Alternating narrators MW Cartozian Wilson and Kirby Heyborne capture the struggles of two middle school students who are trying to settle into their authentic identities. Daniel is a sensitive eighth grader who tries but fails to fit the masculine mold people expect. Ash is a gender-fluid seventh grader who presents as a girl. When they become friends, they start to develop romantic feelings, but Daniel doesn’t know that Ash vacillates between “girl mode” and “guy mode.” Heyborne shines in his nuanced portrayal of Daniel’s emotions, conveying hope, compassion, and sorrow with heartbreaking realism. Wilson’s gender-neutral portrayal of Ash does not change even as Ash’s gender identity does, reflecting the important theme in the story that one’s gender does not change who they are on the inside. S.C. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
*An Indie Next List Pick, a Top Ten Rainbow Book for Young Readers, and one of Bank Street Children's Best Books of the Year!*
Jules Machias explores identity, gender fluidity, and the power of friendship and acceptance in this dual-narrative story about two kids who join forces to save a dog . . . but wind up saving each other.
Ash is no stranger to feeling like an outcast. For someone who cycles through genders, it's a daily struggle to feel in control of how people perceive you. Some days Ash is undoubtedly girl, but other times, 100 percent guy. Daniel lacks control too-of his emotions. He's been told he's overly sensitive more times than he can count. He can't help the way he is, and he sure wishes someone would accept him for it.
So when Daniel's big heart leads him to rescue a dog that's about to be euthanized, he's relieved to find Ash willing to help. The two bond over their four-legged secret. When they start catching feelings for each other, however, things go from cute to complicated. Daniel thinks Ash is all girl . . . what happens when he finds out there's more to Ash's story?
With so much on the line-truth, identity, acceptance, and the life of an adorable pup named Chewbarka-will Ash and Daniel forever feel at war with themselves because they don't fit into the world's binaries? Or will their friendship help them embrace the beauty of living in between?
*An Indie Next List Pick, a Top Ten Rainbow Book for Young Readers, and one of Bank Street Children's Best Books of the Year!*
Jules Machias explores identity, gender fluidity, and the power of friendship and acceptance in this dual-narrative story about two kids who join forces to save a dog . . . but wind up saving each other.
Ash is no stranger to feeling like an outcast. For someone who cycles through genders, it's a daily struggle to feel in control of how people perceive you. Some days Ash is undoubtedly girl, but other times, 100 percent guy. Daniel lacks control too-of his emotions. He's been told he's overly sensitive more times than he can count. He can't help the way he is, and he sure wishes someone would accept him for it.
So when Daniel's big heart leads him to rescue a dog that's about to be euthanized, he's relieved to find Ash willing to help. The two bond over their four-legged secret. When they start catching feelings for each other, however, things go from cute to complicated. Daniel thinks Ash is all girl . . . what happens when he finds out there's more to Ash's story?
With so much on the line-truth, identity, acceptance, and the life of an adorable pup named Chewbarka-will Ash and Daniel forever feel at war with themselves because they don't fit into the world's binaries? Or will their friendship help them embrace the beauty of living in between?
Editorial Reviews
Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940172740329 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | HarperCollins |
| Publication date: | 06/08/2021 |
| Edition description: | Unabridged |
| Age Range: | 8 - 11 Years |
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