A nuanced coming of age and trans romance

The Passing Playbook stars teenager Spencer Harris, a great big brother, inspiring nerd, and aspiring football/soccer player. Spencer is also transgender, and was bullied for that at his old school. He was able to transfer, and is passing at his new private school. However, administration has kept him from playing on his soccer team. This book follows his decision to come out to his coach and new school, or to stay on the bench. Isaac Fitzsimons carefully handles many hard topics that make this book inspiring. More than anything, this book is about love in all it's forms - friendship, family, and romantic. The pace that Spencer and Justice found each other was perfect, and I really felt the butterflies of a crush developing into something more. This was a comforting read without falling int on obvious plot or sticking too closely to common YA tropes. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a protagonist to cheer on.