Review by Booklist Review
This timely middle-grade novel written by trans activist Shappley, co-written by author and politician Bunker, tells the story of Joy, a trans girl living in stealth in Texas. Shappley draws from her personal experiences standing up for trans kids' rights in the Lone Star State in this approachable novel about a seventh-grader who discovers a passion for cheerleading. When Joy is suddenly kicked off the team after someone outs her, she decides to speak up and tell her own story. Shappley and Bunker gently immerse readers in the reality of trans kids' lives, first showcasing the absolute joy it can be for someone to be able to simply be themselves. The authors never talk down to readers, using language and concepts that will appeal directly to their target audience; the fact that Shappley is the same age as the kids she wrote this book for makes a big difference here. This affirming read emphasizes the importance of advocating for trans kids, establishing healthy boundaries, and prioritizing the joy of self-expression.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Young transgender activist Shappley's hopeful debut, written in collaboration with Bunker (Zenobia July), offers a down-to-earth telling about a trans girl whose passion for cheer launches her life in an unexpected direction. After moving from Minnesota to Texas, where "cheer is like the official sport," 12-year-old Joy Simmons confides in her journal that becoming a flyer is "my destiny." Joy initially worries that her single mother will say no to cheer due to the family's stretched finances, but after her mom agrees, Joy's practice pays off: she makes the middle school team with her best friends. But everything comes crashing down when Joy is kicked off the team due to an exclusionary state law that says athletes must compete "on the team that aligns with their sex assigned at birth." Joy is subsequently required to use the nurse's bathroom and harassed at school. As the family navigates increasingly hostile school board meetings and Joy is inspired to speak publicly against an anti-trans bill being considered by the Texas Senate, they connect with unexpected allies. Interspersed with journal entries, Joy's plainspoken first-person perspective accessibly reports on the very real threats trans children face daily alongside the resilient character's faith and personal feelings. Protagonists are white. Ages 8--12. Agents: (for Shappley) Laura Thede and Alicia Beekman, DDO Artists Agency; (for Bunker) Jim McCarthy, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. (May.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Twelve-year-old Joy fights harsh opposition to her cheerleading in this collaboration between trans child activist Shappley and middle-grade author Bunker. When her best friend, Max, introduces Joy to cheer, she falls in love with the sport. The two get together with another girl, Steph, calling themselves the Sparkle Squad. They plan to practice their cheer routines before tryouts when seventh grade starts. All three girls do make the team, and despite their heavy workload and high academic expectations, Joy loves it--until someone outs her as transgender and she's banned from the team in accordance with a Texas law limiting participation based on sex assigned at birth. Joy is also required to use the school nurse's bathroom, and Steph turns hostile. But Max stands by her side, kicking Steph out of the Sparkle Squad, and they're joined by a mix of supportive cheer team members and kids who feel excluded. When a bill threatening families with trans kids is put before the Texas Senate, Joy, inspired by watching real-world activist Shappley's Senate testimony, decides the Sparkle Squad is ready to cheer in support of trans rights. Joy is a fundamentally resilient character with an unconditionally supportive mom and the enviable quality of resilience, bouncing back after each obstacle and defeat. Her attitude and proactive nature keep the narrative upbeat while never undermining the serious nature of the issues raised. Main characters read White. Final art not seen. A vibrant battle cry for rainbow kids. (advice for activists, song list) (Fiction. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
