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Growing Up Trans: In Our Own Words
What does it mean to be young and transgender today? Growing Up Trans shares stories, essays, art and poetry created by trans youth aged 11 to 18. In their own words, the works illustrate the trans experience through childhood, family and daily life, school, their bodies and mental health. Together the collection is a story of the challenges, big and small, of being a young trans person. At the same time, it’s a toolkit for all young people, transgender or not, about what understanding, acceptance and support for the trans community looks like. In addition to the contributed works, there are questions and tips from experts in the field of transgender studies to challenge the reader on how to be a trans ally. Growing Up Trans came out of a series of workshops held in Victoria, British Columbia, to bring together trans youth from across the country with mentors in the community.
176 pages, Paperback
First published August 17, 2021
39 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
April 6, 2022
4.5 stars
This book is so very much needed! Trans youth in their OWN words! Tips, book recommendations for further reading ... I highly recommend this.
This book is so very much needed! Trans youth in their OWN words! Tips, book recommendations for further reading ... I highly recommend this.
September 2, 2021
This was so well done! I'm absolutely flabbergasted by how smart and talented these kids are. I especially loved the poems, but it's so clear a lot of thought went behind every piece here. I also liked the inclusion of resources and guiding questions for trans and cis readers alike.
March 26, 2025
➥ 5 stars ⋆˚࿔
i absolutely loved this book!! i had never read stuff written by trans youth before, but as mentioned in the book, it’s so important to give them the opportunity to tell their story themselves (because it’s way too often told by cis adults instead). unfortunately some of the saddest stories were also written by some of the youngest contributors (12 or 13 years old), which was heartbreaking but really highlighted the importance of supporting trans youth. thank you to all the contributors for writing such beautiful things and allowing cis people to better understand their experience <3 the book definitely made me aware of struggles i didn’t even realize trans youth were dealing with.
➥ favorite quotes (more can be found through my kindle highlights associated with this book) :
“I muster the courage to tell them
They had a boy
not a girl
They ignore it
What happened to
not caring
As long as I’m healthy?”
“If your feminism is based off of the uterus and not off women, it’s not real feminism.”
“I’m fourteen years old.
It’s only my third time traveling alone.
This should be what scares me,
But it’s not.
46% of people hate me for who I am.
20% hate me for who I love.”
“She thinks that I need to start to embrace the body that I was given, but really, what good is that going to do if it’s the wrong one?”
➥ highlights & more (total) :
- 74 highlights
- 1 bookmark
i absolutely loved this book!! i had never read stuff written by trans youth before, but as mentioned in the book, it’s so important to give them the opportunity to tell their story themselves (because it’s way too often told by cis adults instead). unfortunately some of the saddest stories were also written by some of the youngest contributors (12 or 13 years old), which was heartbreaking but really highlighted the importance of supporting trans youth. thank you to all the contributors for writing such beautiful things and allowing cis people to better understand their experience <3 the book definitely made me aware of struggles i didn’t even realize trans youth were dealing with.
➥ favorite quotes (more can be found through my kindle highlights associated with this book) :
“I muster the courage to tell them
They had a boy
not a girl
They ignore it
What happened to
not caring
As long as I’m healthy?”
“If your feminism is based off of the uterus and not off women, it’s not real feminism.”
“I’m fourteen years old.
It’s only my third time traveling alone.
This should be what scares me,
But it’s not.
46% of people hate me for who I am.
20% hate me for who I love.”
“She thinks that I need to start to embrace the body that I was given, but really, what good is that going to do if it’s the wrong one?”
➥ highlights & more (total) :
- 74 highlights
- 1 bookmark
July 17, 2023
This book is very heartwarming but also very heartbreaking. I love the variety of ways the young contributors expressed themselves and their variance of experiences!!! I want to give every single one of them a little hug.
Also the amount of resources that the authors included in this book is so valuable and I will be adding a lot of the books they referenced to my endless to-read list!
Also the amount of resources that the authors included in this book is so valuable and I will be adding a lot of the books they referenced to my endless to-read list!
November 22, 2022
A beautiful anthology of art and stories from transgender youth. A great place to explore your gender identity, gain insight on the transgender community and find TONS of resources to help yourself and your peers.
September 12, 2021
I would like to thank @orcabook for allowing to me to read this wonderful ARC of Growing Up Trans. I would also like to thank NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity. Now to my review:
I absolutely loved this book. It was wonderful and I like reading the stories of kids on the trans spectrum. Being a trans-woman myself, they both rang true and I could feel where they were coming from. Some of them were very heart-warming while others left me heart-broken at hearing what these kids are going through.
That being said, I do have some notes I would like to pass on. One of my major concerns is that this book should probably come with a parental advisory warning on it, due to the one poem, "Be Strong Like Windows." This poem, though really inspiring, contains the g-d word in the line, "I did this myself, every stitch, every g-d rhinestone" This book, if I understand correctly, is supposed to be targeted for middle grade readers, and I feel this language is inappropriate for this age range.
One of my absolute favorite ones, was the story that dealt humorously with the topic of Dysphoria. Reading that really helped me during some of my recent darker times and brought a smile to my face, and I hope it helps others as it did me.
Other than that, I feel this book would be really helpful, inspiring, might even let a kid on the trans-spectrum know that they are not alone and their are others like them out there, struggling as they do. This book would be a good resource at any library irregardless of what grade. In fact, I work at a school and I have already recommended it to the librarian there and she wants to order it for the kids, since she wants to build the library's LGBTQA+ section.
I can't recommend this book enough. I liked it so much, I think I will go out and purchase a copy for myself.
I absolutely loved this book. It was wonderful and I like reading the stories of kids on the trans spectrum. Being a trans-woman myself, they both rang true and I could feel where they were coming from. Some of them were very heart-warming while others left me heart-broken at hearing what these kids are going through.
That being said, I do have some notes I would like to pass on. One of my major concerns is that this book should probably come with a parental advisory warning on it, due to the one poem, "Be Strong Like Windows." This poem, though really inspiring, contains the g-d word in the line, "I did this myself, every stitch, every g-d rhinestone" This book, if I understand correctly, is supposed to be targeted for middle grade readers, and I feel this language is inappropriate for this age range.
One of my absolute favorite ones, was the story that dealt humorously with the topic of Dysphoria. Reading that really helped me during some of my recent darker times and brought a smile to my face, and I hope it helps others as it did me.
Other than that, I feel this book would be really helpful, inspiring, might even let a kid on the trans-spectrum know that they are not alone and their are others like them out there, struggling as they do. This book would be a good resource at any library irregardless of what grade. In fact, I work at a school and I have already recommended it to the librarian there and she wants to order it for the kids, since she wants to build the library's LGBTQA+ section.
I can't recommend this book enough. I liked it so much, I think I will go out and purchase a copy for myself.
February 1, 2022
This was a great little read.
I loved the personal stories and reading suggestions at the end of each section. I think my favourite section was the one on acceptance. One essay had this sentence that I really felt: "My eyes are still opening and closing and taking in new sights even though I have prayed countless times to see only darkness."
Perfect intro book, does its job really well.
I loved the personal stories and reading suggestions at the end of each section. I think my favourite section was the one on acceptance. One essay had this sentence that I really felt: "My eyes are still opening and closing and taking in new sights even though I have prayed countless times to see only darkness."
Perfect intro book, does its job really well.
April 27, 2022
I think this would be a great resource for young TGNC people, as well as young allies. Overall very wholesome, young people self-describing experiences, glossary at the back.
There's not a lot of race analysis or representation, and it appears that most of the adult mentors are white, which may be part of it. The youth art is really, really great, and I appreciate that each section has themes and resources.
Content note for self-harm (somewhat graphic), blood, and suicide, pp. 77-83. Mentions of bullying, misgendering, dysphoria, lack of family acceptance throughout.
For the glossary, I disagree with the definitions of queerness (described as about gender vs. orientation, though obviously they overlap), and the definition of intersectionality says that "a Black trans woman" would face more discrimination that "a trans woman" -- which implies that the glossary defaults to whiteness as the norm. That was the most glaring example of white supremacy, other than the lack of representation. The book does mention settler colonialism, etc., but ... this was telling right at the end.
There's not a lot of race analysis or representation, and it appears that most of the adult mentors are white, which may be part of it. The youth art is really, really great, and I appreciate that each section has themes and resources.
Content note for self-harm (somewhat graphic), blood, and suicide, pp. 77-83. Mentions of bullying, misgendering, dysphoria, lack of family acceptance throughout.
For the glossary, I disagree with the definitions of queerness (described as about gender vs. orientation, though obviously they overlap), and the definition of intersectionality says that "a Black trans woman" would face more discrimination that "a trans woman" -- which implies that the glossary defaults to whiteness as the norm. That was the most glaring example of white supremacy, other than the lack of representation. The book does mention settler colonialism, etc., but ... this was telling right at the end.
May 31, 2023
4.5 stars. This is a powerful collection of writings and art from trans youth. Everyone working with kids should read this. It also includes resources for young children to adults!
October 14, 2023
This was a beautiful book. I will definitely be looking for my own copy to keep on my shelf.
November 5, 2021
This book teaches young readers to be themselves and be kind to other people.
June 12, 2022
This book is written and illustrated by kids who are "coming of gender" at the same time that they are coming of age. As experts on their own lives, they have so much wisdom to share! One contributor (Maisie Bodrug) won a couple of writing competitions, and another (Tor Broughton) spoke to the Canadian Prime Minister at a rally and was invited to do a TED talk.
At their core, they are just regular kids. They're not asking for special rights, just the same acknowledgement and respect that others get - to be treated like people. Unfortunately, that isn't always the case. Here are some of the problems they wrote about:
- Bullying. One kid experienced a picture being posted of them at school with a noose drawn around their neck.
- Suicide. One kid mentioned losing friends to suicide. 40% of transgender people attempt suicide, and this statistic felt like "the world's most precarious chandelier" hanging over the kid's head while they were trying to build their life and identity.
- Being told that they'd go to hell.
- Transphobic violence. One kid wrote about taking extra safety precautions out of fear that they would be a victim and their parents would get a phone call from the police saying that their kid would never be coming home.
- Being met with doubt. Signs of typical gender traits are treated as cancelling out signs of being transgender. These pink or blue "herrings" seem to mean more to other people than the person's own gender self-knowledge.
- Misgendering. Being misgendered can increase dysphoria, anxiety and depression. One kid wrote about how he feels when someone calls him 'she': "Every sound over my lips feels lipstick-stained, it feels like dead girl's blood is smeared across my mouth. "I hear [...] 'Freak'. [and other slurs] when you call me she. So yes, my pronoun is a big deal to me."
Before our kids are born, we say we don't care about the baby's gender as long as the baby is healthy, but that attitude seems to disappear as soon as the baby is born and assigned a gender. When can we as a society accept that humans are complex and diverse and learn to embrance it? This book is written from the heart and can help us all learn to accept and support transgender people, while at the same time helping trans youth feel less alone. Why not read it for Pride Month?
At their core, they are just regular kids. They're not asking for special rights, just the same acknowledgement and respect that others get - to be treated like people. Unfortunately, that isn't always the case. Here are some of the problems they wrote about:
- Bullying. One kid experienced a picture being posted of them at school with a noose drawn around their neck.
- Suicide. One kid mentioned losing friends to suicide. 40% of transgender people attempt suicide, and this statistic felt like "the world's most precarious chandelier" hanging over the kid's head while they were trying to build their life and identity.
- Being told that they'd go to hell.
- Transphobic violence. One kid wrote about taking extra safety precautions out of fear that they would be a victim and their parents would get a phone call from the police saying that their kid would never be coming home.
- Being met with doubt. Signs of typical gender traits are treated as cancelling out signs of being transgender. These pink or blue "herrings" seem to mean more to other people than the person's own gender self-knowledge.
- Misgendering. Being misgendered can increase dysphoria, anxiety and depression. One kid wrote about how he feels when someone calls him 'she': "Every sound over my lips feels lipstick-stained, it feels like dead girl's blood is smeared across my mouth. "I hear [...] 'Freak'. [and other slurs] when you call me she. So yes, my pronoun is a big deal to me."
Before our kids are born, we say we don't care about the baby's gender as long as the baby is healthy, but that attitude seems to disappear as soon as the baby is born and assigned a gender. When can we as a society accept that humans are complex and diverse and learn to embrance it? This book is written from the heart and can help us all learn to accept and support transgender people, while at the same time helping trans youth feel less alone. Why not read it for Pride Month?
September 13, 2021
Growing Up Trans features creative works (poetry, prose, drawings, etc) by young people who identify as trans or non-binary living in Canada. There's not a lot of works out there featuring the voices of trans kids themselves (especially non-binary and genderfluid kids) so this is filling a huge gap. At the end of each section, adult scholars in transgender studies offer advice and resources.
My main critique of this book is that, while I love how it features trans and non-binary voices, only two of the contributors identify as trans girls or mention that they were assigned male at birth. Trans girl rep is really lacking in YA and middle grade, and I would have loved to have had more of these voices in this book.
Content wise - There is some discussion of hormone blockers, binders and testosterone, and maybe a brief mention or two of genitalia and other anatomy. Despite the low amount of trans girl rep, I think this is definitely a must-buy for middle and high school libraries.
My main critique of this book is that, while I love how it features trans and non-binary voices, only two of the contributors identify as trans girls or mention that they were assigned male at birth. Trans girl rep is really lacking in YA and middle grade, and I would have loved to have had more of these voices in this book.
Content wise - There is some discussion of hormone blockers, binders and testosterone, and maybe a brief mention or two of genitalia and other anatomy. Despite the low amount of trans girl rep, I think this is definitely a must-buy for middle and high school libraries.
January 25, 2022
hey hey guys look im in this book !! I'm a published man guys a trans published man and I'm living my life
November 24, 2023
Definitely written for a more youthful audience. And while the book did definitely provide stories and art from trans youth, the book really read like it was aimed more towards a cis audience than a trans/LGBT audience, which is fine, just not what I was really looking for from a book titled Growing Up Trans: In Our Own Words. Not a bad book, but not something I’ll ever feel a need to read again.
There was one submission I really liked by a teenager named Christopher I would like to quote here in order to remember, however:
“Because the truth is, we are not the animals, and we are not the plants, and we are not the stars. We are human beings, and maybe the simplest thing about us is that we defy every rule we write. We are so desperate for a cure to our own natural chaos that we look for it in all the wrong places, and try to force answers where questions should be.” … “But in the absence of answers, I have found the only thing that makes sense. I do not follow the rules of the rest of the world, but I follow the rules of being human. Hidden between the lines of code in this universe is the verdict, plain and simple, that not all things are meant to be so easily understood.
Something tells me that was part of the plan all along.”
I don’t really have the words at the moment to describe exactly why I liked this submission so much, but I do. I guess it just resonates, so I want to remember it.
There was one submission I really liked by a teenager named Christopher I would like to quote here in order to remember, however:
“Because the truth is, we are not the animals, and we are not the plants, and we are not the stars. We are human beings, and maybe the simplest thing about us is that we defy every rule we write. We are so desperate for a cure to our own natural chaos that we look for it in all the wrong places, and try to force answers where questions should be.” … “But in the absence of answers, I have found the only thing that makes sense. I do not follow the rules of the rest of the world, but I follow the rules of being human. Hidden between the lines of code in this universe is the verdict, plain and simple, that not all things are meant to be so easily understood.
Something tells me that was part of the plan all along.”
I don’t really have the words at the moment to describe exactly why I liked this submission so much, but I do. I guess it just resonates, so I want to remember it.
July 27, 2021
Thanks to NetGallery for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a fantastic primer and would be wonderfully used in K-12 school districts. The collection of artistic works and written works (essays, art, stories, poetry and more) created by trans youths is inspiring and raw. The collection provides a lot of insight into the trans adolescent perspective and is also a great toolkit: divided into sections such as School, Mental Health, Acceptance) each area contains follow up questions for reflections, a "What Can I Do Now?" area with suggestions for trans allies, and a Recommended Reading section with related picture books, YA books, graphic novels, and more.
It's a moving and important read. One anonymous quote from the book is especially impactful: "We aren't asking for 'special rights.' We are just asking to be acknowledged and respected. We aren't asking for 'more.' We are asking for the same respect that students deserve. We're asking to be treated like people. That's all I want. To be treated like a person."
I also really enjoyed that in addition to getting an About the Authors for Dr. Herriot and Kate Fry, we get self-written bios of varying length from each trans contributor.
This book is a fantastic primer and would be wonderfully used in K-12 school districts. The collection of artistic works and written works (essays, art, stories, poetry and more) created by trans youths is inspiring and raw. The collection provides a lot of insight into the trans adolescent perspective and is also a great toolkit: divided into sections such as School, Mental Health, Acceptance) each area contains follow up questions for reflections, a "What Can I Do Now?" area with suggestions for trans allies, and a Recommended Reading section with related picture books, YA books, graphic novels, and more.
It's a moving and important read. One anonymous quote from the book is especially impactful: "We aren't asking for 'special rights.' We are just asking to be acknowledged and respected. We aren't asking for 'more.' We are asking for the same respect that students deserve. We're asking to be treated like people. That's all I want. To be treated like a person."
I also really enjoyed that in addition to getting an About the Authors for Dr. Herriot and Kate Fry, we get self-written bios of varying length from each trans contributor.
May 27, 2023
4.5/5
I think this anthology/collection was done very well. It gives the kids the space to express themselves without fear of what others are going to say. I also appreciate that they allowed them to submit stuff anonymously. I think that with the current political state that having the ability to not publicly out themselves but still participate in this creative endeavor is incredibly important.
It's inspiring seeing how sure these people are of themselves. Knowing themselves at such a young age in some cases is something that I can only aspire to. I appreciate how much they were willing to share with us, the readers. It takes a lot of bravery to share your story with others, especially as a kid. I thank them for their words and pieces.
I read books like this and it helps to ease some of my existential dread, but it also fuels it. How can people have such bigoted opinions about people just being themselves. It hurts me personally. I hope that whoever reads this is better able to understand what they didn't before or is able to find community in this or heal their inner child with this. All of those options are things that are so important with a book like this.
Beautiful
I think this anthology/collection was done very well. It gives the kids the space to express themselves without fear of what others are going to say. I also appreciate that they allowed them to submit stuff anonymously. I think that with the current political state that having the ability to not publicly out themselves but still participate in this creative endeavor is incredibly important.
It's inspiring seeing how sure these people are of themselves. Knowing themselves at such a young age in some cases is something that I can only aspire to. I appreciate how much they were willing to share with us, the readers. It takes a lot of bravery to share your story with others, especially as a kid. I thank them for their words and pieces.
I read books like this and it helps to ease some of my existential dread, but it also fuels it. How can people have such bigoted opinions about people just being themselves. It hurts me personally. I hope that whoever reads this is better able to understand what they didn't before or is able to find community in this or heal their inner child with this. All of those options are things that are so important with a book like this.
Beautiful
June 27, 2024
A couple of days ago I finished reading Growing Up Trans: In Our Own Words edited by Lindsay Herriot and Kate Fry. The book is the result of a series of workshops for trans youth organized at the University of Victoria and the Fairfield Gonzalez Community Association in Victoria, British Columbia. Youth up to the age of 18 were involved in providing poems, essays and letters sharing their feelings on being trans. Many of these works are poignant and touching. They reveal the very human and, in many cases, vulnerable sides of individuals who simply want to be accepted. One essayist discusses what it is to be a Christian and queer: "While being queer and Christian is rewarding, it is also hard. I'm caught between two worlds." For others, the joy of being included and part of something special is a special feeling all its own. "All of a sudden I was part of something so unique and wonderful while also finding a piece of my identity puzzle," wrote another essayist. This is a fine book, offering stories of triumph and trial. It also reveals the vulnerability and, in the end, the resilience of the human spirit. This book is available in accessible formats from the Centre for Equitable Library Access in Canada and Bookshare in the United States.
Read
March 23, 2023A REALLY quick read, this is something that I think should be in a library or shared reading space. I won this from the 519, and I read the whole thing today. I will say, A.J.'s list of seven things is something I may transcribe for myself as that section made me feel really warm and happy inside. It's interesting to read the experiences of youth now, as I used to be in a GSA as a teenager myself and I remember how I loved to hear everyone's stories about their lives being out (or closeted) and how we all supported each other. It was a true community, and I am sure there would have been members of that group who would have really resonated with many of the pieces in this book. I won't rate the book as it's all separate pieces by different youth, but I will say it does take courage to write from the heart when one is young, vulnerable, and impressionable. I know I would have been frightened that my parents would see it (south Asian LGB moment, lol) but I am glad that these kids could make that happen.
August 3, 2021
In this time where trans and gender-nonconforming kids are constantly under attack, it is more important than ever to listen to their own stories and not to the opinions of transphobic adults. This book contains art, poetry, and prose from trans kids, teens, and adults which serves as a perfect introduction into learning about trans identities from trans people. The biggest takeaway from this, unsurprisingly, is that trans kids just want to be treated as kids. They want their identities to be respected and taken seriously and they want to be able to access the care that can improve and even save their lives. By giving trans and nonbinary young people a platform, the editors have created a book which could easily be given to readers of any age to help them understand others' identities and maybe even understand their own.
TW: transphobia, bullying, gender dysphoria, discussions of suicide
TW: transphobia, bullying, gender dysphoria, discussions of suicide
May 14, 2023
3.5 stars
This book is a very quick read because probably about 1/3rd of the pages just have a quote on them or a piece of artwork. I thought it was mediocre at first being as did not really dive deep into being trans as I typically do and as I typically read from other anthologies on related topics but rather those other ones are written by writers and those writers are adults so I do need to keep that in mind. Despite this, I loved some of the stories that were written and connected deeply with others. It was a little odd because they really had multiple target audiences yes it was for trans kids but it was also for the friends and parents of those trans people in question so that was a little odd but I liked what they did and they gave a basic outline of trans identities. There are certainly better books covering this topic but I thought it was decent and short enough that I read very quickly.
This book is a very quick read because probably about 1/3rd of the pages just have a quote on them or a piece of artwork. I thought it was mediocre at first being as did not really dive deep into being trans as I typically do and as I typically read from other anthologies on related topics but rather those other ones are written by writers and those writers are adults so I do need to keep that in mind. Despite this, I loved some of the stories that were written and connected deeply with others. It was a little odd because they really had multiple target audiences yes it was for trans kids but it was also for the friends and parents of those trans people in question so that was a little odd but I liked what they did and they gave a basic outline of trans identities. There are certainly better books covering this topic but I thought it was decent and short enough that I read very quickly.
August 19, 2021
ARC was provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
Growing Up Trans is a nonfiction anthology of poems, essays, stories, and art written/drawn by transgender youth.This is a great read to get an inside look into how to help and be an ally in the trans community. Not to mention delves deeper into the types of harassment, mental states, and inequalities trans youths are facing right now. They want the same rights as everyone else. For their identities to be respected and taken seriously. Throughout the book it was also nice to see that the editors provide you with more resources; other book recommendations, lists of helpful organizations for trans youth, and families. They even provide a glossary in the back of the book, which was very convenient.
CW: Bullying, discussions of suicide, transphobia, and gender dysphoria
Growing Up Trans is a nonfiction anthology of poems, essays, stories, and art written/drawn by transgender youth.This is a great read to get an inside look into how to help and be an ally in the trans community. Not to mention delves deeper into the types of harassment, mental states, and inequalities trans youths are facing right now. They want the same rights as everyone else. For their identities to be respected and taken seriously. Throughout the book it was also nice to see that the editors provide you with more resources; other book recommendations, lists of helpful organizations for trans youth, and families. They even provide a glossary in the back of the book, which was very convenient.
CW: Bullying, discussions of suicide, transphobia, and gender dysphoria
January 6, 2022
An important resource that deserves a Content or Trigger Warning for depictions of suicide attempts and a lot of discussion of suicide.
It wasn't exactly the light read I was looking to enjoy on my lunch breaks, but it should live in a library near you, and if it doesn't, you should ask for it.
I'm an adult now, and I don't think I was ever an ordinary kid, and I have a lot of privilege that trans youth don't have, and, with all those caveats, I don't remember being anywhere near as aware of what people were talking about in the hallways or feeling that people were talking about me when I walked past as the writers in this collection are. Then again, I once told someone to their face that I didn't talk with them very much because I didn't like them (they asked), so maybe I'm just weird.
It wasn't exactly the light read I was looking to enjoy on my lunch breaks, but it should live in a library near you, and if it doesn't, you should ask for it.
I'm an adult now, and I don't think I was ever an ordinary kid, and I have a lot of privilege that trans youth don't have, and, with all those caveats, I don't remember being anywhere near as aware of what people were talking about in the hallways or feeling that people were talking about me when I walked past as the writers in this collection are. Then again, I once told someone to their face that I didn't talk with them very much because I didn't like them (they asked), so maybe I'm just weird.
August 26, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
A great book for anyone with a trans kid in their life! There were a lot of great stories told and additions at the end of each chapter by the adults with other ways to help support trans kids.
There is a lot of transmasculine representation in this book. If you're looking for a book that mostly talks about trans women, this probably isn't the book for you. Although there are some similarities between all trans people, everyone still has their own experiences.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to more about the trans experience (specifically the trans masc experience), any teacher or parent who doesn't know how a trans kid might feel about their life, and any trans kids who want to feel a little less alone in this world.
I'm giving this book 5/5 stars because it perfectly captured the trans experience. It also brought up some really good points and had some powerful lines that I will continue to think about.
A great book for anyone with a trans kid in their life! There were a lot of great stories told and additions at the end of each chapter by the adults with other ways to help support trans kids.
There is a lot of transmasculine representation in this book. If you're looking for a book that mostly talks about trans women, this probably isn't the book for you. Although there are some similarities between all trans people, everyone still has their own experiences.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to more about the trans experience (specifically the trans masc experience), any teacher or parent who doesn't know how a trans kid might feel about their life, and any trans kids who want to feel a little less alone in this world.
I'm giving this book 5/5 stars because it perfectly captured the trans experience. It also brought up some really good points and had some powerful lines that I will continue to think about.
October 20, 2021
A thought provoking read and insight into the lives of transgender and queer youth. Helpful anecdotes at the end of each section provide the reader with ways in which they can be helpful as allies, as well as what to do when faced with situations that may be hard as a queer or transgender individual.
These young artists and writers created beautiful works of art, which I think would be of great service in public and school libraries. One particular work titled "The Plan" by Christopher, had me in tears.
"Either way, they're right about one thing: I am not simple. At best, I am a question that begs asking; at worst, I am the brick that toppled their masterpiece."
These young artists and writers created beautiful works of art, which I think would be of great service in public and school libraries. One particular work titled "The Plan" by Christopher, had me in tears.
"Either way, they're right about one thing: I am not simple. At best, I am a question that begs asking; at worst, I am the brick that toppled their masterpiece."
August 12, 2021
5 Stars
an incredible collection of art, poetry, stories and more from trans youth, with a few interjects from professionals and trans adults. helped me come to terms with my own experiences and learn more about other trans kids. if you are a trans person yourself, a parent of a trans person or just an ally, i highly recommend reading this book to both learn about experiences from actual trans youth and read how to help trans people and improve urself as an ally or member of the community.
an incredible collection of art, poetry, stories and more from trans youth, with a few interjects from professionals and trans adults. helped me come to terms with my own experiences and learn more about other trans kids. if you are a trans person yourself, a parent of a trans person or just an ally, i highly recommend reading this book to both learn about experiences from actual trans youth and read how to help trans people and improve urself as an ally or member of the community.
August 29, 2021
Thank you NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a wonderful book that would be a great addition to K-12 classroom libraries and should be required reading for anyone working with kids or teens. This shows a range of artwork, poetry, fiction, and essays from real trans teens and their experiences in their families, their schools, and their bodies. This is such an important book and I'm so glad something like this exists.
This was such a wonderful book that would be a great addition to K-12 classroom libraries and should be required reading for anyone working with kids or teens. This shows a range of artwork, poetry, fiction, and essays from real trans teens and their experiences in their families, their schools, and their bodies. This is such an important book and I'm so glad something like this exists.
January 24, 2022
It was great to hear stories from other trans youth. We're kind of forgotten most of the time. I also appreciated how there wasn't a big explanation of basic terms related to transness at the beginning, it was just a glossary at the end, which is the way to go. I think one way the book could've improved is in its formatting, however. I think each author bio should've been after (or even before) each person's story, rather than collectively at the end of the book.
March 19, 2022
This collection of writing and art was gathered from a writing class of trans youth in Canada. I loved seeing how the kids expressed themselves, their experiences, and their feelings. There are a ton of great resources and books provided. I think this would have been a more solid read had the targeted audience been a bit more defined. Sometimes trans youth were the audience, sometimes allies. I think there could have been enough content for 2 separate books.
August 6, 2024
brilliantly executed
I am the proud mother of lgbtq+ babies & I can never learn enough. This book is such a gift for me as an ally & for my kids to be able to hear different prospectives of the journey of a trans person. I wish I could tell each of these kids how gifted they are & how proud I am of them for being so passionate. The way this book was compiled was amazing & over all brilliant.
I am the proud mother of lgbtq+ babies & I can never learn enough. This book is such a gift for me as an ally & for my kids to be able to hear different prospectives of the journey of a trans person. I wish I could tell each of these kids how gifted they are & how proud I am of them for being so passionate. The way this book was compiled was amazing & over all brilliant.
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