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Zuiker Teen Topics
Identity: A Story of Transitioning
What do you do when you are born as one gender, but feel yourself to be another? Gender dysphoria affects thousands of people worldwide, but has been ignored or ridiculed in our culture. With this graphic novel, Corey Maison boldly shares her story of transitioning, so that other kids with gender dysphoria and related conditions will no longer feel so isolated, hopeless, or lost.
Corey Maison was born a girl, trapped in a boy’s body. Growing up, Corey was more interested in dolls than trucks; in dresses than jeans. Everything about Corey was female . . . except her physicality.
Known as gender dysphoria, this condition is devastating if not acknowledged. But society is slow to be sympathetic to the idea that a person’s gender is not entirely based on physiology, but instead is fluid, and a combination of emotional and psychological self-awareness along with, or sometimes more importantly, physical characteristics.
IDENTITY tells the complex and moving tale of a young person who knows that their true gender is not the one they were assigned at birth. With unconditional love and support from her mother, Corey successfully starts the transition process with hopes of being comfortable in her own skin, being accepted by others, and raising awareness of young people who wish to transition. At 16-years-old, Corey has become a voice for other trans teens, battling bullies and helping others who are on their own individual journeys of identity.
Corey Maison was born a girl, trapped in a boy’s body. Growing up, Corey was more interested in dolls than trucks; in dresses than jeans. Everything about Corey was female . . . except her physicality.
Known as gender dysphoria, this condition is devastating if not acknowledged. But society is slow to be sympathetic to the idea that a person’s gender is not entirely based on physiology, but instead is fluid, and a combination of emotional and psychological self-awareness along with, or sometimes more importantly, physical characteristics.
IDENTITY tells the complex and moving tale of a young person who knows that their true gender is not the one they were assigned at birth. With unconditional love and support from her mother, Corey successfully starts the transition process with hopes of being comfortable in her own skin, being accepted by others, and raising awareness of young people who wish to transition. At 16-years-old, Corey has become a voice for other trans teens, battling bullies and helping others who are on their own individual journeys of identity.
88 pages, Hardcover
Published September 22, 2020
2 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 30, 2021
Corey's story of transitioning is emotional and I commend her for putting herself out there despite the harassment that she receives.
November 12, 2021
Lovely story about resilience, finding yourself, and encouraging others to be kind and brave. It is extremely short, but perfect for middle grade readers who desperately need windows and mirrors into the trans experience. The art is inoffensive but still gives a sense of the gravity of some of the issues addressed. Thank you, Corey, for sharing your story! And bonus points to Zuiker Press for including the brief guide for parents on trans issues. In a world where we still have to defend the right for students to read material concerning LGBTQIA+ issues, this guide is a gentle perspective!
April 2, 2021
Engaging story. Will be a great resource for any kid looking for a mirror and for parents who might be wondering how to support their child. I'm not the biggest fan of the art style, but hearing the triumphant story of transitioning in a firsthand narrative outweighs my own personal aesthetic sensibilities.
November 9, 2020
I loved how well this was done! Such beautiful artwork and a story to show what it’s like living as a trans 🏳️⚧️ person.
October 6, 2021
It was so cheesy I couldn’t rate it higher than 3, but I’m still very glad Corey’s voice has been published. As per usual, representation matters!
March 26, 2022
Deeply touching and heartfelt and moving and inspiring.
April 28, 2021
Identity: A Story of Transitioning is a graphic memoir by Corey Maison.
Identity tells the complex and moving tale of a young person who knows that their true gender is not the one they were assigned at birth. With unconditional love and support from her mother, Corey successfully starts the transition process with hopes of being comfortable in her own skin, being accepted by others, and raising awareness of young people who wish to transition. At 16-years-old, Corey has become a voice for other trans teens, battling bullies and helping others who are on their own individual journeys of identity.
A transgender identity is valid regardless of medical treatment.
Zuiker Press is a publishing company that champions the voice of young authors. They spotlight heartfelt stories that enlighten and inspire.
Identity tells the complex and moving tale of a young person who knows that their true gender is not the one they were assigned at birth. With unconditional love and support from her mother, Corey successfully starts the transition process with hopes of being comfortable in her own skin, being accepted by others, and raising awareness of young people who wish to transition. At 16-years-old, Corey has become a voice for other trans teens, battling bullies and helping others who are on their own individual journeys of identity.
A transgender identity is valid regardless of medical treatment.
Zuiker Press is a publishing company that champions the voice of young authors. They spotlight heartfelt stories that enlighten and inspire.
September 21, 2022
Since I am not transgender it is hard for me to comment on what this story means to the trans community. Maison is a unique member of that community: a social media celebrity and someone who is visible and, perhaps divisive. Maison is certainly divisive outside of it: Identity: A Story of Transition has made the list of 800 books banned in Texas. This book is a graphic novel explaining the emotional process of becoming transgender. Zuiker Press illustrates these using Fantoons Illustration Studios, allowing the subjects (such as Johnathan Harris in the excellent Colorblind), to tell their story. Using these clip-art-style panels, which make the books look a little like airplane information trifolds, allows the story of a young person to be presented without much artistic editorializing.
What comes through in Identify is the lasting effects of generational trauma. Corey's mother's trauma shapes the story of Corey's resilience. There are scenes that display the inexplicability of the situation of feeling like you are a girl who was born in a boys body from the point of view of the trans person. The message of the book is that that inexplicability is OK and should be respected. Such an identity, of course, is not, and as conversations around this issue continue to develop, the value of stories like this will show themselves with sharper relief.
What comes through in Identify is the lasting effects of generational trauma. Corey's mother's trauma shapes the story of Corey's resilience. There are scenes that display the inexplicability of the situation of feeling like you are a girl who was born in a boys body from the point of view of the trans person. The message of the book is that that inexplicability is OK and should be respected. Such an identity, of course, is not, and as conversations around this issue continue to develop, the value of stories like this will show themselves with sharper relief.
December 20, 2021
I read this because it is on the list of books pulled from some Texas School libraries for being controversial. The only thing controversial about this book is how heavy handed the saccharine glurge writing is. It is an account of a young person who transitions. At the end there is some really helpful info from a physician about what it means to medically transition while young.
I really thought the writing felt like the very worst of educational comics from the 70’s. But the story is probably helpful for young people questioning their gender. And the end matter is helpful for adults wanting to understand more about the phenomenon.
I’m a Texan parent and have no problem with being in a school library.
I really thought the writing felt like the very worst of educational comics from the 70’s. But the story is probably helpful for young people questioning their gender. And the end matter is helpful for adults wanting to understand more about the phenomenon.
I’m a Texan parent and have no problem with being in a school library.
June 6, 2022
3 stars
While this is an extremely important topic and with it literally being an auto biography it’s obviously told from a place of realness, I think the book was done a disservice by its being (seemingly) entirely written by a non-Comic Book writer. The flow was not great and it felt a lot longer than it was, but I still enjoyed it and think it’s always important to shed light on these subjects and make sure people know they’re not alone in their journey to discover themselves.
While this is an extremely important topic and with it literally being an auto biography it’s obviously told from a place of realness, I think the book was done a disservice by its being (seemingly) entirely written by a non-Comic Book writer. The flow was not great and it felt a lot longer than it was, but I still enjoyed it and think it’s always important to shed light on these subjects and make sure people know they’re not alone in their journey to discover themselves.
June 1, 2021
A good book for quite young kids with decent art. it should definitely be a jumping off point to a larger conversation about gender since this book does lack nuance. From my POV as a trans adult, it feels very narrow in perspective. Recommend as part of a larger collection for middle grade kids interested in these topics. It’s a good short story.
September 10, 2021
Excellent resource for young students seeking answers for why they feel the way they do. Also a great book to a child could share with parents to help them understand part of what they are thinking and feeling. This is in my middle school library and it helps start conversations with students who want to talk about it but are unsure of what reaction they will get.
November 18, 2020
This is a good choice for those just beginning to learn about the trans community. Maybe a good choice for parents who have learned that their child is trans and want to get a idea of what their child could face in life.
January 20, 2021
Encouraging and heartfelt!
This story is an inspiring and important voice in a world where there is sadly still a lot of pushback against transgender issues. The art of this graphic novel sets the tone very well. I respect this girl’s resoluteness and courage.
This story is an inspiring and important voice in a world where there is sadly still a lot of pushback against transgender issues. The art of this graphic novel sets the tone very well. I respect this girl’s resoluteness and courage.
September 29, 2021
its a great story it breaks down what it means to be transgender and the hater you go threw. I wish I had read this back when i was questioning gender, and to anyone out there he is going threw that i wish the best for you
November 4, 2022
I am glad I read this book about Corey and learned more about her story. I wanted to learn more so I can be a better ally for someone I deeply care about who is facing similar struggles. I hope this book lands in the hands of those who need encouragement and to know they are not alone. I also hope it lands in the hands of those who will support them and provide unconditional love.
October 31, 2023
compelling story
The graphic novel format allows Corey to tell her story in a manner that is likely to engage readers, especially the younger readers who might identify with her situation and are looking for the confidence and support to live their own authentic lives.
The graphic novel format allows Corey to tell her story in a manner that is likely to engage readers, especially the younger readers who might identify with her situation and are looking for the confidence and support to live their own authentic lives.
December 1, 2020
This was an honestly told story, only marred by the writing. Thank you Corey for sharing your story with teens.
January 21, 2021
Loved this graphic novel!!! Such a powerful and moving story. Loved it.
March 17, 2021
It was fine. I was unaware of any of the social media aspects of this, so perhaps I would’ve liked it better if I’d known her story already from that.
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June 17, 2021Genre: graphic memoir
1 LGBTQ main character: transgender
1 LGBTQ side character: transgender
Coming out: yes
Notes: TW transphobia, but overall a positive outcome
1 LGBTQ main character: transgender
1 LGBTQ side character: transgender
Coming out: yes
Notes: TW transphobia, but overall a positive outcome
July 18, 2021
Informative; worthy read
March 16, 2022
The writing style wasn't one that i usually particularly enjoy, but i still think it's amazing that everybody can share their story in order to educate and to help people, it's inspiring :)
July 23, 2022
Good story, hopeful ending.
September 21, 2022
This was well written with good illustrations.
September 26, 2022
Story of her transitioning that also empowered her mother to transition to a man.
January 7, 2023
Looking forward to reading more in this series!
February 3, 2023
a quick graphic novel for teens and tweens that are struggling with their identity. ok for MS library shelves.
March 3, 2023
I really like this one
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews