Growing Up Trans

July 1, 2021
Transgender youth share their experiences through writing and art. In this collection of poetry, prose, and art, trans young people discuss their lives, families, bodies, mental health, schools, and more. All the contributions stem from the same series of trans youth writing retreats, so readers will see the same names popping up again and again. (Oddly, one adult's poetry is included in the afterword.) The writers and artists express fears and triumphs, dysphoria and empowerment. Of course, some of the pieces are more effective than others, but many trans young people will see themselves reflected in these pages. It will be most appealing to trans and cis readers under 18, but it may also make a good recommendation for cisgender adults wishing to understand the experiences of trans youth. Editors Herriot and Fry are both cisgender women with the goal of amplifying the voices of trans youth. It seems they allowed the young contributors to choose whether to publish their surnames; some readers may find themselves concerned for the children's current and future safety and privacy in those instances when they are identified with surnames. The contributors represent a range of gender experiences, and there seems to be some diversity of race and ethnicity as well, based on the appealingly eclectic contributor bios, though there is no art depicting people with dark skin. A valuable window into the world of trans young people. (resources, glossary) (Nonfiction. 10-18)

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July 1, 2021
Grades 6-8 This book offers poems, essays, drawings, stories, and letters from 21 transgender Canadians aged 11 to 18 (plus one 74-year-old). They describe their experiences in terms of acceptance, their childhoods, families, schools, bodies, everyday life, and mental health. Each chapter asks readers questions that invite them to connect the material to their own lives. Further-reading lists conclude each chapter, with adult transgender-studies scholars advising readers on what they can do next. One particularly moving and powerful entry from an anonymous teen's letter discusses how trans individuals just want to be treated like people. In another poem, Owen Miller, 16, says, "When you speak with someone who thinks you're someone you're not / You begin to feel every word is a lie." The scrapbook-style layout, with its variety of fonts and colorful background graphics, is visually appealing. An afterword contains contributors' biographies, resources (mostly Canadian), and terms. Heartfelt and honest, this will be a valuable resource for trans readers hoping to see themselves and will help cis readers better understand their journeys.

COPYRIGHT(2021) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

October 1, 2021

Gr 6 Up-A vibrant collection of essays, poems, art, and stories from trans teens, this book serves stereotype-busting diverse perspectives that are sure to resonate with many. Each piece feels authentically young, and it's clear that the kids who submitted work (as a part of a workshop led by trans mentors and facilitated by editors Herriot and Fry) felt comfortable in sharing some of their deepest-held thoughts and feelings. Each section centers a particular topic like "childhood" or "families," and is organized much like a scrapbook with art, poetry, and essays gathered in a visually appealing way. The end of each section also includes guiding questions and a list of recommended reads, making this book a valuable resource for schools and Gender-Sexuality Alliances. While it's possible that the youthful tone and realistic use of slang may date this collection within a few years, one hopes that the editors will continue this work and produce further collections. The teens featured appear to come from diverse experiences and backgrounds, but race is not specifically mentioned. VERDICT A useful conversation-starter for young teens exploring the gender spectrum and for the adults in their lives, this is a recommended purchase for teen nonfiction shelves.-Catherine Cote, John Champe H.S., Aldie, VA

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