Review by Booklist Review
When Shane, born a girl, switched schools three years ago, things really started to fall into place. Finally, he could be the boy he's known he was since age 3, without being treated differently. Plus, now that he's 12, he's old enough to begin hormone therapy and is nearly giddy at the prospect of the manly chest hairs he'll get from the testosterone injections. When a school bully shows students an old picture of Shane dressed as a girl, however, rumors fly, and Shane worries he'll lose everything now that his secret is out. First-time author Hennessey sensitively portrays typical sixth-grade trials (first crushes, embarrassing parents, etc.), compounded by the confusion and prejudice that can accompany transitioning. Although Shane is a victim of some hate, he is the recipient of far more acceptance and support, particularly from his mother, baseball teammates, and support-group buddy. Spreads from the sf comic that Shane is drawing preface several chapters, each hinting at upcoming struggles. An honest, encouraging addition to the growing ranks of transgender lit for the middle grades.--Smith, Julia Copyright 2016 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
As far as his best friend, classmates, and baseball teammates know, 12-year-old Shane is a typical boy. Shane feels that way, too, but it's not the whole story. He takes hormone blockers to prevent the onset of female puberty, and he wants to start taking testosterone. Unfortunately, his divorced parents share custody, and although his mother is supportive, his father hopes this is a phase. Debut author Hennessey effectively depicts Shane's life as both ordinary and very particular. All adolescents chafe at parental control, but Shane's father can prevent him from taking the drug he needs to be the person he feels he already is. All adolescents keep secrets, but when rumors start about Shane, it's extra scary. While coping with his father, baseball rivalries, his first crush, and his friends' reactions, Shane keeps working on his graphic novel; illustrated excerpts show how it helps him work through fears and worries. It's another nice touch in a warm, realistic book that offers a sensitive take on a topic that's very much in the air. Ages 8-12. Author's agent: Stephanie Kip Rostan, Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-7-For the past three years, Shane, now in sixth grade, has been living with his mom in L.A., where he has good friends and a crush, is a star on the baseball team, and spends his free time working on his sci-fi graphic novel. However, Shane is dealing with issues in his private life that his schoolmates know nothing about: Shane was assigned female at birth, and his dad still acts like Shane is just going through a phase, and refuses to accept Shane's gender identity. When a classmate outs Shane to the entire school, he has a lot more to worry about than baseball regionals. Shane's voice rings true, and the writing is straightforward and accessible. School bullies, issues with parents, first crushes, and sports drama make this title relatable to a broad range of readers. Additionally, it's refreshing to read a story with a young trans character already living life as his true gender and never questioning his identity. While some of the conflict and characterization lack depth and the ending is a little too pat, the book still has wide appeal. The selected pages of Shane's graphic novel, interspersed between chapters, are a fun addition, and readers will enjoy the parallels to Shane's real-life drama. VERDICT A worthwhile addition to middle grade collections, particularly where contemporary realistic stories are in demand.-Jenna Friebel, Deerfield Public Library, IL © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Twelve-year-old trans boy Shane has been living in "stealth mode" since transferring to a new school. On the baseball team with his best friend, Shane's biggest challenge is convincing his father to allow him to start testosterone--until a rumor about his gender starts circulating. With excerpts from Shane's graphic novel interspersed throughout, this hopeful story is hampered by flat and stereotypical secondary characters. (c) Copyright 2017. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
