Critics' Opinion:
Readers' rating:
Published in USA
Sep 2016
384 pages
Genre: Novels
Publication Information
A book about identity, belonging, and the collision between sexuality and cultural expectations.
All Pen wants is to be the kind of girl she's always been. So why does everyone have a problem with it? They think the way she looks and acts means she's trying to be a boy - that she should quit trying to be something she's not. If she dresses like a girl, and does what her folks want, it will show respect. If she takes orders and does what her friend Colby wants, it will show her loyalty.
But respect and loyalty, Pen discovers, are empty words. Old-world parents, disintegrating friendships, and strong feelings for other girls drive Pen to see the truth - that in order to be who she truly wants to be, she'll have to man up.
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"Starred Review. A strong genderqueer lesbian character, imperfect, independent, and deserving of every cheer." - Kirkus
"Starred Review. Girard forcefully conveys the fear Pen lives with, having experienced frequent mockery and bullying, and her courage in aspiring to a safe, loving community for herself and her friends. Ages 14–up." - Publishers Weekly
"Starred Review. This is a fresh title in the growing sea of LGBTQ YA literature. There is no sugarcoating in this very real portrayal of an aspect of teen life that many experience. Recommended for fans of YA urban fiction as well as those who prefer grittier LGBTQ lit." - School Library Journal
"A powerful book about identity, belonging, and the collision between sexuality and cultural expectations." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Fierce. Tender. Unstoppable." - Lauren Myracle, New York Times bestselling author of The Infinite Moment of Us and co-author of How to Be Bad
"Heartfelt. Refreshing. True." - Ariel Schrag, author of Potential and Adam
"I loved it. A brilliant new writer to watch." - Malinda Lo, author of Ash, Adaptation, and Inheritance and co-founder of Diversity in YA
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M-E Girard lives just outside of Toronto, Canada, where she splits her time between writing YA fiction about badass teen girls and working nights as a pediatric nurse. A 2013 and 2015 Lambda Literary Fellow, M-E is a proud feminist who is endlessly fascinated by the good, the bad, and the ugly regarding the concept of gender. You can find her online at http://www.megirard.com and all over social media.
A timely novel that explores the human capacity for resiliency and compassion.
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