Escape From St. Hell: My Trans Teen Life Levels Up: A Graphic Novel

by Lewis Hancox

Overview

In this sequel to the Indie bestseller WELCOME TO ST. HELL, Lewis Hancox tells the hilarious, inspiring story of coming into his own as a trans man

For Lew, figuring out he was a guy and wanted to live life as a guy was the end of our journey... and the start of a whole other journey. Escape From St. Hell charts all the changes that Lew wanted to be made in order for him to live as a young trans man — changes not just to his own body and perspective, but to the perspectives of the family, friends, and enemies around him.

As he did in his bestselling graphic memoir Welcome to St. Hell, Lewis Hancox charts his journey with plenty of laughs, a good number of cringes, and an honesty that takes readers along for the ride of Lew's life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781338824469
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	05/07/2024
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.40(h) x 1.10(d)
Age Range:	14 - 18 Years

About the Author

Lewis Hancox is a writer, illustrator, and filmmaker from North West UK. Mainly known for his online characters British Mum and Prinny Queen, he's built a committed following and regularly produces viral comedy videos. He has been featured in the Channel 4 series My Transsexual Summer and co-created an ongoing film project about trans people called My Genderation. You can find him on Instagram and TikTok at @lewishancoxfilms, on Twitter at @LewisHancox, and on YouTube at Lewis Hancox. As a longtime fan of cartoons and comics, he's proud to have created Welcome to St. Hell, his first graphic memoir.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for Welcome to St. Hell:

"Recommended for all teen (and college) collections — and, sadly, one likely to draw significant attention in today's culture wars." —School Library Journal

"Earnest, sincere, and at times heart-wrenching, Hancox’s account of a youth spent knowing who he was but unable to express it is affecting." —Publishers Weekly

"Hancox describes the process of writing this book as therapeutic, and readers might find it so as well." —Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

04/01/2024

Gr 9 Up—In this affirming follow-up to Welcome to St. Hell, Hancox documents his journey to self-acceptance as a trans man growing up in northwest England. While the first volume covered his high school years, this one begins in 2008 with Hancox heading off to Manchester University to pursue filmmaking, starting testosterone, and examining the stereotypes surrounding masculinity. In grayscale illustrations that mimic a video game, a present-day Lewis drops in to give his past-self advice and reassurance, as an anxiety meter on the side of the page documents his fears along the way. This book's strength is in its nuanced exploration of Hancox's insecurities, including his preoccupation with what it means to be a "real man," his experiences dating as a trans man, and the dysphoria that leads to a disordered relationship with exercise and food. Hancox injects humor and levity into the story as he navigates his transition and rediscovers his passion for developing creative content. VERDICT Hancox's relatable portrayal of anxiety is ultimately encouraging, and while the graphic novel is a continuation of his previous work, this book stands alone as a recommended purchase for any library serving teens.—Emily Yates

School Library Journal

2024-03-23
A trans teen on the cusp of adulthood grapples with self-expression and acceptance in this graphic memoir.

The University of Manchester may be only a 30-minute drive away from St. Helens, the English town where white transgender teen Lewis grew up, but he’s so desperate to leave that it feels like traveling a million miles away. With the move fast approaching, Lewis’ anxiety skyrockets and he begins to obsess over finding a new look so that everyone will see him as a “real man.” But Lewis soon discovers that leaving home and transforming his style won’t solve all his problems. Guided by his future self, who drops in to offer advice, Lewis faces his challenges with his emotions, love life, and self-acceptance as if they’re levels in a video game. Convinced that no one understands his struggles, Lewis isolates himself, coping by hyper-fixating on his diet and working out. The more he tries to run from his problems (including academic struggles), the larger they become. The author doesn’t shy away from showing his own flaws and how his internalized transphobia has affected his relationships. Finding community with other transgender people and accepting help have both played important roles in his growth and well-being. Although the text can sometimes be difficult to follow across the page, the dynamic layout of the black-and-white panels helps communicate Lewis’ angst and discontent.

An unflinchingly honest portrayal of coming-of-age. (bonus art) (Graphic memoir. 14-18)

Kirkus Reviews