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Joy, to the World: A Middle Grade Novel About Trans Joy and Fighting to Cheer for Kids
A young Dumplin’ meets Melissa in this joyful and energetic middle grade novel about a twelve-year-old girl living her life to the fullest, celebrating her love for sports and fighting for her right to cheer. Joy, a twelve-year-old trans girl, just moved to Texas with her mother and older brother. Her family has accepted Joy as the girl she is early in her transition, with little fuss, leaving Joy to explore her love of sports, competition, teamwork, school spirit, and worship. But when she is told she’s off the cheerleading team, Joy wants to fight for her right to cheer. As her battle with the school board picks up momentum, Joy attracts support from kids all around the country . . . she even gets the attention of her hero, trans activist Kai Shappley. Inspired by Kai’s own life, Joy, to the World is a timely story of living life to the fullest, celebrating and centering trans joy, courage, and resilience.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published May 9, 2023
12 people are currently reading
2840 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
May 23, 2023
Beautiful book with an important message, everyone should read this!
April 4, 2024
I’m sad, I really wanted to love this book. But the way it was written just did not work for me. The story about Joy, a trans girl in Texas, being kicked off her cheerleading team then starting her journey of becoming an activist sounded like an impactful read. However, the writing in this book was super lackluster. Most of the time I felt like I was just getting a plot summary of different scenes rather than feeling like I was experiencing the story alongside the main character. Big things were happening for Joy, both traumatic and joyful, but the writing never made me feel her emotions.
Also, I just found it odd that the child co-author, Kai Shappley, included herself in the story as a side character. It ended up feeling awkward and like she was adding random facts about herself that didn’t serve the plot. I think her story could’ve been more effective if it was told as a memoir.
Joy is a religious character, and there’s one mention of her going to a welcoming church. But there’s no explanation of how religious kids can deal with those who use religion to fuel hate. Like most of the big topics in the book, it just felt very glossed over. And I don’t think it’s just because this is a book for younger readers. I’ve read plenty of Middle Grade books that tackle big topics in an age appropriate way that felt much more complete than this book did.
Also, I just found it odd that the child co-author, Kai Shappley, included herself in the story as a side character. It ended up feeling awkward and like she was adding random facts about herself that didn’t serve the plot. I think her story could’ve been more effective if it was told as a memoir.
Joy is a religious character, and there’s one mention of her going to a welcoming church. But there’s no explanation of how religious kids can deal with those who use religion to fuel hate. Like most of the big topics in the book, it just felt very glossed over. And I don’t think it’s just because this is a book for younger readers. I’ve read plenty of Middle Grade books that tackle big topics in an age appropriate way that felt much more complete than this book did.
July 14, 2023
Content warnings: transphobia.
Rep: Joy (MC) is a trans girl.
This one! I love Joy so much. She's so precious.
She's just a 12 year old girl who likes cheer, her friends, her journal, and other things 12 year old girls like.
She joins the cheer team - something she has been working towards the entire summer before tryouts, and then gets outed by some loser adult who thinks they know better.
This book was a real simplified version of what is happening to trans kids specifically in the USA.
Joy brings a lot of heart and feeling to these real world issues in a very digestible way.
I recommend this to everyone.
Rep: Joy (MC) is a trans girl.
This one! I love Joy so much. She's so precious.
She's just a 12 year old girl who likes cheer, her friends, her journal, and other things 12 year old girls like.
She joins the cheer team - something she has been working towards the entire summer before tryouts, and then gets outed by some loser adult who thinks they know better.
This book was a real simplified version of what is happening to trans kids specifically in the USA.
Joy brings a lot of heart and feeling to these real world issues in a very digestible way.
I recommend this to everyone.
March 27, 2023
This was such a beautiful middle grade novel about a transgender girl living in Texas who gets kicked off the cheer team when she's outed at school. Heartbroken, Joy learns how to fight for her rights and speak up against trans injustice.
Full of found family and trans positivity, this book is a heartwarming read in a world where laws against transgender people are still being passed every day. Co-authored by a young trans actor and activist, it was also neat reading how she put herself in the story too.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!! Recommended for fans of the graphic novel Cheer up.
Full of found family and trans positivity, this book is a heartwarming read in a world where laws against transgender people are still being passed every day. Co-authored by a young trans actor and activist, it was also neat reading how she put herself in the story too.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!! Recommended for fans of the graphic novel Cheer up.
March 22, 2024
Starting the Trans Rights Readathon off strong with this one, about a 12-year-old trans girl who moves to Texas and becomes an activist. Initially, she's stealth, but she's forced to come out and gets kicked off the cheer team, which is very upsetting to her as cheer is her new-found passion and it's making her really happy. This leads to her advocating for herself more and more, with support from her family, friends, and an organization that supports queer and trans youth.
This was such an empowering read that gives a lot of insight in the state of trans rights in the US in a way that feels suitable for a middlegrade book. I'm always impressed when middlegrade books keep a good balance between heavy topics, in this case transphobia, and the love, support and warmth that kids need. This book didn't gloss over anything and it felt very honest, but it also showed how many supportive people there are who outweigh the bad.
This was such an empowering read that gives a lot of insight in the state of trans rights in the US in a way that feels suitable for a middlegrade book. I'm always impressed when middlegrade books keep a good balance between heavy topics, in this case transphobia, and the love, support and warmth that kids need. This book didn't gloss over anything and it felt very honest, but it also showed how many supportive people there are who outweigh the bad.
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January 23, 2023Trans kids deserve books, about them, available everywhere.
I would give more of a review, but HarperCollins needs to negotiate with their workers' union. Clarion is an HC imprint.
I would give more of a review, but HarperCollins needs to negotiate with their workers' union. Clarion is an HC imprint.
July 16, 2023
This was really cute. So easy to love and root for Joy!
Rep: white trans female MC, various white side characters, various queer side characters.
CWs: Transphobia/transmisia, religious bigotry, misgendering, bullying, outing, suicidal thoughts (minor).
Rep: white trans female MC, various white side characters, various queer side characters.
CWs: Transphobia/transmisia, religious bigotry, misgendering, bullying, outing, suicidal thoughts (minor).
July 20, 2023
Joy Simmons is twelve years old, breathless with discovery. Having recently moved from Minnesota to Texas, Joy, her mom, and her older brother Will are just finding their feet in their new hometown of Appleton. Joy’s life changes forever when her best friend Max introduces her to cheer, a sport she instantly falls in love with. Together with Max’s friend Steph, the girls form the Sparkle Squad, a small social group dedicated to the love of cheer.
The Sparkle Squad soon progresses, and before long, Joy and her friends land themselves places on the school cheerleading team, working their way toward a first-game clash with Basswood, Appleton East’s biggest rival.
Being in cheer helps Joy to discover a new sense of belonging; she finally feels a welcome acceptance in her life, and everything appears to be falling into place. But Joy’s world falls apart the day she learns from Principal Davis that she is no longer allowed her place on the school’s cheerleading team. And to make matters worse, it seems that Appleton East’s community is starting to ask questions.
As Joy’s world is turned upside down, the would-be cheerleader is forced to choose between accepting her school’s decision and fighting for her right to cheer.
* * *
As is all too often the case in this world, some of life’s most ill-conceived decisions stem from fear, a deep-set fear that grows from ignorance. Joy, to the World brings much-needed enlightenment on the prejudices and social turmoil faced by the transgender community. Through an engaging third-person narrative, first-time author Kai Shappley and seasoned writer Lisa Bunker create a skylight, a window through which readers observe the daily life of Joy, a transgender girl struggling to make sense of a seemingly impossible world. We feel a deep sense of empathy too, for each chapter ends with an often-emotional recount, as Joy’s deepest fears are poignantly conveyed through a series of diary entries chronicling her thoughts.
Although aimed primarily at an 8–10 years audience, bookworms of any age will find much to love about this inspiring new novel. With its refreshing approach to highlighting the troubles faced by marginalized communities, older readers too will appreciate the integrity and innocence of such reflective storytelling.
For those already familiar with co-author Kai Shappley’s personal journey, it may often prove difficult not to draw a parallel between the eponymous Joy Simmons and her young creator. Indeed, Kai herself does appear in the story, as does her real-life mom Kimberly, so it seems almost obligatory to assume that much of the protagonist’s anguish within the novel is drawn from the author’s own experiences.
Shappley’s first novel opens with a dedication, a prelude addressing every politician who has relentlessly sought to harm the lives of transgender children. In a single paragraph, the young author acknowledges the beautiful irony of how the authorities’ attempts to suppress and discredit gender dysphoria have merely resulted in empowering the transgender community—and its allies—through new-found knowledge and motivation.
Joy, to the World is a tale for the people—a tale for real people. It is a story for life’s winners, and a story for the losers. It is for those who laugh, and for the those who cry. Changing the deep-seated views of others takes time, and real cheerleading means helping the world to see differently. This book is for anybody wishing to do just that. Enjoy!
* * *
If Kai Shappley did not exist, it would be entirely necessary to invent her. The world is far richer that way.
"World, if things were right, no one would try to tell me that I’m not me . . . Please, see me, hear me. I’m right here, being who I am. I can’t show you or tell you any plainer. I am a girl. I am a girl. I am a girl."
The Sparkle Squad soon progresses, and before long, Joy and her friends land themselves places on the school cheerleading team, working their way toward a first-game clash with Basswood, Appleton East’s biggest rival.
Being in cheer helps Joy to discover a new sense of belonging; she finally feels a welcome acceptance in her life, and everything appears to be falling into place. But Joy’s world falls apart the day she learns from Principal Davis that she is no longer allowed her place on the school’s cheerleading team. And to make matters worse, it seems that Appleton East’s community is starting to ask questions.
As Joy’s world is turned upside down, the would-be cheerleader is forced to choose between accepting her school’s decision and fighting for her right to cheer.
* * *
As is all too often the case in this world, some of life’s most ill-conceived decisions stem from fear, a deep-set fear that grows from ignorance. Joy, to the World brings much-needed enlightenment on the prejudices and social turmoil faced by the transgender community. Through an engaging third-person narrative, first-time author Kai Shappley and seasoned writer Lisa Bunker create a skylight, a window through which readers observe the daily life of Joy, a transgender girl struggling to make sense of a seemingly impossible world. We feel a deep sense of empathy too, for each chapter ends with an often-emotional recount, as Joy’s deepest fears are poignantly conveyed through a series of diary entries chronicling her thoughts.
Although aimed primarily at an 8–10 years audience, bookworms of any age will find much to love about this inspiring new novel. With its refreshing approach to highlighting the troubles faced by marginalized communities, older readers too will appreciate the integrity and innocence of such reflective storytelling.
For those already familiar with co-author Kai Shappley’s personal journey, it may often prove difficult not to draw a parallel between the eponymous Joy Simmons and her young creator. Indeed, Kai herself does appear in the story, as does her real-life mom Kimberly, so it seems almost obligatory to assume that much of the protagonist’s anguish within the novel is drawn from the author’s own experiences.
Shappley’s first novel opens with a dedication, a prelude addressing every politician who has relentlessly sought to harm the lives of transgender children. In a single paragraph, the young author acknowledges the beautiful irony of how the authorities’ attempts to suppress and discredit gender dysphoria have merely resulted in empowering the transgender community—and its allies—through new-found knowledge and motivation.
Joy, to the World is a tale for the people—a tale for real people. It is a story for life’s winners, and a story for the losers. It is for those who laugh, and for the those who cry. Changing the deep-seated views of others takes time, and real cheerleading means helping the world to see differently. This book is for anybody wishing to do just that. Enjoy!
* * *
If Kai Shappley did not exist, it would be entirely necessary to invent her. The world is far richer that way.
"World, if things were right, no one would try to tell me that I’m not me . . . Please, see me, hear me. I’m right here, being who I am. I can’t show you or tell you any plainer. I am a girl. I am a girl. I am a girl."
March 16, 2025
This was such a hopeful story about a tween trans girl getting outed and just wanting to continue doing things she's always done as a girl, like join the cheer squad. I loved how realistic the characters were as well as the situations and outcomes. I thought it was really meta of Kai Shappley to help write the book, or at least give her own thoughts and experiences to it, and then also be in the story. I have no idea how much of Kai's own experiences were in the novel but either way it read very authentic. I liked seeing the progression for Joy to be scared of speaking in public to be testifying in huge arenas, still nervous, but doing it. And going from being stealth to using being trans as her platform to create positive outcomes for all trans people, especially youth. I appreciated how throughout the story negative experiences kept affecting Joy and her mom but they both moved forward, even while still being scared. The ending wasn't what some people might want with regards to Joy and her school cheer squad but I thought it was great nonetheless and still kept things positive. The social justice aspect was throughout the story and showed how even tweens can fight for what they think is right and be brave and affect change. A wonderful story for all kids but especially LGBTQ+ youth and social justice crusaders. 4.5 stars.
June 20, 2023
A MG novel about Joy, both the girl and the feeling, as she fights for her right to cheer.
📣
Joy is a twelve year old girl who has practiced so hard to make her school’s cheer squad. When a parent finds out Joy is trans she complains to the principal, who pulls Joy from the only thing she loves at school: cheer. Now Joy, her mom, brother, friends and allies pull together to fight against Texas and school board laws that ban #transgender kids from participating in sports and using the correct bathrooms/locker rooms.
📣
This was my favorite middle grade read in a while. I absolutely adored Joy, her best friend, Max, her mom and brother, Will, who stood behind her relentlessly. The transgender laws in Texas and many other states are unconstitutional, wrong and harmful to our trans youth. Thank you @kai_shappley & @bizarrelyhellbenthaiku for sharing Joy’s (and Kai’s) story with the world. Every child should read this. I adored this novel so much and need it in my school library asap!
CW: forced outing, transphobia, bullying, cyberbullying
📣
Joy is a twelve year old girl who has practiced so hard to make her school’s cheer squad. When a parent finds out Joy is trans she complains to the principal, who pulls Joy from the only thing she loves at school: cheer. Now Joy, her mom, brother, friends and allies pull together to fight against Texas and school board laws that ban #transgender kids from participating in sports and using the correct bathrooms/locker rooms.
📣
This was my favorite middle grade read in a while. I absolutely adored Joy, her best friend, Max, her mom and brother, Will, who stood behind her relentlessly. The transgender laws in Texas and many other states are unconstitutional, wrong and harmful to our trans youth. Thank you @kai_shappley & @bizarrelyhellbenthaiku for sharing Joy’s (and Kai’s) story with the world. Every child should read this. I adored this novel so much and need it in my school library asap!
CW: forced outing, transphobia, bullying, cyberbullying
July 12, 2023
4.5 rounded up to 5
I started this one for the tag line into to this book, "A young Dumplin’ meets Melissa in this joyful and energetic middle grade novel about a twelve-year-old girl living her life to the fullest, celebrating her love for sports and fighting for her right to cheer.".
This really is all of that and so much more. An important story written by a young author who's lived a lot of what is in this book and has been brave enough not only to take on this fight, but share a lot of it with readers in this book. "Joy, to the World" is really about knowing who you are being willing to fight for your ability to enjoy what you do, which is cheer in this case. It's also about more than that. It's about being who you are and being able to live without fear and criticism and being in the difficult position where you have to fight for that right. Hopefully this book is seen as being about understanding and compassion as well. Kids need this book!
I started this one for the tag line into to this book, "A young Dumplin’ meets Melissa in this joyful and energetic middle grade novel about a twelve-year-old girl living her life to the fullest, celebrating her love for sports and fighting for her right to cheer.".
This really is all of that and so much more. An important story written by a young author who's lived a lot of what is in this book and has been brave enough not only to take on this fight, but share a lot of it with readers in this book. "Joy, to the World" is really about knowing who you are being willing to fight for your ability to enjoy what you do, which is cheer in this case. It's also about more than that. It's about being who you are and being able to live without fear and criticism and being in the difficult position where you have to fight for that right. Hopefully this book is seen as being about understanding and compassion as well. Kids need this book!
November 9, 2023
Young transgender activist Shappley’s hopeful debut, written in collaboration with an established author, offers a down-to-earth telling about a trans girl whose passion for cheer launches her life in an unexpected direction.
February 7, 2024
This was a beautiful story with a lot of important messages. I also loved how supportive Joy's family was.
April 21, 2023
4 stars
I am so glad I had the chance to read this book, and it'll be an essential window or mirror for countless readers to come.
Joy, the titular m.c., is 12 years old, obsessed with cheer, a fan of journaling and her religious roots, and a resident of Texas. When the novel begins, Joy is making strides toward her goal of cheering for her school's squad, and all seems to be right in the world...until some maniacal bigot gets wind of another detail about Joy that isn't their business at all; Joy is transgender. If you caught the Texas part, you can guess what might be coming next (Sorry, Texans who don't feel this way. I pity your life in that location all the time!).
Throughout the rest of the novel, Joy's most personal business suddenly becomes everyone else's, and Joy, at her young age, becomes the wise one who is trying to relay that she is "just a girl." It's a long and painful road, but it's also age appropriate.
There's a lot to love about this book including its author/s, the representation, and Joy's general tenacity and seemingly unfailing goodwill toward others, even when they are absolute monsters toward her...and some are.
There are also times when the book reads a little too sweet for my taste, when I want to shake some of the adult characters, and when the religious infusions feel a little over the top. These minor issues will absolutely not deter me from recommending this highly to students.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Clarion Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I am so glad I had the chance to read this book, and it'll be an essential window or mirror for countless readers to come.
Joy, the titular m.c., is 12 years old, obsessed with cheer, a fan of journaling and her religious roots, and a resident of Texas. When the novel begins, Joy is making strides toward her goal of cheering for her school's squad, and all seems to be right in the world...until some maniacal bigot gets wind of another detail about Joy that isn't their business at all; Joy is transgender. If you caught the Texas part, you can guess what might be coming next (Sorry, Texans who don't feel this way. I pity your life in that location all the time!).
Throughout the rest of the novel, Joy's most personal business suddenly becomes everyone else's, and Joy, at her young age, becomes the wise one who is trying to relay that she is "just a girl." It's a long and painful road, but it's also age appropriate.
There's a lot to love about this book including its author/s, the representation, and Joy's general tenacity and seemingly unfailing goodwill toward others, even when they are absolute monsters toward her...and some are.
There are also times when the book reads a little too sweet for my taste, when I want to shake some of the adult characters, and when the religious infusions feel a little over the top. These minor issues will absolutely not deter me from recommending this highly to students.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Clarion Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
June 4, 2023
I appreciate what Joy, to the World is trying to do--give us another lower-MG story about a trans girl, like Gino's Melissa, but with a focus on activism rather than coming out--but unfortunately I don't really think it succeeds? I've enjoyed the emotion and complexity of Bunker's solo books, but that all seems to be missing in this one, co-authored with kid activist Shappley. The writing style is pretty bland, heavy on the telling and summarizing events, and never really showing nuance or settling into a scene, and the ending doesn't feel particularly satisfying.
I was also uncomfortable with how heavily Christian the story is, with no acknowledgement that twisting Christian beliefs is the source of a lot of transphobia in the US--we never see any hint of Joy having to reconcile her religion and her gender, which felt odd and cost the story a lot of depth and realism that it otherwise could have had. Additionally, the inclusion of Shappley and her mother as major characters whom Joy idolizes was pretty awkward, and so was the amount of slang that's going to quickly date this book--seriously, the number of times these middle-school girls call things "Gucci"!
I also wasn't on board with the awkward way the book semi-censors the transphobia Joy encounters, for example when people call Joy a "predator" for being trans, but her mom says she's too young to be told what that means, and it's never explained or suggested to the reader. I can see how this is perhaps a tricky subject for a kid's book, but I think if the authors really want to raise awareness about and challenge transphobia, they need to more clearly acknowledge what the opposition is, and on the other hand if they can't come up with any age-appropriate way to explain it for kids, then maybe writing a kids' book about trans activism wasn't the right move for them?
And finally, the stakes throughout the book felt pretty inconsistent in a way that seemed to undermine the characters' actions. For about the first half of the book, Joy's focus is on being allowed to to participate in a school cheerleading team, with a few mentions of bathrooms. Then there's a really abrupt shift to protesting a state bill which proposes taking trans kids from their parents' custody. Whoa! All of a sudden the cheerleading stuff seemed superficial in comparison, but also the fact that Joy and her family had apparently never previously known or been concerned about this larger-scale threat made it feel a lot less personal and scary than it should have. It's not that I don't think there could be a meaningful trans book that's solely about cheerleading and day-to-day school stuff--it was the way these issues were put together in one book but not really integrated that wasn't working for me.
In conclusion--I am so glad that more books about gender and activism and social justice are being written and published for kids--these types of stories are so important and they give me hope that the next generations of leaders will be able to do better than what we've seen before. The fact that two trans authors are able to share a story about a trans kid working for a more inclusive world is really great and brings me, well, joy! The way this particular book was written just didn't resonate with me, but I'm still excited to see what's next for these authors and the wider "kidlit" world.
I was also uncomfortable with how heavily Christian the story is, with no acknowledgement that twisting Christian beliefs is the source of a lot of transphobia in the US--we never see any hint of Joy having to reconcile her religion and her gender, which felt odd and cost the story a lot of depth and realism that it otherwise could have had. Additionally, the inclusion of Shappley and her mother as major characters whom Joy idolizes was pretty awkward, and so was the amount of slang that's going to quickly date this book--seriously, the number of times these middle-school girls call things "Gucci"!
I also wasn't on board with the awkward way the book semi-censors the transphobia Joy encounters, for example when people call Joy a "predator" for being trans, but her mom says she's too young to be told what that means, and it's never explained or suggested to the reader. I can see how this is perhaps a tricky subject for a kid's book, but I think if the authors really want to raise awareness about and challenge transphobia, they need to more clearly acknowledge what the opposition is, and on the other hand if they can't come up with any age-appropriate way to explain it for kids, then maybe writing a kids' book about trans activism wasn't the right move for them?
And finally, the stakes throughout the book felt pretty inconsistent in a way that seemed to undermine the characters' actions. For about the first half of the book, Joy's focus is on being allowed to to participate in a school cheerleading team, with a few mentions of bathrooms. Then there's a really abrupt shift to protesting a state bill which proposes taking trans kids from their parents' custody. Whoa! All of a sudden the cheerleading stuff seemed superficial in comparison, but also the fact that Joy and her family had apparently never previously known or been concerned about this larger-scale threat made it feel a lot less personal and scary than it should have. It's not that I don't think there could be a meaningful trans book that's solely about cheerleading and day-to-day school stuff--it was the way these issues were put together in one book but not really integrated that wasn't working for me.
In conclusion--I am so glad that more books about gender and activism and social justice are being written and published for kids--these types of stories are so important and they give me hope that the next generations of leaders will be able to do better than what we've seen before. The fact that two trans authors are able to share a story about a trans kid working for a more inclusive world is really great and brings me, well, joy! The way this particular book was written just didn't resonate with me, but I'm still excited to see what's next for these authors and the wider "kidlit" world.
February 14, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Joy and her friend Maxput together a Sparkle Squad with Steph (Max's friend) to practice cheers so they can all make the cheer squad at their school in Appleton, Texas. Joy has always loved cheer, and has recently moved to town so that her mother can find a job, since her father left when she and her brother Will were very young. Things are going well, and all three make the squad. Joy even successfully choreographs some routines, and is feeling in her element when a parent complains. Joy is a trans girl, but has been "living in stealth" for her own safety. Not only does she get removed from the team, but she has nasty comments made to her, and learns about legislation in Texas that would be damaging to the trans community. With the help of new friends from the LGBTQIA+ community like Aunt Caroline and Kai Shappley, Joy finds ways to get her message out about being accepted for who she is. She also manages to find a community, and get the support of her friends.
Strengths: Given all of the negative experiences facing trans children, it's good to see a book that doesn't shy away from these but does show positive progress being made. The portrayal of cheerleading in Texas was interesting, since it seems to differ a bit from cheer in Ohio; we've had a handful of boys on the squad over the years, so there wouldn't have been an issue with Joy being on the team, even for a very evil principal who misgenders her. We have also had several trans students, and they seem to be accepted by other students, although I certainly don't know everything they've experienced at school. Cheerleading is always of interest, so it's good to add some diversity to the portrayal of the sport in middle grade literature.
Weaknesses: The style of writing felt oddly distant, and it was odd to read Joy saying things like "Kai Shappley is totally amazing and I love her," when Shappley is listed as an author. I'm sure that collaborating can be a tricky business, and it was good to see Bunker involved.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Bunker's titles, Zenobia July and Felix YZ or Lukoff's Different Kinds of Fruit.
Joy and her friend Maxput together a Sparkle Squad with Steph (Max's friend) to practice cheers so they can all make the cheer squad at their school in Appleton, Texas. Joy has always loved cheer, and has recently moved to town so that her mother can find a job, since her father left when she and her brother Will were very young. Things are going well, and all three make the squad. Joy even successfully choreographs some routines, and is feeling in her element when a parent complains. Joy is a trans girl, but has been "living in stealth" for her own safety. Not only does she get removed from the team, but she has nasty comments made to her, and learns about legislation in Texas that would be damaging to the trans community. With the help of new friends from the LGBTQIA+ community like Aunt Caroline and Kai Shappley, Joy finds ways to get her message out about being accepted for who she is. She also manages to find a community, and get the support of her friends.
Strengths: Given all of the negative experiences facing trans children, it's good to see a book that doesn't shy away from these but does show positive progress being made. The portrayal of cheerleading in Texas was interesting, since it seems to differ a bit from cheer in Ohio; we've had a handful of boys on the squad over the years, so there wouldn't have been an issue with Joy being on the team, even for a very evil principal who misgenders her. We have also had several trans students, and they seem to be accepted by other students, although I certainly don't know everything they've experienced at school. Cheerleading is always of interest, so it's good to add some diversity to the portrayal of the sport in middle grade literature.
Weaknesses: The style of writing felt oddly distant, and it was odd to read Joy saying things like "Kai Shappley is totally amazing and I love her," when Shappley is listed as an author. I'm sure that collaborating can be a tricky business, and it was good to see Bunker involved.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Bunker's titles, Zenobia July and Felix YZ or Lukoff's Different Kinds of Fruit.
February 3, 2024
Mixed feelings on this one. I loved the message, the idea of the story. I just didn't love the writing. There were so many moments that were telling us things instead of showing us. "Joy was angry." "Joy didn't like that." This could be written in a way that would make us feel more, connect more emotionally.
Pros:
*Joy is a trans girl, but you don't know that right from the beginning of the story. I loved that the first few chapters were just about a girl hanging out with her friends, trying out for the cheerleading team and the pressures involved with that, etc. You see her just as a girl, a person, a kid first... and you can see that it doesn't matter if she's trans. She's a teenage girl, end of story.
*Once people at her school discovered that Joy is trans, I appreciated the balance of reactions and perspectives. You had the friends who were still supportive, the adults who don't approve... but you also have the friend who isn't supportive but clearly influenced by her parents, the teacher who supports Joy, etc. It was nice to see that it wasn't all or nothing.
*I really liked that Joy is religious. It feels like the world sees you as Christian and ultra-conservative, or liberal and atheist. Most people fall in the middle, and it was refreshing to see Joy and her family being Christians AND trans advocates.
Cons:
*The writing just felt so stilted and awkward. It was like being back in a high school English class where the teacher would use examples like this as poor writing and ask us to re-write them. It's a shame because I think better writing would really have made this a more powerful story.
*Joy finds an older trans girl who has sort of made a name for herself advocating for the trans community on social media, and Joy really begins to idolize this girl. There were a few parts that felt like too much, but the real kicker is that the other girl's name is Kai Shappley... who is also listed as the author of the book. After looking it up I learned that Kai is actually just a kid herself and is I suppose a co-author of this book, so I suppose it makes more sense that way, but while I was reading it, it just felt weird.
Pros:
*Joy is a trans girl, but you don't know that right from the beginning of the story. I loved that the first few chapters were just about a girl hanging out with her friends, trying out for the cheerleading team and the pressures involved with that, etc. You see her just as a girl, a person, a kid first... and you can see that it doesn't matter if she's trans. She's a teenage girl, end of story.
*Once people at her school discovered that Joy is trans, I appreciated the balance of reactions and perspectives. You had the friends who were still supportive, the adults who don't approve... but you also have the friend who isn't supportive but clearly influenced by her parents, the teacher who supports Joy, etc. It was nice to see that it wasn't all or nothing.
*I really liked that Joy is religious. It feels like the world sees you as Christian and ultra-conservative, or liberal and atheist. Most people fall in the middle, and it was refreshing to see Joy and her family being Christians AND trans advocates.
Cons:
*The writing just felt so stilted and awkward. It was like being back in a high school English class where the teacher would use examples like this as poor writing and ask us to re-write them. It's a shame because I think better writing would really have made this a more powerful story.
*Joy finds an older trans girl who has sort of made a name for herself advocating for the trans community on social media, and Joy really begins to idolize this girl. There were a few parts that felt like too much, but the real kicker is that the other girl's name is Kai Shappley... who is also listed as the author of the book. After looking it up I learned that Kai is actually just a kid herself and is I suppose a co-author of this book, so I suppose it makes more sense that way, but while I was reading it, it just felt weird.
July 9, 2023
This was adorable. It's even more adorable when your brain connects the dots and realizes that one of the co-authors is just a kid and is doing her best to be a fantastic activist and raise awareness and support and fight for fellow trans kids.
I will say it also makes a lot more sense why I felt so old listening to this because I am most certainly not up to date with any slang and felt absolutely ancient at my 27 years old.
The story follows 12-year-old Joy who is a trans girl who loves cheerleading but when she's kicked off the squad for being trans It follows her journey into becoming an activist and standing up for herself and others. It's definitely an emotional book and it is 100% written for kids but I would recommend it for everyone. This is a true middle grade, potentially even elementary read.
While it covers a difficult topic, it is something that is happening right now in the US and even if you think kids don't know about it I guarantee you they do. I also think this book did a great job at kind of screening what is actually written on page versus what happened in terms of hate speech and transphobia. There's one or two instances where there's some really hateful words on the page in order to get the point across but the majority of it is summarized versus quoted. For example there's a part where Joy's mom learns about a hateful podcast and instead of having any sort of quotes from the podcast on the page, her mom just explains that it was really hateful and harmful and that Joy doesn't need to hear it. There's other instances where instead of quoting them, they'll say and then they spewed a lot of hateful stuff or something like that. I think this makes it a very safe book for all kids to listen to/read without potentially triggering anyone or developing the need for a content warning.
I will say it also makes a lot more sense why I felt so old listening to this because I am most certainly not up to date with any slang and felt absolutely ancient at my 27 years old.
The story follows 12-year-old Joy who is a trans girl who loves cheerleading but when she's kicked off the squad for being trans It follows her journey into becoming an activist and standing up for herself and others. It's definitely an emotional book and it is 100% written for kids but I would recommend it for everyone. This is a true middle grade, potentially even elementary read.
While it covers a difficult topic, it is something that is happening right now in the US and even if you think kids don't know about it I guarantee you they do. I also think this book did a great job at kind of screening what is actually written on page versus what happened in terms of hate speech and transphobia. There's one or two instances where there's some really hateful words on the page in order to get the point across but the majority of it is summarized versus quoted. For example there's a part where Joy's mom learns about a hateful podcast and instead of having any sort of quotes from the podcast on the page, her mom just explains that it was really hateful and harmful and that Joy doesn't need to hear it. There's other instances where instead of quoting them, they'll say and then they spewed a lot of hateful stuff or something like that. I think this makes it a very safe book for all kids to listen to/read without potentially triggering anyone or developing the need for a content warning.
July 25, 2023
This book made me really emotional from start to finish. As a grown-up trans person from Europe, hearing about all the hatred and fearmongering trans kids in the US have to deal with absolutely breaks my heart, which made this a hard read. There is a lot of joy in this book as well, though, and I loved Joy herself, and her very loving family, including her new chosen family. Joy is so strong and brave, even though she shouldn't have to be, and her mom and brother support her all the way. It was interesting to see Joy be a Christian, as queer books for kids and young adults don't tend to have religious main characters. It's not my kind of thing, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of the book, as, while very important to Joy, it doesn't play a big role in the story. Joy also has cheer and her friends to bring her happiness, as well as her new-found love for being an activist.
I think the book does a very good job of showing that while there are misguided, hateful people, there are also a lot of, and maybe even more, people who are on Joy's side, from other kids at school to complete strangers. I appreciated that the book does show that transphobic people are terrible and say nasty things, but when the hateful people talked often just the tone of their voice was described, rather than the actual words. I'm sure most of us know what kind of things these people are actually saying, and there's no need to repeat them, especially in a book for kids and that trans kids will be reading. They don't need to need to be confronted with that stuff unnecessarily. The book ends with Joy in a good, happy place, which I was glad about as well.
I listened to the audiobook and I think Vico Ortiz really did a phenomal job. I do wonder why they didn't have it narrated by a trans girl/woman, though.
I think the book does a very good job of showing that while there are misguided, hateful people, there are also a lot of, and maybe even more, people who are on Joy's side, from other kids at school to complete strangers. I appreciated that the book does show that transphobic people are terrible and say nasty things, but when the hateful people talked often just the tone of their voice was described, rather than the actual words. I'm sure most of us know what kind of things these people are actually saying, and there's no need to repeat them, especially in a book for kids and that trans kids will be reading. They don't need to need to be confronted with that stuff unnecessarily. The book ends with Joy in a good, happy place, which I was glad about as well.
I listened to the audiobook and I think Vico Ortiz really did a phenomal job. I do wonder why they didn't have it narrated by a trans girl/woman, though.
May 17, 2023
12 year old Joy has just moved to Texas with her mother and brother, and discovered cheer. She's over the moon! She's never found any activity she loves so much, and it gets even better because, after a summer of stretching and practicing and working with some friends, they all make it onto the school team! For a month, Joy is in heaven. But then, all of a sudden, she's informed that she is not allowed to be on the team--because she is transgender. Joy is utterly devastated. Not only is she cut from the team, but she's no longer allowed to use the girls' bathrooms or locker rooms at school. How can people not see that she's a GIRL??? Emulating her new YouTube idol, Kai Shappley, Joy starts in on a course of activism, helped by her mother, her older brother (who is surprisingly helpful, who knew), and some adults they meet through a local LGBTQ advocacy group. It's never easy, it's always beyond unfair, and sometimes it's really scary, but Joy is determined to stand up for her true self.
This was great, and you could really feel the passion behind it, and the desperate plea to just be left alone to be a kid. I loved that Joy had a loving family who supported her, and that her bestie stood by her without question, even when one of their other friends immediately dumped her. I loved how she started developing her own "Sparkle Squad" to keep up with cheer, and how she found ways to be herself and stick to her guns even when it was really hard. I just wish the people who need to read this would actually read it, instead of (inevitably) banning it. Thanks to Libro.FM for a free educator copy of the book.
This was great, and you could really feel the passion behind it, and the desperate plea to just be left alone to be a kid. I loved that Joy had a loving family who supported her, and that her bestie stood by her without question, even when one of their other friends immediately dumped her. I loved how she started developing her own "Sparkle Squad" to keep up with cheer, and how she found ways to be herself and stick to her guns even when it was really hard. I just wish the people who need to read this would actually read it, instead of (inevitably) banning it. Thanks to Libro.FM for a free educator copy of the book.
January 31, 2025
It's an easy read and a cute book! I would reccomend for elementary readers learning about trans kids or just curious for a kid friendly, cute book. But I'm sorry, the characters in this book are NOT seventh graders. I, remembering being a seventh grader, can safely say that no one acts like this in our grade and the whole sparkle squad was annoying. Joy being so annoyingly naive that she was like "but why don't they like me" and having mind rants of "they just don't like what they don't understand and I need to be the REAL ME!!!". It's actually kind of offensive that seventh graders are portrayed like this. But still a good read for young readers. (Also there's a bit of sexism that comes with Joy hating anything that isn't pink and sparkly and "girly. And a misconception of trans people is presented as having "always wanted to be a girl" and always "hating being a boy". I can say for a fact that this is not true and many people only realize when they're older. In their teens, twenties or even thirties. I know, trust me. It's fine but kind of annoying and steriotypical and definitly not about seventh graders.
EDIT: Omg I didn't realize Kai Shappley was the AUTHOR! That's really weird. You basicaly created a fangirl for yourself and like "Oh I'm Joy and I love Kai so sso so sos sosoossos much and it was a DREAM to meet her omgomgomg!!!!!"
EDIT: Omg I didn't realize Kai Shappley was the AUTHOR! That's really weird. You basicaly created a fangirl for yourself and like "Oh I'm Joy and I love Kai so sso so sos sosoossos much and it was a DREAM to meet her omgomgomg!!!!!"
July 16, 2023
I listened to the audio version of this book. It was written by a 12-year old transgender activist (who is a former Texan resident). She fought from the age of 4 years old for equal rights but as additional legislation was being passed, her family was left with no choice but to leave the state. Kai is also featured in an 18 minute Emmy-award winning documentary based on her life (which I highly recommend). The story follows the tale of Joy (a middle school student) who is kicked off her cheerleading team when it is discovered that she is a transgender female. It is a very sweet story that I hope to include in my classroom Rainbow Library. I think it was sweet that each chapter ended with Joy writing in her journal "Jo Jo" where she went through a list of prayers and blessing for others (which mimics Kai's own religious background). Kai also infused herself in the book as Joy's hero. (I suppose if an adult referred to themselves as "beautiful" it would be problematic, but it comes off as cute and charming since Kai wrote this when she was 12.)
January 12, 2024
I was looking forward to reading this book featuring a 7th grade trans girl fighting for her right to be on her school's cheer team. Overall, the story is good. But if Kai Shappley wanted to write a book about herself, it should have just been Kai's story. Or write the fictional story of Joy. But not both. To insert herself into the book so much, especially as the subject of Joy's hero worship, was not a great choice. With comments about how wonderful Kai's mother is, to how amazing Kai is, and how much Joy wanted to be like and be friends with Kai, it just didn't come across well.
I also thought that some things were a little young sounding, not coming from a 7th grader. I don't know any 13 year old that would call their group the "Sparkle Squad" but many 9 year olds would.
One can forgive the 12 year old Kai for all the faults in the book, but I'm a little disappointed that Lisa Bunker co-wrote like this.
I also thought that some things were a little young sounding, not coming from a 7th grader. I don't know any 13 year old that would call their group the "Sparkle Squad" but many 9 year olds would.
One can forgive the 12 year old Kai for all the faults in the book, but I'm a little disappointed that Lisa Bunker co-wrote like this.
October 3, 2023
Joy and her family have recently moved to a small town in Texas for her mom's new job. Just before her 7th grade year starts, Joy discovers cheer and instantly falls in love with the sport. She spends the rest of the summer practicing and working out, and is thrilled to make the cheer squad that fall. But only a few weeks into the season and before the first game, Joy is disheartened to discover that there is suddenly a rule against transgender students competing in cheer. She decides to fight back against the school superintendent and the other naysayers. She loses some friends, but makes some new ones too. Will she win her fight?
Based loosely on the life of real life trans activist Kai Shippley, who co-wrote the book. Kids will be motivated and saddened by Joy's story and will want to learn more about Kai too.
Based loosely on the life of real life trans activist Kai Shippley, who co-wrote the book. Kids will be motivated and saddened by Joy's story and will want to learn more about Kai too.
August 26, 2024
This is a great story of a trans girl just trying to live her life, while the authority figures around her are determined that she (and other trans kids) are dangerous just for existing. It starts with Joy and her friend Max joining the school's cheerleading team, but then Joy is removed from the team when it becomes more public knowledge that she is transgender. She and her mother reach out to a local group who help them in their fight against the school administration and also the governing bodies in Texas who are determined to put policies and laws in place that limit what transgender kids can do and be. I also love that this was written by a transgender girl based on her own experiences (she's actually a character in the book as well), so it really rings true to what such a girl would feel and experience.
February 20, 2025
This is such a fantastic book. I loved Joy's sweet family and her journal entries, which close almost every chapter. Her love for cheerleading was so easy to feel. I think her experience as a young activist will appeal to a lot of young readers, and the authors model doing this in tandem with adult support and boundaries set by a parent, which, as a parent myself, I also love.
Though in the story Joy experiences hate directed at her for her identity, I think the authors do an awesome job keeping the story appropriate for the middle grade age group. Often, we know hateful words were used, but Joy doesn't share specifically what they were, only how she feels about it.
Altogether, I really enjoyed this empowering story about a girl embracing her identity, finding her voice, and building a supportive community around her who can celebrate her interests and accomplishments.
Though in the story Joy experiences hate directed at her for her identity, I think the authors do an awesome job keeping the story appropriate for the middle grade age group. Often, we know hateful words were used, but Joy doesn't share specifically what they were, only how she feels about it.
Altogether, I really enjoyed this empowering story about a girl embracing her identity, finding her voice, and building a supportive community around her who can celebrate her interests and accomplishments.
May 22, 2023
3.5 stars. When you combine Melissa and The Tryout you get this sweet realistic fiction about a transgender girl.
Joy loves cheerleading. After her family moves to Texas for her mom's new job, Joy finds some good friends that help her practice and get ready for cheerleading tryouts.
The writing did not feel like it was written for adults. It seemed very much to be a book written to upper elementary/middle school.
Joy loves cheerleading. After her family moves to Texas for her mom's new job, Joy finds some good friends that help her practice and get ready for cheerleading tryouts.
The writing did not feel like it was written for adults. It seemed very much to be a book written to upper elementary/middle school.
May 23, 2023
Joy, to the World may be a middle grade book, but honestly, I think it's one everyone should read.
Joy is a young trans girl who just wants to be in her school's cheerleading team, but then a parent complains and outs her. All of a sudden she is thrust into the world of Activism.
This book touches a lot of controversial topics (that really should not be controversial at all), and while the bills that effect this fictional Texas world are not currently law in Texas (at least to the best of my knowledge... i could be wrong), there are a bunch of anti LGBTQ bills across our nation impacting the lives of trans kids and adults.
Joy is a young trans girl who just wants to be in her school's cheerleading team, but then a parent complains and outs her. All of a sudden she is thrust into the world of Activism.
This book touches a lot of controversial topics (that really should not be controversial at all), and while the bills that effect this fictional Texas world are not currently law in Texas (at least to the best of my knowledge... i could be wrong), there are a bunch of anti LGBTQ bills across our nation impacting the lives of trans kids and adults.
June 30, 2024
Joy is a trans girl who moves to Texas and joins the cheer team--until parents find out that she's trans and the superintendent kicks her off, leading to Joy and her family becoming activitists. This is very much a message book, and I'm sure it's a necessary one in a lot of areas! I laughed when Joy googled and learned about Kai (the trans activisit and tween author of this book) but kind of side eyed it a lot when Kai became a character and kept getting called smart, clever, beautiful, etc. That's Mary Sueing a little too hard, ha. But I think there will be some kids who need this and some kids who love it.
July 13, 2023
I absolutely loved this book, read it in one sitting and will be adding this to my library's collection ASAP. The strength that Joy (& Kai) have to fight for what they believe, as 12 year olds, is awe inspiring. Trans kids are just kids...they want to be able to just be themselves without all the hate thrown at them. To believe that they are a threat to anyone is completely delusional. They are being their best selves. Period. Thank you to @kai_shappley & @bizarrelyhellbenthaiku for writing an amazing book.
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