Ana on the Edge

by A. J. Sass

Overview

Perfect for fans of George and Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World: a heartfelt coming of age story about a nonbinary character navigating a binary world.

Twelve-year-old Ana-Marie Jin, the reigning US Juvenile figure skating champion, is not a frilly dress kind of kid. So, when Ana learns that next season's program will be princess themed, doubt forms fast. Still, Ana tries to focus on training and putting together a stellar routine worthy of national success.

Once Ana meets Hayden, a transgender boy new to the rink, thoughts about the princess program and gender identity begin to take center stage. And when Hayden mistakes Ana for a boy, Ana doesn't correct him and finds comfort in this boyish identity when he's around. As their friendship develops, Ana realizes that it's tricky juggling two different identities on one slippery sheet of ice. And with a major competition approaching, Ana must decide whether telling everyone the truth is worth risking years of hard work and sacrifice.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780316458610
Publisher:	Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date:	10/20/2020
Pages:	384
Sales rank:	339,309
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 7.60(h) x 1.20(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

A. J. Sass (he/them) is a writer, editor, and competitive skater. A long-time figure skater, he has passed his U.S. Figure Skating Senior Moves in the Field and Free Skate tests, medaled twice at the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships, and currently dabbles in ice dance. A. J. lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his boyfriend and two cats who act like dogs. Ana on the Edge is his first novel.

Editorial Reviews

09/14/2020

Debut novelist Sass tackles the subject of gender identity in this #OwnVoices novel set in the world of competitive figure skating. Ana-Marie Jin, a biracial (Chinese/white) 12-year-old figure skater, faces new challenges after winning Juvenile Nationals. Moving up to the intermediate level means that, instead of skating in hometown San Francisco with best friend Tamar, Ana will work with a coach and a famous choreographer in nearby Oakland. Never a fan of dresses or skirts, Ana balks when the choreographer assigns a princess-themed routine (“the graceful edges, the dainty arm movements”). What feels more comfortable is when transgender skater Hayden, whom Ana is teaching in exchange for free ice time, sees Ana as a boy. Ana’s bourgeoning understanding of gender within a traditionally binary sport, and fear that people won’t accept or understand a different pronoun, offers a mirror and window for readers. Nonbinary figure skater Sass renders scenes on and off the ice with vivid descriptions, and writes nuanced, layered portrayals of characters including Ana’s devoted working-class mother, inspirational coach, and friend Hayden, who knows exactly who he is. Ages 8–12. Agent: Jordan Hamessley, New Leaf Literary. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

2020-11-17
A nonbinary ice-skating champion loses balance as insecurities about money push her to excel at the expense of being true to herself and honest with her mom.

Rising off a first-place triumph at the U.S. Nationals, 12-year-old figure skater Ana Jin leaps into a new level of training for the next season. She gets to skate at a better rink, take off-ice classes, and work with a prestigious choreographer. Despite the thrill of achieving her dreams, high skating fees weigh on Ana’s mind. Ana’s White Jewish father left when she was small and is not part of her life; she lives with her Chinese American mom who converted to Judaism. Afraid to let anyone down and desperate to save her single mom money, Ana grapples in secret with her discomfort around her new princess-themed routine and her developing questions about her gender identity. This coming-out story departs from linear narratives about self-discovery and transitioning. Ana doesn’t begin the story knowing the word nonbinary or even aware that transgender people exist; she awakens to new possibilities about her identity after meeting Hayden, a White transgender boy. Friendship conflict boils in the background as Ana’s most present worries cause her to neglect her best friend. Family relationships and communication also play a significant role. The resolution leaves Ana’s future open to future self-exploration within the comfort of a secure support system.

Vulnerable and affirming. (author's note) (Fiction. 8-12)

Kirkus Reviews

* "Sass masterfully balances Ana's passion for competitive figure skating with her journey to coming out. ...Sensitive and realistic."—Booklist, starred review

"A lovely, necessary story of self-discovery and friendship."—Ashley Herring Blake, author of Stonewall Honor book Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World

"Heartfelt, nuanced and engaging, Ana on the Edge is both an insider's look at the world of competitive figure skating and a sensitive exploration of the protagonist's nonbinary identity. Highly recommended."—Barbara Dee, award-winning author of Maybe He Just Likes You and My Life in the Fish Tank

"Ana on the Edge is a poignant exploration of the importance of being seen for who you are. Ana will glide into your heart and open your mind to the richness of the full gender spectrum."—Ami Polonsky, award-winning author of Gracefully Grayson and Spin With Me

"Sass's gorgeous debut fills a much needed void on LGBTQ+ middle grade shelves."—Nicole Melleby, award-winning author of Hurricane Season

* "Sass masterfully balances Ana's passion for competitive figure skating with her journey to coming out. ...sensitive and realistic."—Booklist, starred review

"Heartfelt, nuanced and engaging, Ana on the Edge is both an insider's look at the world of competitive figure skating and a sensitive exploration of the protagonist's nonbinary identity. Highly recommended."—Barbara Dee, award-winning author of Maybe He Just Likes You and My Life in the Fish Tank

"Sass renders scenes on and off the ice with vivid descriptions, and writes nuanced, layered portrayals of characters."—Publishers Weekly

"The tone of the story remains hopeful as [Ana] works toward a new understanding of herself. The personal connection of the author, himself a figure skater who identifies as nonbinary, to the story is evident within its pages in both the nuances of figure skating and Ana's interrogation of gender."—The Horn Book

"Vulnerable and affirming."—Kirkus Reviews

"Sass's gorgeous debut fills a much needed void on LGBTQ+ middle-grade shelves."—Nicole Melleby, award-winning author of Hurricane Season

From the Publisher