She's Not There: A Life in Two Genders by Jennifer Finney Boylan

This book is the true story of a person changing genders. The author, Jennifer Finney Boylan, began her male to female transition in 2000. This memoir tells Boylan’s story of the secret she lived with for so many years and how she finally admitted she could no longer escape its powerful hold on her. It is also so much more. It is a story about the power of love and acceptance. It is humorous, touching, thought provoking, and sometimes sad. Originally published in 2003, this second edition published in 2013 includes sections written by Boylan’s best friend, novelist Richard Russo, and by Boylan’s wife Deirdre, as well as an update from Boylan herself. The message of this book is best summed up in a passage from a letter Boylan wrote and sent to family, friends, and colleagues explaining her transsexualism and journey from Jim to Jenny: “. . . [W]e all have dragons to slay in life. This one is mine. I hope that doing so will provide a model to others on how to find the bravery to be true to oneself, even if it means doing something that seems impossible.” 322 pages.

Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen by Jazz Jennings

Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen by Jazz Jennings
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to the audiobook of this memoir, which was very good, because it is so conversational in voice and tone.

This is an engaging story, and I found Jazz's journey (so far) to be fascinating. I especially appreciate how overwhelmingly positive, encouraging, and confident she is. It's also honest and upfront about topics such as depression.

That being said, I don't think her journey would be considered typical for most transgender teens, so while it's so wonderful to see how much love and support she has had since she was very young, I appreciate how it is noted that other trans kids and teens have not all had the same level of acceptance and support. This is not to say her life has been without hardship, because she has had her own set of struggles.

The book mentions important areas of concern for the trans community, such as the high suicide rates and the increased risk of being the victim of violent crimes. It balances a very hopeful message with reminders that the lives, stories, and struggles of other transgender people can be very different. Regardless, almost all people want to be themselves and to be accepted for who they are, and for someone so young to have such insight is impressive.

I'm still, quite honestly, not a huge fan of memoirs, but this one is short, held my attention well, and provides a lot of good information that will hopefully make the world a more understanding place.

Pages: 272

"Love in Transition" by Emma Marie Leya

This was a lovely story of Lexi, formerly Alexander, and her fight not to fall in love with John, a championship skier.  Although she is still biologically a man, Lexi has been confirming her identity by living as a woman for the past several years.  She was kicked out by her family and has been living with her best friend and working as a waitress ever since graduating high school.  Living in Park City, UT, has given Lexi the opportunity to indulge in her passion, skiing.  When she witnesses the collision of a large bird with a skier, she rushes to help not knowing that meeting the man will change her life forever.  She and John are immediately attracted to each other, but she insists that they can only be friends.  As they grow closer and spend more time together, Lexi knows that she will eventually have to tell him the truth.  Solid and empathetic writing and a unique main character in Lexi made this a sensitive portrayal of gender identity and sexuality.  133 pages (Kindle edition).

George by Alex Gino

George by Alex Gino
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I absolutely love that someone wrote a story about a trans girl for this age level. It’s a quick, sweet story that I hope will help increase knowledge and understanding at all age levels. In fact, I kind of wish every elementary and middle school teacher in Missouri had to read it.

Pages: 240

If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo

If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story had my heart clenched in its fist the whole way through. Then, the author's note at the end of the book completely wrecked me.

I think everyone should read this book, and it's not just because of the topic (a trans girl, Amanda, gets a fresh start for her senior year, in a new location, where nobody knew her as Andrew) and message (be you, have hope, give yourself a chance, give other people a chance), but also the incredible writing.

This is not just a story about an excellent topic. It's an excellent story, with an important topic. There's a big difference there, and people who read a lot will recognize it right away. Some stories have value for their message. Some are beloved for their writing, style, and/or plot. Some have compelling characters that must be read. And then, there are books like this that have absolutely everything, which is why I hope to shove this story into as many people's hands as possible.

I also love that this is a hopeful story about a trans girl, written by a trans author, sent forth to the world by a major publisher, and the cover model is also a trans girl. The world needs more books like this.

Pages: 288

Debbie Harry sings in French by Meagan Brothers

I found this book in a Dollar General Store and the title caught my eye.  French?  Debbie Harry?  What could it be about?  Well, imagine if you will a confused young man, struggling with alcoholism and school bullies, inspired by hearing Debbie Harry sing "Depeche-toi, depeche-toi et attends" (hurry up, hurry up, and wait). According to Johnny,  "listening to Debbie Harry sing the French part of "Sunday Girl" was somehow more reassuring than anything the counselors had told me so far."  Who knew Blondie could be so inspiring? 234 pages.

Happy Families

Author- Tanita Davis
Pages- 234
Teenage twins Ysabel and Justin Nicholas are lucky. Ysabel's jewelry designs have already caught the eyes of the art world and Justin's intelligence and drive are sure to gain him entrance into the most prestigious of colleges. They even like their parents. But their father has a secret—one that threatens to destroy the twins' happy family and life as they know it.

Over the course of spring break, Ysabel and Justin will be forced to come to terms with their dad's new life, but can they overcome their fears to piece together their happy family again?

I really liked this book- it wasn't teen romantic drama. It dealt with real issues and showed a family trying to stay together and love each other, not running away.