Tag: transgender characters

REVIEW: The (Un)Popular Vote by Jasper Sanchez

REVIEW: The (Un)Popular Vote by Jasper Sanchez

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Katherine Tegen Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Mark and his mother are living in Santa Julia, away from his congressman father. The deal was they’d officially, publicly, stay married. But she and Mark could move 40 miles away where Mark has the freedom to transition out of the public eye. In fact, only two kids at his school even know Mark started life as Madison Tegan.

Mark is in the International Baccalaureate program, and he’s obsessive about political science. But he can’t join Junior Statesmen of America at his new school because someone might recognize him. The deal with the congressman was that Mark would cut ties with his old life and stay under the radar in exchange for this move. And he’s passing; no one seems to have any idea that Mark is transgender. All he has to do is stay quiet and blend in.

But when a younger kid Mark knows strikes back at the football players who bully him for being gay, Mark knows he’s supposed to stay quiet, but he doesn’t feel good about it. When the school chooses to punish Mark’s friend, one of the football players uses the incident to spew hateful rhetoric in the race for student body president. Now Mark has to decide if he can actually stay on the sidelines, or if it’s time to make some noise.

Review

This was a fascinating story. This might be the first book I have read starring a transgender main character, written by a transgender/transmasculine author. So this was enlightening for me. I learned a lot, and it gave me a lot to think about. I felt for Mark as he was confined by the deal he made with his father and also confined by his secret. He also was learning and growing in his understanding of politics and leadership. I enjoyed his West Wing references. Mark even has a “cathedral” moment which was sad spiritually, but enlightening considering the character’s journey.

I thoroughly enjoyed the romantic relationship that starts for Mark in this book. It’s a sweet relationship, and it really adds to the story and the complexities between the characters.

Readers who are interested in politics – and in allyship – should give this a try. The characters have some interesting things to say about being queer in their community and about the Gay/Straight Alliance group at their school (which seems to have no LGBTQ+ members). This would be a meaty book for a book club or discussion group, too. Don’t miss this one. (Language, pot use/underage drinking, LGBTQ+ TW: coming out stories, parental disapproval)

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good+

REVIEW: Extraordinary Birds by Sandy Stark-McGinnis

REVIEW: Extraordinary Birds by Sandy Stark-McGinnis

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Bloomsbury Children’s Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

December is a walking, talking bird encyclopedia. She has memorized her copy of The Complete Guide to Birds, Vol. 1, one of the few personal items she takes from foster home to foster home. December believes that someday, she will transform into a bird herself. The scar on her back is the proof that one day she will have wings.

December’s belief often drives her into tall trees where she thinks she can launch herself into flight. And when she keeps trying, she’s sent to a new foster home and a new school.

Eleanor isn’t bad as foster parents go. She knows a lot about animals, and she’s good at giving December space to be the girl she is. And at school, December has the chance to befriend another student going through her own struggles. But December questions if any of these things – a new home, a new friend – can be counted on. Maybe she’d be better off if she just flew away.

Review

I have mixed feelings on this one. I wrestled through a good portion of the book trying to figure out if December’s bird/flying thing was the result of trauma or if it was psychosis. How much did she really believe she would fly? Also, I did not find it believable that the social service system would not be more alarmed about a child in care flinging herself out of trees. I think there would have been a much stronger reaction – maybe to the point of group home care or something more secure.

I liked Eleanor’s relationship with December. December noticed Eleanor’s effort to give her space, and ask her what she wanted. This relationship was my favorite part of the book. Even so, the story never fully connected with my heart. I didn’t click with December. And I realize because of her life experience she is protective and isolating and cautious. But usually with characters like that, there are other factors that allow me to connect emotionally. I didn’t find them in this case.

The other relationship I liked was December’s relationship with a transgender student at her new school, Cheryllynn. Cheryllynn was an advocate and support for December, and then December returned the favor. The issues with the mean girls weren’t resolved, nor did they escalate. They were just there – part of life. Maybe I needed more here, too.

For readers who like stories where characters overcome their past or wrestle through mental health or family issues, this might work. It wouldn’t be my first choice for kids looking for stories like that, but for kids who have worked through other examples, they might want to check out December’s story. Fans of animal books might enjoy the bird facts in this book.

Rating: ♥♥♥