Comment

Oct 01, 2019jweiser rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This is an excellent book. I was hesitant because I know this book has been heavily challenged. I found out it is a powerful book that is much needed, and very well done. It is straightforward but thoughtful, and gives valuable and beautiful insight into the main character's mind. Critics say it is a problem because it talks about genitals; in my opinion this is handled very appropriate as the most it says is "what's between her legs," not even any actual anatomical words. It does not treat gender identity as a whimsical choice; it reinforces how deeply and completely the main character feels her identity, and I appreciate that it does bring up that talking to a professional is an important step. Critics also say they're appalled that the characters "go behind the adults' backs;" in my opinion, this is not a problematic description. First of all, if you think kids will never go behind your back, you're fooling yourself. Secondly, the way the kids do this is in a supportive way (best friend supporting the main character in taking a leap of faith to act as a female character in a play), and they do acknowledge that it could be potentially problematic and disrupt the other actors, and some adults get upset about it, so it's still realistic. I wouldn't have any problem having my fourth grade kid read this book. If you're afraid your fourth grader is going to learn something new by hearing "what's between someone's legs," or be easily suggested that they pick a new gender, or do something against an adult's wishes, then you have way bigger problems than your kid reading this book. I agree it's a good idea to read it yourself, partially because it's actually dang good and most importantly to foster dialogue. But it's not something you need to protect your child against.