I felt like I was in his shoes, like I was living the story. And once I was in that position, it was so easy to see the effects of bullying and microaggressions on Shane as negative thoughts and doubt began to weigh him down and cloud his identity.
The plot was definitely another strong aspect. Keep in mind that this is a middle grade novel, which is why the storyline was straightforward and fast. However, the simplicity of the plot did not detract at all from how engaging and important the story was. Shane's journey was painfully realistic and heartwarming, and I commend the author very much for writing a book about love and acceptance that will not only pull in readers of all ages, but will also teach young minds the importance of letting people be who they want to be.
The writing style, I would say, is also straightforward, which would be perfect for younger readers, considering that this was a middle grade book. Although everything did seem quite simplistic, I understand that I am older than the target audience. Nevertheless, although the writing style does seem to be for children, I was not bothered because the characters, plot, and message made up for simple style.
Overall, I loved The Other Boy, and I would recommend it to everyone, regardless of age or sexual orientation, and although we are reminded of how cruel the world can be, the book also shows us the other end of the spectrum as we realize that there are people in the world that understand why this is something that is worth fighting for.
Actual Rating: 4.25
Meet Shane Woods. He is twelve-years old. He loves playing baseball and drawing his own graphic novel. Oh, and one more thing - he's transgender, something he's kept a secret even from his best friend Josh. But when he's found out, everything comes crashing down, and Shane has to learn how to be strong and love himself in a world that is constantly trying to push him down.
I felt like all the characters were three-dimensional and realistic, and the way they talked and acted definitely mirrored modern society's attitude towards transgender people. I especially loved the dynamic between Shane and Josh, and the emotional journey they went through together was touching in itself.
In fact, throughout the story, I found that one of the most appealing aspects of the characters was how they interacted with Shane before and after they found out about his secret. The side characters have such diverse personalities - just like in real life. Some people were accepting of Shane. Others took some time to get used to the idea. And still others found themselves unable to accept him for who he was. This made the story so much more real, and as I read, I found myself understanding what it would feel like to be rejected by somebody who I loved and who was supposed to love me - because of something that was out of my control.
That leads me to the main character: Shane is such a down-to-earth, relatable, and lovable character, and it was so easy to connect to him and understand why he was feeling the way he was. In fact, as his story progressed, I found that I felt like I was in his shoes, like I was living the story. And once I was in that position, it was so easy to see the effects of bullying and microaggressions on Shane as negative thoughts and doubt began to weigh him down and cloud his identity.
The plot was definitely another strong aspect. Keep in mind that this is a middle grade novel, which is why the storyline was straightforward and fast. However, the simplicity of the plot did not detract at all from how engaging and important the story was. Shane's journey was painfully realistic and heartwarming, and I commend the author very much for writing a book about love and acceptance that will not only pull in readers of all ages, but will also teach young minds the importance of letting people be who they want to be.
The writing style, I would say, is also straightforward, which would be perfect for younger readers, considering that this was a middle grade book. Although everything did seem quite simplistic, I understand that I am older than the target audience. Nevertheless, although the writing style does seem to be for children, I was not bothered because the characters, plot, and message made up for simple style.
Overall, I loved The Other Boy, and I would recommend it to everyone, regardless of age or sexual orientation, and although we are reminded of how cruel the world can be, the book also shows us the other end of the spectrum as we realize that there are people in the world that understand why this is something that is worth fighting for.
March 2, 2017
I specifically read this to compare with Lily and Dunkin because I want to find a middle grade/juvenile book that has a strong trans main character who seems like a good voice for trans youth but who also resonates with non-trans people so as to engage empathy. I think this one did better than that one and I definitely enjoyed it more, as a reader, but I'm not sure the mark has yet been hit.
Shane's life is going well. He's a star pitcher on the baseball team, his best friend is awesome, his mom is awesome, he's a budding graphic novelist, he's going to start testosterone soon so he can go through puberty like all the other guys, the girl he likes might like him back, and his dad is making a comeback in his life. *RECORD SCRATCH* His dad also thinks of him as his little girl and calls Shane a tomboy instead of a boy-boy. And also? His nemesis at school has found out that Shane hasn't always presented as a boy and if that information gets leaked...
So, again, we've got the super supportive mother contrasted with the father who is freaked out by his child's gender identity. Again, we've got the privileged white kid whose family can afford hormone therapy. Again, we have the bully and his crew who are so obviously bullies, cookie-cutter mean kids, who play the role of antagonist simply because there has to be a bully in order to show what trans kids deal with. And again, we have the child who manifests gender identity through gender conformity - the reader knows Shane is a boy because he likes a girl, he plays baseball, he plays video games, he fights back and he shows his anger. Those are boy traits, despite plenty of people who aren't boys also having those traits but let's not bring the real world into this. But, really, this is a thing that I find irritating, the whole "I am obviously this gender because of these arbitrary reasons that actually have nothing to do with anything but have somehow been assigned to the gender I so obviously am" It makes me question my own gender (I'm totally lying for the sake of hyperbole) because I just took apart a fish head last night and was entirely fascinated by the gills and also the jellyness of the boiled brains. That's not a very lady-like activity in which to engage and, as a female, I probably should have been at least moderately grossed-out for the sake of modesty or something. According to these books, I might be a boy, since I do boy things like dissect boiled fish heads.
Yeah, yeah, that's not what these books are saying, I know. I know that, alright? But it is what these books are implying, however unintentionally. It might be subtle, but it's there, the whole reinforcement of the pink and blue, Venus and Mars ideals and I don't like it.
Regardless, I did appreciate that the message in this story was not as over-the-head-bashing as it was in the other book. I did actually believe Shane was a boy and not because of the boy things in which he engaged. The addition of those boy things were like Post-It notes all over the place reminding me that he was a boy but that's not what made me believe in the first place. His belief made me believe and that was missing from Lily & Dunkin
This story did manage to focus on one big topic. Yes, of course other things were going on - Shane's dad is about to get remarried and the new fiancee is sprung on Shane unexpectedly plus there's a big baseball game coming up as well as general school worries. But these weren't big issues that were competing for space on the page, they actually did round out the character. I liked that.
I felt that perhaps, once again, the story was a bit more gentle than life but I appreciated the addition of daily details like how Shane manages to change in the locker room every day and not be noticed. That might be helpful to other transboys who are too afraid to engage in sports, though, honestly, I'm not sure how well changing in the stall every single time would work in actuality. Still, this shows there's a workaround, that there's always a workaround...until there isn't.
The author says she works with trans youth via many outlets so she's part of the community but she doesn't say if she's trans, herself. The illustrator is trans, though I'm not sure how much input they had with the story. I know there are stories about trans characters written by trans authors and I need to get my hands on those because, right now, I'd rather read trans people telling their own tales.
Shane's life is going well. He's a star pitcher on the baseball team, his best friend is awesome, his mom is awesome, he's a budding graphic novelist, he's going to start testosterone soon so he can go through puberty like all the other guys, the girl he likes might like him back, and his dad is making a comeback in his life. *RECORD SCRATCH* His dad also thinks of him as his little girl and calls Shane a tomboy instead of a boy-boy. And also? His nemesis at school has found out that Shane hasn't always presented as a boy and if that information gets leaked...
So, again, we've got the super supportive mother contrasted with the father who is freaked out by his child's gender identity. Again, we've got the privileged white kid whose family can afford hormone therapy. Again, we have the bully and his crew who are so obviously bullies, cookie-cutter mean kids, who play the role of antagonist simply because there has to be a bully in order to show what trans kids deal with. And again, we have the child who manifests gender identity through gender conformity - the reader knows Shane is a boy because he likes a girl, he plays baseball, he plays video games, he fights back and he shows his anger. Those are boy traits, despite plenty of people who aren't boys also having those traits but let's not bring the real world into this. But, really, this is a thing that I find irritating, the whole "I am obviously this gender because of these arbitrary reasons that actually have nothing to do with anything but have somehow been assigned to the gender I so obviously am" It makes me question my own gender (I'm totally lying for the sake of hyperbole) because I just took apart a fish head last night and was entirely fascinated by the gills and also the jellyness of the boiled brains. That's not a very lady-like activity in which to engage and, as a female, I probably should have been at least moderately grossed-out for the sake of modesty or something. According to these books, I might be a boy, since I do boy things like dissect boiled fish heads.
Yeah, yeah, that's not what these books are saying, I know. I know that, alright? But it is what these books are implying, however unintentionally. It might be subtle, but it's there, the whole reinforcement of the pink and blue, Venus and Mars ideals and I don't like it.
Regardless, I did appreciate that the message in this story was not as over-the-head-bashing as it was in the other book. I did actually believe Shane was a boy and not because of the boy things in which he engaged. The addition of those boy things were like Post-It notes all over the place reminding me that he was a boy but that's not what made me believe in the first place. His belief made me believe and that was missing from Lily & Dunkin
This story did manage to focus on one big topic. Yes, of course other things were going on - Shane's dad is about to get remarried and the new fiancee is sprung on Shane unexpectedly plus there's a big baseball game coming up as well as general school worries. But these weren't big issues that were competing for space on the page, they actually did round out the character. I liked that.
I felt that perhaps, once again, the story was a bit more gentle than life but I appreciated the addition of daily details like how Shane manages to change in the locker room every day and not be noticed. That might be helpful to other transboys who are too afraid to engage in sports, though, honestly, I'm not sure how well changing in the stall every single time would work in actuality. Still, this shows there's a workaround, that there's always a workaround...until there isn't.
The author says she works with trans youth via many outlets so she's part of the community but she doesn't say if she's trans, herself. The illustrator is trans, though I'm not sure how much input they had with the story. I know there are stories about trans characters written by trans authors and I need to get my hands on those because, right now, I'd rather read trans people telling their own tales.
May 20, 2017
I struggle with reviewing books like this. On the one hand, I have been searching and searching for a children's/teen book about a trans BOY. I feel like every book for younger readers about a trans character is about a trans girl. So the fact that this book exists at all makes me happy and fills a need.
But...it's...not...that good.
#1: The author isn't trans. It is hard for me to know how authentic the experience is without the author being from within the experience. It SEEMED OK to me, but since I am also not trans, I feel like I can't accurately verify whether or not this is an accurate representation of what it's like to be a 12-year-old trans kid.
#2: WHY did the author find it necessary to include a super ableist line? Kids are aware of intersectionality. A trans kid -- someone who knows what it's like to be seen as different by everyone in the world -- would probably not think the ableist line included in the book (unfortunately it's not in front of me right now or I'd quote it). I would get it if it was a character choice, and the character was learning too...but it's just a throw-away line, and I found it unnecessary and upsetting.
#3: I know that I'm not the intended audience for this book, but I just wish there had been a little more to the story. I wanted it to be less formulaic and filled with coincidence that drove it forward. I wanted it to be more special.
All that being said, I will recommend this book. Because it exists. I long for the day when the market is so saturated with books about (AND BY) people like Shane that I can afford to be picky with what I recommend.
But...it's...not...that good.
#1: The author isn't trans. It is hard for me to know how authentic the experience is without the author being from within the experience. It SEEMED OK to me, but since I am also not trans, I feel like I can't accurately verify whether or not this is an accurate representation of what it's like to be a 12-year-old trans kid.
#2: WHY did the author find it necessary to include a super ableist line? Kids are aware of intersectionality. A trans kid -- someone who knows what it's like to be seen as different by everyone in the world -- would probably not think the ableist line included in the book (unfortunately it's not in front of me right now or I'd quote it). I would get it if it was a character choice, and the character was learning too...but it's just a throw-away line, and I found it unnecessary and upsetting.
#3: I know that I'm not the intended audience for this book, but I just wish there had been a little more to the story. I wanted it to be less formulaic and filled with coincidence that drove it forward. I wanted it to be more special.
All that being said, I will recommend this book. Because it exists. I long for the day when the market is so saturated with books about (AND BY) people like Shane that I can afford to be picky with what I recommend.
February 28, 2018
I don't usually write reviews, but a scroll through the comments showed me there weren't a lot of trans folks reviewing this book and I didn't see any reviews from female to male trans folks. Granted, I didn't read every review. I started identifying as male as early as around three or four. This was in the early 70s, so times were very different. I didn't know there was such a thing as being transgendered until I was 15. And then, it was only trans women and generally treated as a curiosity. I do remember my excitement when I learned there was "sex change operations" (the words off the time). My mom did not share my excitement and made a point of mentioning how these were all males to females. If there was such a thing as hormone therapy for teens back then, it was a rare thing and not at all on option for me. So obviously, in many ways my life was vastly different.
Having said all that, this book read very true to me. I could relate to Shane. I could relate to his fears and wants. I could relate to how he thought about gender. And yes, his thinking was stereotypical, in many ways. His thoughts about what makes him a boy are in terms of behaviors that doesn't fit all boys. (Sports, liking girls, etc). Shane is only twelve and that is still how boys are portrayed much (perhaps most) of the time. That's how I related to being a boy as a child. There were deeper reason's but those were beyond my ability to verbalize. It's hard as an adult to verbalize identity without using simplistic examples.
The stresses of being stealth are immense. Locker rooms stress me out and probably always will even though I transitioned years ago. The world is much more accepting of trans folks now but there's always that uncertainty of how you will be perceived and accepted. I am glad that this book didn't make everyone automatically accept him. That his parents struggled (each in their own way) with understanding Shane as he is. That's honest and will make young readers connect more deeply to this book.
Having said all that, this book read very true to me. I could relate to Shane. I could relate to his fears and wants. I could relate to how he thought about gender. And yes, his thinking was stereotypical, in many ways. His thoughts about what makes him a boy are in terms of behaviors that doesn't fit all boys. (Sports, liking girls, etc). Shane is only twelve and that is still how boys are portrayed much (perhaps most) of the time. That's how I related to being a boy as a child. There were deeper reason's but those were beyond my ability to verbalize. It's hard as an adult to verbalize identity without using simplistic examples.
The stresses of being stealth are immense. Locker rooms stress me out and probably always will even though I transitioned years ago. The world is much more accepting of trans folks now but there's always that uncertainty of how you will be perceived and accepted. I am glad that this book didn't make everyone automatically accept him. That his parents struggled (each in their own way) with understanding Shane as he is. That's honest and will make young readers connect more deeply to this book.
July 24, 2018
3.5 stars
February 12, 2025
2.25 stars ...
That was ... weak. 😒
Very lame, cliche, predictable plot ...
with utterly ridiculous dialogue. 🙄
For example, Mom literally said,
"If you're going to act like a five year old,
I'm going to treat you like a five year old." 🤦♂️
There are much better options out there.
'Nuf said.
That was ... weak. 😒
Very lame, cliche, predictable plot ...
with utterly ridiculous dialogue. 🙄
For example, Mom literally said,
"If you're going to act like a five year old,
I'm going to treat you like a five year old." 🤦♂️
There are much better options out there.
'Nuf said.
October 20, 2017
I gave The Other Boy four stars because of the unique topic. I really liked how the story touched on an important topic that authors usually steer sway from. I think it is really important to know about. I enjoyed reading about what people go through when they live a different lifestyle. M. G. Hennessy shared a powerful message through a character people can relate to socially. Overall, The Other Boy got a four star rating from me.
December 26, 2016
Finished this book in one sitting.
Review to come.
Review to come.
May 30, 2018
This book isn’t the perfect transgender narrative, yet it’s pretty close for a middle grade read. Albeit, I’m sure critics will say that Shane’s parents were on the extremely supportive side and that’s extremely rare, I loved looking through the lens of a preteen in transition because it made me think about how I’d support my students in this position.
Shane’s struggles seem real: protecting his identity, beginning to date, divorced parents with different opinions, jerkface bullies.
Yet, he has a support system that carries him through even the most traumatic experiences, which is a lesson for us all...(PS...I ADORE Josh!)
This book is great for any reader 10 and up! I loved it.
Shane’s struggles seem real: protecting his identity, beginning to date, divorced parents with different opinions, jerkface bullies.
Yet, he has a support system that carries him through even the most traumatic experiences, which is a lesson for us all...(PS...I ADORE Josh!)
This book is great for any reader 10 and up! I loved it.
August 18, 2016
arc from edelweiss
Summary: A rock-solid “issue” novel about a male-identified transgender with credible male dialogue and a brisk plot pacing. Will appeal to a wide range of readers, including those with no prior connection to trans* issues.
Review: When readers meet sixth grader Shane Woods, they learn a few important things about him. They learn that he’s an ace pitcher, that he has a best friend, Josh, and that his divorced parents act coolly towards each other. He has a major crush on a redhead named Madeleine and that he has superb taste (well, that’s my opinion) in cancelled TV shows.
Readers later learn that Shane was born a female, but has been living as a male since age eight. His old school knew about his transition, and he felt like he was treated like a special case at his old school. Moving to a new school allowed him a fresh start, and he’s been living a regular boy life for the past three years … until his enemy on the baseball field uncovers a picture of him as a girl.
Yes, this is a book about a transgender character, but it does not dwell upon transgender identities. Instead, it’s a book about somebody who decides to keep something private. I’m glad the author chose this presentation not because gender identity isn’t important, but rather because a story about a character who has a secret he doesn’t want others in his school knowing is something that any middle school kid could relate to, interest in transgender issues aside.
Three cheers for the bittersweet developments of the peers and adults who react to this information, including a heartbreaking scene or two and some realistic portrayals of bullying, self harm ideation, and school avoidance. There are also a few scenes that are a little bit Rudy-ish, but I’ll give it a pass -- it’s a children’s book, and it needs some unrealistically heartwarming scenes. Best of all, though, are the bevy of characters who, well intentioned as they are, end up saying the wrong things. Yes, the world has bigots, assholes, and transphobes, but they are far overwhelmed by the number of people who need to listen more and assume less.
Summary: A rock-solid “issue” novel about a male-identified transgender with credible male dialogue and a brisk plot pacing. Will appeal to a wide range of readers, including those with no prior connection to trans* issues.
Review: When readers meet sixth grader Shane Woods, they learn a few important things about him. They learn that he’s an ace pitcher, that he has a best friend, Josh, and that his divorced parents act coolly towards each other. He has a major crush on a redhead named Madeleine and that he has superb taste (well, that’s my opinion) in cancelled TV shows.
Readers later learn that Shane was born a female, but has been living as a male since age eight. His old school knew about his transition, and he felt like he was treated like a special case at his old school. Moving to a new school allowed him a fresh start, and he’s been living a regular boy life for the past three years … until his enemy on the baseball field uncovers a picture of him as a girl.
Yes, this is a book about a transgender character, but it does not dwell upon transgender identities. Instead, it’s a book about somebody who decides to keep something private. I’m glad the author chose this presentation not because gender identity isn’t important, but rather because a story about a character who has a secret he doesn’t want others in his school knowing is something that any middle school kid could relate to, interest in transgender issues aside.
Three cheers for the bittersweet developments of the peers and adults who react to this information, including a heartbreaking scene or two and some realistic portrayals of bullying, self harm ideation, and school avoidance. There are also a few scenes that are a little bit Rudy-ish, but I’ll give it a pass -- it’s a children’s book, and it needs some unrealistically heartwarming scenes. Best of all, though, are the bevy of characters who, well intentioned as they are, end up saying the wrong things. Yes, the world has bigots, assholes, and transphobes, but they are far overwhelmed by the number of people who need to listen more and assume less.
June 12, 2017
3.5
I'm glad to finally be seeing some stories focused on transboys, and I look forward to the day when the narratives about trans* folks no longer have to be so heteronormative in order to be palatable to non-trans folks. Overall, this was a good book, and I think it could really help someone out who might be in the thick of questioning or transitioning. No, Shane's life wasn't fraught with hardships, but he faced some real (real life) challenges, and it was good to see him overcome those obstacles. It's a pretty basic hero's journey, but it gets the job done.
I'm glad to finally be seeing some stories focused on transboys, and I look forward to the day when the narratives about trans* folks no longer have to be so heteronormative in order to be palatable to non-trans folks. Overall, this was a good book, and I think it could really help someone out who might be in the thick of questioning or transitioning. No, Shane's life wasn't fraught with hardships, but he faced some real (real life) challenges, and it was good to see him overcome those obstacles. It's a pretty basic hero's journey, but it gets the job done.
September 10, 2023
I wanted to like this book really bad. When I read the blurb for this I got very excited. Trans men have, historically, been hyperinvisible, and thus we don’t hear about them often. I was excited because I was not expecting a single trans kid to be on the open library list i’m currently working through, let alone a trans boy.
:(
I think it’s good that we don’t learn that Shane’s trans until the second or third chapter. I think it might help get a cis audience attached to him before finding out. Lots of books like this start off like “Hi. I’m Shane and I’m transgender. That means I was born a-” no. They didn’t do that and I’m very glad for it.
There are a lot of reviews upset that this story is only about Shane being trans. I don’t really mind that. There are so many ways to be trans and so many ways that it can hurt. Also, lots of us are very sad. I have a few trans characters of my own and *so far* everything I've written for them has started off sad, because I’m sad often. There’s nothing wrong with telling accurate stories about how it can feel to be trans. Censoring that very common experience is not helpful.
I did however have a lot of issues with this book.
Shane is just kinda… mean. There was one comment about cerebral palsy that was uncomfortable and unnecessary. Shane and his friend make fun of a fat guy in a spiderman costume for some reason. He calls someone a “Cutter” instead of just saying that they cut or self harmed. He describes someone with an eating disorder as being so thin they could barely hold themselves up. Shane regularly microaggressions his cantonese best friend Josh by telling him his lunch reeks.
Look. I get it. I know that kids are mean. I know they think, say and do way worse. I have been alive for long enough to know that. However, this isn’t homestuck. This is written for kids. The protagonists shouldn’t be regurgitating awful things they’ve heard without being questioned. The worst part is every single one of these things was a throwaway line. They were totally unnecessary and they made me upset. When likable characters say things like that, kids think it’s okay. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
To be honest, I can’t attest to the representation in this book. There are two trans characters in this book, Shane, and his friend Alejandra, and both of them have had vastly different experiences to me. I can only say the percentages are unrealistic.
Shane is twelve years old and on puberty blockers. Over the course of the book he gets onto T. Shane’s been stealth for his whole middle school career. All of these things are very very uncommon in real life, but they apparently aren’t for the trans kids in this book. Both Shane and Alejandra pass(ed) at school. Alejandra is even able to pass to the boys she dates. To the point where at a PFLAG meeting she brings up wanting to come out to her boyfriend. A girl there says something like ‘don’t do it, my boyfriend couldn’t handle it’ and other people agree.
I interpreted that as all of these kids are A. stealth, B. have supportive enough parents, and C. have delayed puberty and started hormones early and are thus able to pass flawlessly. Cause, you can’t exactly have the first one without the second two.
I shouldn’t have to explain how unbelievable that is.
I’ve been to some online trans things, my middle-school gsa, and a few trans specific meetings at an organization very similar to PFLAG. This is not at all my experience. I don’t know a single person who was on puberty blockers. I know two of two people under 18 who currently are on hrt. I know one person who just turned 18 who is on hrt. Everyone else I know is unable to medically transition right now, or doesn’t want to. All the people I mentioned have very very supportive parents.
In 2020 when I was cisgender and watching Blaire White videos to “diversify my intake of political opinion” I watched her interview a trans girl who I believe was 16 and had medically transitioned very young. She talked about having been able to live her life relatively unmediated and was aware of how uncommon her experience was.
There’s a weird disclaimer at the back of the book where the author talks about ‘oh not every trans person is the same, this is just the story of one kid blah blah blah’. I only read about half of it because it was so insincere. Maybe they meant it, I don't know, but if all the trans people in your book have the same experience that doesn’t mean anything to me. They said they interviewed trans kids as research for the book but how did they find these kids? I really don’t know. Alejandra’s family is supposed to be really big, and she’s supposed to not have a lot of money. If that’s true, HOW IS SHE ABLE ON E??? HOW COULD SHE POSSIBLY AFFORD THAT AFTER PUBERTY BLOCKERS???
This whole book is extremely binary and transmedicalist coded. I’m not going to talk about it now, because I really don’t want to, but that’s a thing to be aware of. Very aware of.
Overall, I’m very disappointed in this book… I think I’m going to lower it again to two stars. I want you to know that I really don’t want to do that. I don’t.
I am making a video about all the books on the open library list. A more fleshed out version of this review will be apart of that and linked here when it is done. When I finish that I’ll probably add to this more.
:(
I think it’s good that we don’t learn that Shane’s trans until the second or third chapter. I think it might help get a cis audience attached to him before finding out. Lots of books like this start off like “Hi. I’m Shane and I’m transgender. That means I was born a-” no. They didn’t do that and I’m very glad for it.
There are a lot of reviews upset that this story is only about Shane being trans. I don’t really mind that. There are so many ways to be trans and so many ways that it can hurt. Also, lots of us are very sad. I have a few trans characters of my own and *so far* everything I've written for them has started off sad, because I’m sad often. There’s nothing wrong with telling accurate stories about how it can feel to be trans. Censoring that very common experience is not helpful.
I did however have a lot of issues with this book.
Shane is just kinda… mean. There was one comment about cerebral palsy that was uncomfortable and unnecessary. Shane and his friend make fun of a fat guy in a spiderman costume for some reason. He calls someone a “Cutter” instead of just saying that they cut or self harmed. He describes someone with an eating disorder as being so thin they could barely hold themselves up. Shane regularly microaggressions his cantonese best friend Josh by telling him his lunch reeks.
Look. I get it. I know that kids are mean. I know they think, say and do way worse. I have been alive for long enough to know that. However, this isn’t homestuck. This is written for kids. The protagonists shouldn’t be regurgitating awful things they’ve heard without being questioned. The worst part is every single one of these things was a throwaway line. They were totally unnecessary and they made me upset. When likable characters say things like that, kids think it’s okay. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
To be honest, I can’t attest to the representation in this book. There are two trans characters in this book, Shane, and his friend Alejandra, and both of them have had vastly different experiences to me. I can only say the percentages are unrealistic.
Shane is twelve years old and on puberty blockers. Over the course of the book he gets onto T. Shane’s been stealth for his whole middle school career. All of these things are very very uncommon in real life, but they apparently aren’t for the trans kids in this book. Both Shane and Alejandra pass(ed) at school. Alejandra is even able to pass to the boys she dates. To the point where at a PFLAG meeting she brings up wanting to come out to her boyfriend. A girl there says something like ‘don’t do it, my boyfriend couldn’t handle it’ and other people agree.
I interpreted that as all of these kids are A. stealth, B. have supportive enough parents, and C. have delayed puberty and started hormones early and are thus able to pass flawlessly. Cause, you can’t exactly have the first one without the second two.
I shouldn’t have to explain how unbelievable that is.
I’ve been to some online trans things, my middle-school gsa, and a few trans specific meetings at an organization very similar to PFLAG. This is not at all my experience. I don’t know a single person who was on puberty blockers. I know two of two people under 18 who currently are on hrt. I know one person who just turned 18 who is on hrt. Everyone else I know is unable to medically transition right now, or doesn’t want to. All the people I mentioned have very very supportive parents.
In 2020 when I was cisgender and watching Blaire White videos to “diversify my intake of political opinion” I watched her interview a trans girl who I believe was 16 and had medically transitioned very young. She talked about having been able to live her life relatively unmediated and was aware of how uncommon her experience was.
There’s a weird disclaimer at the back of the book where the author talks about ‘oh not every trans person is the same, this is just the story of one kid blah blah blah’. I only read about half of it because it was so insincere. Maybe they meant it, I don't know, but if all the trans people in your book have the same experience that doesn’t mean anything to me. They said they interviewed trans kids as research for the book but how did they find these kids? I really don’t know. Alejandra’s family is supposed to be really big, and she’s supposed to not have a lot of money. If that’s true, HOW IS SHE ABLE ON E??? HOW COULD SHE POSSIBLY AFFORD THAT AFTER PUBERTY BLOCKERS???
This whole book is extremely binary and transmedicalist coded. I’m not going to talk about it now, because I really don’t want to, but that’s a thing to be aware of. Very aware of.
Overall, I’m very disappointed in this book… I think I’m going to lower it again to two stars. I want you to know that I really don’t want to do that. I don’t.
I am making a video about all the books on the open library list. A more fleshed out version of this review will be apart of that and linked here when it is done. When I finish that I’ll probably add to this more.
October 2, 2016
Shane is hyper sensitive to keeping his secret private. He feels like a boy trapped in a girl's body. His mom is very supportiv his dad struggling with the concept. Shane himself is trying to build up the courage to tell others.
I understand it's difficult to tell others that you're on the gender Spectrum. However I wish books like this would go a little bit beyond them struggling to tell about it and more about coping with the day to day activities. I kinda feel like the girl does in the book, you have a lot of choices. Maybe once there are more books that deal with the subject, they can move past the difficult first day of people knowing and more into their actual life. I don't know if that will happen though because the majority of "black" books still only focus on slavery. I hope these LBGT style books don't get stuck in that same rut.
I understand it's difficult to tell others that you're on the gender Spectrum. However I wish books like this would go a little bit beyond them struggling to tell about it and more about coping with the day to day activities. I kinda feel like the girl does in the book, you have a lot of choices. Maybe once there are more books that deal with the subject, they can move past the difficult first day of people knowing and more into their actual life. I don't know if that will happen though because the majority of "black" books still only focus on slavery. I hope these LBGT style books don't get stuck in that same rut.
July 16, 2017
Some of us are beginning to understand more of what transgender people go through. However, I still believe people do not really know. This book is is a good beginning and place to start, moving towards greater understanding and recognizing that we can no longer have two genders. People need to be able to be themselves. I do hope this book will help children and teens.
May 27, 2016
This was a short, sweet and quick read with an important message. I loved it. I loved the writing, the story, the characters,... All of it. Highly recommended!
Review to come. Probably.
Review to come. Probably.
August 26, 2018
Setelah sekian lama, akhirnya merasakan lagi pengalaman meminjam buku di perpustakaan, membawanya pulang ke rumah, menyelesaikannya, dan mengembalikannya. Mengenyampingkan timbunan yang sudah bertumpuk di sisi tempat tidur, aku terabas buku ini karena ceritanya seru dan sedikit tidak biasa.
Bercerita anak laki-laki transgender Shane yang jago sekali bermain baseball. Ia sudah lebih dari tiga tahun tinggal bersama ibunya di Los Angeles setelah meninggalkan masa lalunya di San Fransisco. Di sekolah barunya, Shane begitu akrab dengan Josh. Mereka selalu bersama sejak Shane tiba di L.A. dan sama-sama masuk tim bisbol sekolah.
Sebagaimana sahabat, Shane dan Josh selalu berbagi informasi tentang segala hal; dari permainan Xbox sampai cewek taksiran mereka. Namun, satu hal yang tidak bisa Shane bagi pada Josh: fakta bahwa dia sebenarnya seorang transgender. Apakah Josh akan mengetahui rahasia (privasi) Shane itu? Bagaimana reaksi Josh jika dia tahu bahwa karibnya memiliki vagina alih-alih penis?
Sebuah kisah remaja tanggung yang menggugah. Walaupun sudah tahu bagaimana alurnya, aku dibuat hanyut oleh bagaimana seorang remaja tanggung "spesial" seperti Shane menghadapi masa-masa sulitnya. Buku yang akan membuka mata remaja tanggung dan para orang tua. Buku ini juga dilengkapi ilustrasi komik karya Sfé R. Monster.
Bercerita anak laki-laki transgender Shane yang jago sekali bermain baseball. Ia sudah lebih dari tiga tahun tinggal bersama ibunya di Los Angeles setelah meninggalkan masa lalunya di San Fransisco. Di sekolah barunya, Shane begitu akrab dengan Josh. Mereka selalu bersama sejak Shane tiba di L.A. dan sama-sama masuk tim bisbol sekolah.
Sebagaimana sahabat, Shane dan Josh selalu berbagi informasi tentang segala hal; dari permainan Xbox sampai cewek taksiran mereka. Namun, satu hal yang tidak bisa Shane bagi pada Josh: fakta bahwa dia sebenarnya seorang transgender. Apakah Josh akan mengetahui rahasia (privasi) Shane itu? Bagaimana reaksi Josh jika dia tahu bahwa karibnya memiliki vagina alih-alih penis?
Sebuah kisah remaja tanggung yang menggugah. Walaupun sudah tahu bagaimana alurnya, aku dibuat hanyut oleh bagaimana seorang remaja tanggung "spesial" seperti Shane menghadapi masa-masa sulitnya. Buku yang akan membuka mata remaja tanggung dan para orang tua. Buku ini juga dilengkapi ilustrasi komik karya Sfé R. Monster.
December 31, 2023
A quick and easy read.
An absolute blessing of a book for the LGBT community; for youth and parents alike.
A healthy reminder that a loving environment can save lives of LGBT children in the face of a misguided and hateful world.
An absolute blessing of a book for the LGBT community; for youth and parents alike.
A healthy reminder that a loving environment can save lives of LGBT children in the face of a misguided and hateful world.
November 1, 2025
I wanted to like this, but the microaggressions are wiiiiiiiilllllldddddd. Like we’re really saying that an Asian kid’s lunch is “smelly” and gross???? We’re making fun of “fat” people? Yikes
November 16, 2019
I noticed that media covering trans characters usually stick to trans women so I am so happy to be able to read a story about a trans boy in middle school. This book was well written and Shane was a very likeable character. I also appreciated the end note from the author noting that everyone's journey is different and this is just one example.
October 25, 2017
this is what books are meant for. To have empathy and begin to understand the perspective of other people.
The Other Boy is geared for 6th and 7th graders. it is the story of a transgender boy dealing with middle school boy issues. It has interesting characters and shows what support looks like.
it is a great addition to my classroom library!
The Other Boy is geared for 6th and 7th graders. it is the story of a transgender boy dealing with middle school boy issues. It has interesting characters and shows what support looks like.
it is a great addition to my classroom library!
June 24, 2021
Content warning: Fatphobic comments, transphobia, ableism, mentions of self harm thoughts, and eating disorders
I have mixed feelings about this book.
First of all, I want to say that I am a trans man and I'm aware that not every trans person has the same experience. I am also aware that I'm not the target age range as I'm 25.
As far as I'm aware, the author is cisgender, and is telling the story of a trans boy
This story sticks a lot to hetronormality, as the way the main character is a boy because he likes sports, video games, and doesn't like dresses or skirts. Which of course, is true for a lot of trans boys, but not all. He rejects all things considered feminine, which isn't true for a lot of people. I would have loved to have seen him not be so stereotypical mascaline. Even in the way he speaks seems very much like 'girls suck'.
Another thing is that two trans characters both talk about how they knew they were trans at around 3. For both of them to know so early just seems very unrealistic. Yes, some people do know very young, but I would have loved a little bit more of a mixture just for the story, even if one only 'knew' at a later age such as 5-8 (they are both 12 from what I can gather). Not everyone knows at such a young age and this kind of makes it seem that everyone does know straight away.
The story is fairly basic, and is not a storyline that is anything new. The typical, one parent is supportive, the other doesn't understand, the whole being outed by a bully etc. This is done a lot, the only thing different about this book is maybe the discussion around the main character having started puberty blockers and hormones (at 12 is still very young and not something that is possible for most trans people).
I like the discussion around the hormones and the main character having doctors appointments, group sessions and therapy, but this is also something that is so very rarely done with trans children.
The main character is 12 years old, but sometimes seemed really mature for his age, and other times seemed really young. I also found him quite annoying but this could just be because I'm not the target age group. He is very privileged to be out already and have a supportive parent and starting hormones. But doesn't seem to really understand this, which maybe it's because of his age. Transitioning is hard but you're told to look at things slowly and take small milestones and to be proud of what you've done already, because it's all huge steps.
I would say this book is probably more for the older ages of middle grade, and maybe with discussions around it.
With a story about a trans boy, focusing around being trans and trans experiences, I can just tell when it's written by someone who isn't trans. There are just some things in the story that just don't feel right and feel almost like they fit too well into the stereotypes surrounding trans people. As the author said, not every trans person is the same, so why do I feel like there are so many stereotypes about being trans in this book??
There is also a bit at the start of the book where Shane's mum and doctor insists that he wasn't 'born in the wrong body' and he agrees. I was really happy that this was included because this phrase is often rejected within the trans community and with health care professionals, because there is nothing wrong with our body, it's our body and we just do what we have to to feel more comfortable, which includes transitioning, socially and sometimes medically. This eases gender dysphoria. This phrase sounds like that even if we transition, there is still something wrong with our bodies, which there isn't.
But throughout the story, Shane mentions multiple times about being born in the wrong body. This just seems very odd considering earlier in the book he agreed that nothing was wrong with his body.
Books like these are important to spark conversations and I hope that it leads people to read more books with trans characters in order to understand more. If you're looking for recommendations, I recommend reading 'George by Alex Gino'
I have mixed feelings about this book.
First of all, I want to say that I am a trans man and I'm aware that not every trans person has the same experience. I am also aware that I'm not the target age range as I'm 25.
As far as I'm aware, the author is cisgender, and is telling the story of a trans boy
This story sticks a lot to hetronormality, as the way the main character is a boy because he likes sports, video games, and doesn't like dresses or skirts. Which of course, is true for a lot of trans boys, but not all. He rejects all things considered feminine, which isn't true for a lot of people. I would have loved to have seen him not be so stereotypical mascaline. Even in the way he speaks seems very much like 'girls suck'.
Another thing is that two trans characters both talk about how they knew they were trans at around 3. For both of them to know so early just seems very unrealistic. Yes, some people do know very young, but I would have loved a little bit more of a mixture just for the story, even if one only 'knew' at a later age such as 5-8 (they are both 12 from what I can gather). Not everyone knows at such a young age and this kind of makes it seem that everyone does know straight away.
The story is fairly basic, and is not a storyline that is anything new. The typical, one parent is supportive, the other doesn't understand, the whole being outed by a bully etc. This is done a lot, the only thing different about this book is maybe the discussion around the main character having started puberty blockers and hormones (at 12 is still very young and not something that is possible for most trans people).
I like the discussion around the hormones and the main character having doctors appointments, group sessions and therapy, but this is also something that is so very rarely done with trans children.
The main character is 12 years old, but sometimes seemed really mature for his age, and other times seemed really young. I also found him quite annoying but this could just be because I'm not the target age group. He is very privileged to be out already and have a supportive parent and starting hormones. But doesn't seem to really understand this, which maybe it's because of his age. Transitioning is hard but you're told to look at things slowly and take small milestones and to be proud of what you've done already, because it's all huge steps.
I would say this book is probably more for the older ages of middle grade, and maybe with discussions around it.
With a story about a trans boy, focusing around being trans and trans experiences, I can just tell when it's written by someone who isn't trans. There are just some things in the story that just don't feel right and feel almost like they fit too well into the stereotypes surrounding trans people. As the author said, not every trans person is the same, so why do I feel like there are so many stereotypes about being trans in this book??
There is also a bit at the start of the book where Shane's mum and doctor insists that he wasn't 'born in the wrong body' and he agrees. I was really happy that this was included because this phrase is often rejected within the trans community and with health care professionals, because there is nothing wrong with our body, it's our body and we just do what we have to to feel more comfortable, which includes transitioning, socially and sometimes medically. This eases gender dysphoria. This phrase sounds like that even if we transition, there is still something wrong with our bodies, which there isn't.
But throughout the story, Shane mentions multiple times about being born in the wrong body. This just seems very odd considering earlier in the book he agreed that nothing was wrong with his body.
Books like these are important to spark conversations and I hope that it leads people to read more books with trans characters in order to understand more. If you're looking for recommendations, I recommend reading 'George by Alex Gino'
March 25, 2018
I really liked the plot of this book and how it told about struggles of transgender people.
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August 5, 2020I loved this book! It's not often that I find a book with a transgender main character that I have very little criticism of. Shane is a typical sixth-grader preoccupied with baseball and trying to talk to his crush, Madeline. When a classmate finds out that Shane is transgender, he threatens to tell the whole school, which would shatter Shane's image among his peers who may not understand that being trans doesn't make him any less of a boy. It's a book of ups and downs that highlights the struggle of getting hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as a transgender minor. I love how supportive the majority of the characters were towards Shane identity and how authentic his character felt. The different plot lines were balanced enough between each other that this is just a book about a boy who is the pitcher for his baseball team, loves creating graphic novels about space adventures, has family struggles just like you and I do, and happens to be transgender. While I love the representation in this, I also adore the wholesome story that you find inside!
[As a form of content warnings, I had to add that there is some ableist language at the beginning of the book, casual sexism throughout the book, talk of mental illness that can get a little dark for a middle-grade novel, and an unsupportive parent in the story. Please forgive me if this list isn't complete as I'm writing this about five months after I read the story!]
Support Me Elsewhere!
[As a form of content warnings, I had to add that there is some ableist language at the beginning of the book, casual sexism throughout the book, talk of mental illness that can get a little dark for a middle-grade novel, and an unsupportive parent in the story. Please forgive me if this list isn't complete as I'm writing this about five months after I read the story!]
Support Me Elsewhere!
July 19, 2016
Hennessy, M.G. The Other Boy. HarperCollins, 2016.
Shane loves baseball, drawing and writing his own graphic novel, and spending time with his best friend, Josh. Shane hasn’t told anyone at his school that he is transgender, but when a classmate finds out Shane’s secret and spreads it to the rest of the school, Shane has to deal with the consequences in his friendships and especially with his crush.
A middle grade novel in the vein of George and Gracefully Grayson, this book features a middle school student who is transgender. Unlike the protagonists of George and Grayson, however, Shane is already out to his family and has begun treatments including visiting a therapist and receiving hormone blockers. He plays on the boys’ baseball team at school and uses the boys’ locker room, just like everyone else on the team. Shane’s best friend, Josh, is amazingly supportive of him throughout the bullying incident(s), walking with him to class like he is a bodyguard and responding to those who are teasing Shane.
While bullying is absolutely a reality in school, particularly for those who are transgender or gender nonconforming, it is handled gently in this story, which makes Shane’s tale a perfect fit for a middle grade audience. Considering the dearth of middle grade stories featuring transgender characters, this book is a must for public library collections. Recommended.
Recommended for: tweens
Red Flags: Shane is bullied when it is discovered he is trans; there is a scene where Josh, not knowing Shane is trans, brings him to the locker room to "prove" to the rest of the team that he's a guy [Josh is trying to help at this point and doesn't realize how traumatic this situation is for Shane]
Overall Rating: 4/5 stars
Read-Alikes: Gracefully Grayson, George, Wandering Son, Vol. 1, The Family Fletcher Takes Rock Island
Shane loves baseball, drawing and writing his own graphic novel, and spending time with his best friend, Josh. Shane hasn’t told anyone at his school that he is transgender, but when a classmate finds out Shane’s secret and spreads it to the rest of the school, Shane has to deal with the consequences in his friendships and especially with his crush.
A middle grade novel in the vein of George and Gracefully Grayson, this book features a middle school student who is transgender. Unlike the protagonists of George and Grayson, however, Shane is already out to his family and has begun treatments including visiting a therapist and receiving hormone blockers. He plays on the boys’ baseball team at school and uses the boys’ locker room, just like everyone else on the team. Shane’s best friend, Josh, is amazingly supportive of him throughout the bullying incident(s), walking with him to class like he is a bodyguard and responding to those who are teasing Shane.
While bullying is absolutely a reality in school, particularly for those who are transgender or gender nonconforming, it is handled gently in this story, which makes Shane’s tale a perfect fit for a middle grade audience. Considering the dearth of middle grade stories featuring transgender characters, this book is a must for public library collections. Recommended.
Recommended for: tweens
Red Flags: Shane is bullied when it is discovered he is trans; there is a scene where Josh, not knowing Shane is trans, brings him to the locker room to "prove" to the rest of the team that he's a guy [Josh is trying to help at this point and doesn't realize how traumatic this situation is for Shane]
Overall Rating: 4/5 stars
Read-Alikes: Gracefully Grayson, George, Wandering Son, Vol. 1, The Family Fletcher Takes Rock Island
November 18, 2016
Twelve-year-old Shane Woods is just a regular boy. He loves pitching for his baseball team, working on his graphic novel, and hanging out with his best friend, Josh. But Shane is keeping something private, something that might make a difference to his teammates, to Josh, and to his new crush, Madeline. And when a classmate threatens to reveal his secret, Shane’s whole world comes crashing down. It will take a lot of courage for Shane to ignore the hate and show the world that he’s still the same boy he was before. And in the end, those who stand beside him may surprise everyone, including Shane.
I thought this story was very well written and that the character development was excellent. I don't read many middle-grade books and when I do I usually find them to be lacking the character development I am used to. I must admit, that this is a topic I have not read very much about, nor do I personally know much about. But I do believe that the author did a good job accurately portraying how modern society views and acts towards transgender people. Like I said, I don't know very much about this topic, but from what I do now, this book seems to fairly accurate. Mind you, this is a story about 12 year old, so it is portraying a younger population. I did enjoy the way the author wrote the story and like most middle grade books I have read, the story and plot are fairly straight forward and the books moves pretty fast. Which I believe is ideal for the younger middle grade readers.
One of the things that made me laugh in this book was the fact that all the kids have cell phones! Maybe I am old but it amazed me that Shane was getting mean texts from classmates and although I of course didn't like the mean texts he was getting, I was also thinking, "Why does a 12 year old have a cell phone?" I also liked how the author incorporated support groups into Shane's life and I really, truly hope that there are accessible support groups for children and middle grade children, along with older teenagers, who are dealing with these issues, like there are in the book. Overall I enjoyed this book and the author's writing style, as well as Shane as a character. Like I said, it is not a topic that I know much about or have read much about, so if I am not correct on saying that the author has portrayed the situation accurately, I apologize. Thank you to HarperCollins for sending me a review copy of this book. Happy reading!
I thought this story was very well written and that the character development was excellent. I don't read many middle-grade books and when I do I usually find them to be lacking the character development I am used to. I must admit, that this is a topic I have not read very much about, nor do I personally know much about. But I do believe that the author did a good job accurately portraying how modern society views and acts towards transgender people. Like I said, I don't know very much about this topic, but from what I do now, this book seems to fairly accurate. Mind you, this is a story about 12 year old, so it is portraying a younger population. I did enjoy the way the author wrote the story and like most middle grade books I have read, the story and plot are fairly straight forward and the books moves pretty fast. Which I believe is ideal for the younger middle grade readers.
One of the things that made me laugh in this book was the fact that all the kids have cell phones! Maybe I am old but it amazed me that Shane was getting mean texts from classmates and although I of course didn't like the mean texts he was getting, I was also thinking, "Why does a 12 year old have a cell phone?" I also liked how the author incorporated support groups into Shane's life and I really, truly hope that there are accessible support groups for children and middle grade children, along with older teenagers, who are dealing with these issues, like there are in the book. Overall I enjoyed this book and the author's writing style, as well as Shane as a character. Like I said, it is not a topic that I know much about or have read much about, so if I am not correct on saying that the author has portrayed the situation accurately, I apologize. Thank you to HarperCollins for sending me a review copy of this book. Happy reading!
July 12, 2016
I absolutely loved this book, and had a hard time putting it down once I started reading it. As the parent of a transgender child, there were so many relatable and enlightening aspects of this book. It prepared me for for what the future may hold, and gave me a different perspective in many ways. There are so many challenges throughout the teenager years, and I am hoping this book will allow others to have more empathy and love for the extra hurdles transgender kids face. In a perfect world, children will love and support each other regardless of their gender identity. I highly recommend this book, and believe all walks of life will gain empathy towards the transgender population after reading it. Thank you M.G. Hennessey for continuing a much needed conversation to love unconditionally.
Co-Author of "Raising Ryland: Our Story of Parenting a Transgender Child With No Strings Attached"
Co-Author of "Raising Ryland: Our Story of Parenting a Transgender Child With No Strings Attached"
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January 30, 2022‘And the reality is that life sucks?’
‘Not always.’ She sat back down and crossed her legs. ‘You got to take the bad with the good, you know? It's all about figuring out what your choices are, and trying to make the right ones. The ones that don't hurt people.’
I devoured this book in one sitting. The main character, Shane, is so lovable and relatable. We share a love of Firefly and I loved the references!
And I ADORED Josh, the best friend, Alejandra, the new friend, and Shane's mum. She was wonderful and such a shining star throughout the novel. The comics between the chapters were an adorable addition, too! Loved them! I'd totally read Shane's comic.
I recommend this for anyone looking for an uplifting read. Great representation and message. <3
‘Not always.’ She sat back down and crossed her legs. ‘You got to take the bad with the good, you know? It's all about figuring out what your choices are, and trying to make the right ones. The ones that don't hurt people.’
I devoured this book in one sitting. The main character, Shane, is so lovable and relatable. We share a love of Firefly and I loved the references!
And I ADORED Josh, the best friend, Alejandra, the new friend, and Shane's mum. She was wonderful and such a shining star throughout the novel. The comics between the chapters were an adorable addition, too! Loved them! I'd totally read Shane's comic.
I recommend this for anyone looking for an uplifting read. Great representation and message. <3
October 5, 2016
A book meant to create understanding and compassion. A quick read - I read it in one day. In some ways it left me wanting more but the then you realize the story is complete. A timely topic - my understanding of trans topics is being increased with every story and this was no exception. The characters were very real and you could identify with each and every one, even the dad who is having a difficult time processing it but clearly cares about the child. Before the book, I had found myself wondering how a child would know they are transgender and how a parent should react. I no longer have that question - the voice of the child is true and clear! A transformative book.
August 20, 2019
I want to echo what others have said that cis writers can and should write trans characters, but should not write about transness.
I'm not comfortable with a cis writer writing a trans story, however realistic it may be, that heaps so much misery on its main character. It's not a cis writer's story to tell. Especially not like this.
This book suffers from the burden of sole representation. I hate to condemn it at all because we have almost no books about trans kids, especially trans boys.
I wanted desperately to be on this book's side and with three stars, I am to an extent. But I cannot wholeheartedly recommend it without reservation.
I'm not comfortable with a cis writer writing a trans story, however realistic it may be, that heaps so much misery on its main character. It's not a cis writer's story to tell. Especially not like this.
This book suffers from the burden of sole representation. I hate to condemn it at all because we have almost no books about trans kids, especially trans boys.
I wanted desperately to be on this book's side and with three stars, I am to an extent. But I cannot wholeheartedly recommend it without reservation.
January 25, 2018
When it comes to books with a transgender main character, I’ve only read GEORGE, GRACEFULLY GRAYSON, and this one. This is the first for me where the main character - Shane (6th grader) - was born a girl, but is a boy inside (and is working on becoming one on the outside, as well). I liked the real problems he encounters and the friends he finds, keeps, and loses. It seemed pretty realistic, with hope at the end.
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