You Don't See Me

by Chris Ricketts

Overview

Ros has finally found Eddy, the girlfriend they’ve always wanted. But Ros can’t tell her the truth: that they are trans, and want to live in a male body.

At a party Ros’s classmates “discover” they’re a lesbian – but that’s not the true story. As Ros’s life gets ever harder to navigate, a new friendship with a boy changes everything and Ros confides in him. Once the truth is out, things take on a momentum that Ros can’t control.

Ros is surprised that their school turns out to be supportive of their identity. But what’s the next move?  And what will happen when Eddy finds out?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781915071552
Publisher:	Little Island Books
Publication date:	03/11/2025
Pages:	296
Product dimensions:	4.90(w) x 7.70(h) x 0.90(d)
Age Range:	14 - 18 Years

About the Author

Chris is a non binary writer who lives in Dalkey, south county Dublin with their long term partner, and a feisty little mini Schnauzer called Oti. Being non binary has been a lifelong battle to be seen for the whole person, rather than the outer skin. Chris’s interest in alternative medicine, especially shamanism, has stemmed from a search for modalities that can heal at a deeper level. They are a qualified shamanic practitioner and Reiki Master. Chris has written fiction for adults and an autobiography. However, Chris has worked in education for most of their career and finds writing for the young adult audience a way of using all their experience in the classroom. “The youth of today have inspired me with their willingness to accept the societal changes necessary for us all to feel accepted. I was lucky to have taught them and they in turn educated me.”

Editorial Reviews

"An unflinching yet hopeful portrayal of experiences of gender dysphoria and coming out." – Publishers Weekly

"A book that will be important to many young readers." – Claire Hennessy, The Irish Times

"This is an important book not just for young adults, but also for any adult wishing to understand what modern teenage life can be like." – Irish Sunday Times Magazine

"Compassionate and well written, this is a story of self-discovery and acceptance that resonates widely." – The School Librarian

"A timely reminder that we need to truly look and learn if we are to understand."  – Armadillo Magazine

"This was an alternative read but I felt I lived and breathed every emotion with Ros as the pages turned - hoping that the conclusion would be a good one - a must read!! Chris Ricketts is a truly inspirational writer." – ***** reader review

"Moving. Intense. Unusual. Challenging.

Devoured in a single day.
Aristotle said, ‘Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.’ This is a book about leaving no stone unturned until you secure understanding and acceptance from the person who matters most. Yourself." – ***** reader review

From the Publisher

2024-11-23
A trans boy in Dublin struggles with hiding his true self.

Seventeen-year-old Ros, who presents white, tries to remain unnoticed in a school that’s divided into cliques—the stereotypically girly Flock, the studious nerds, class bully and rugby star Tadhg and his followers, and the lone goth. Ros couldn’t feel more out of place as a closeted trans guy. When his best friend, Sarah, convinces him to attend a party hosted by Tadhg, he’s not expecting Eddy, Tadhg’s older sister, to be so charming. Ros spends the night holed away with Eddy, developing a major crush, but the brilliant night sours in the light of day, as Tadhg and the Flock, convinced that Ros is a lesbian, become determined to ruin his life. Ros now faces a battle on two fronts: plagued both by the homophobia of his peers and the sinking feeling that, by remaining closeted, he’s lying to Eddy about who he is. The story’s development is undermined by stilted dialogue and outdated representation: Even though the novel is set in the present day, the framing of gender-related concepts feels out of step with information that modern teens will have access to (for example, Ros’ online research consists of searches fortranssexualism andtransgenderism). Readers may find that the self-harm scenes (Ros began cutting himself when he hit puberty) and an aborted suicide attempt veer alarmingly close to trauma porn.

A well-intentioned novel that falls short in its handling of sensitive topics. (author’s note)(Fiction. 16-18)

Kirkus Reviews