
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is exploring the complexities of gender identity or navigating the painful reality of online harassment. It is an essential choice for families looking to support a child who feels they inhabit the margins of traditional categories and are searching for a sense of worthiness in their first romantic experiences. The story follows Felix Funk, a Black, queer, transgender teen who dreams of getting into a prestigious summer arts program while dealing with a transphobic anonymous bully. Through Felix's journey, the book addresses deep emotional themes of self-confidence, the fear of being unlovable, and the resilience required to stand up for oneself. It offers a realistic, empathetic look at the modern high school experience, including the impact of social media. Parents will appreciate the book's honesty and its powerful message that everyone, regardless of their identity, deserves a happy ending. It is most appropriate for readers aged 14 and up due to its mature themes and language.
Contains strong language appropriate for a realistic YA setting.
Teen romance including kissing and discussions of attraction.
Exploration of feeling unlovable and the fear of rejection from family.
This book depicts intense transphobia, including deadnaming, the public display of pre-transition photos (outing), and digital harassment. There are themes of parental abandonment and emotional distance, as Felix's mother is absent and his father exhibits transphobia by struggling with correct name and pronoun usage. The narrative also includes underage drinking, marijuana use, and some sexually suggestive dialogue.
A 15-year-old who feels they are on the outside of the outside, perhaps questioning if they will be loved or successful. It is for the teen who uses art to process their world and is currently facing the cruelty of social media culture.
This book can be read cold by most teens, but parents may want to preview the scenes involving the anonymous digital harassment to understand the level of vitriol depicted. Parents may want to be prepared to discuss the diversity of gender identities and address any potential misunderstandings or biases their child may have encountered. A parent hears their child say, "I don't think I'll ever find someone who wants to be with me because of who I am," or notices their child is withdrawing after an incident of online bullying.
Younger teens (14) will focus on the mystery of the bully and the high school drama, while older teens (17-18) will likely resonate more with the existential questions of identity, the pressure of college applications, and the complex internal work of self-actualization.
Unlike many stories that treat a trans identity as a finished destination, this book uniquely explores the fluidity of identity even after transition, showing that it is okay to keep questioning and evolving. It centers a Black trans protagonist, highlighting both the pain of bigotry and the importance of queer joy. ```
Felix Phillips is a talented art student who is desperate to win a scholarship to Brown. He is targeted by an anonymous bully who posts a gallery of his pre-transition photos and deadname in the school lobby. Felix embarks on a journey of revenge that turns into a journey of self-discovery, exploring new labels for his gender identity and finding unexpected love.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a review