Spencer is many things - a soccer player, a big brother, and a huge nerd. He's also trans - and after moving to a new school to escape bullying, playing soccer is high on his priority list. He fits in well and makes the team, but when he comes up against a discriminatory law that forces his coach to bench him, Spencer must decide if he's willing to come out in order to fight for himself and his community.
This book was a pleasure to read - Spencer is such a great main character! I loved the way Fitzsimons wrote him - he may still be learning about himself and coming of age, but he has strong beliefs and he's not afraid to stand up for others. I also like the way he explained allyship to his parents and the GSA at school, helping them to realize that good-intentioned people still make mistakes, and that it's important to listen and learn. I hope that readers will also take this message away from the story. The romance aspect was well done too and I enjoyed seeing it develop.
Note for those worried about triggers: Fitzsimons doesn't include a detailed explanation of the bullying Spencer faced previously because he wanted to focus on trans joy rather than trauma, and I wholeheartedly agree with this approach. I highly recommend this one to readers interested in YA and queer fiction.
This book was a pleasure to read - Spencer is such a great main character! I loved the way Fitzsimons wrote him - he may still be learning about himself and coming of age, but he has strong beliefs and he's not afraid to stand up for others. I also like the way he explained allyship to his parents and the GSA at school, helping them to realize that good-intentioned people still make mistakes, and that it's important to listen and learn. I hope that readers will also take this message away from the story. The romance aspect was well done too and I enjoyed seeing it develop.
Note for those worried about triggers: Fitzsimons doesn't include a detailed explanation of the bullying Spencer faced previously because he wanted to focus on trans joy rather than trauma, and I wholeheartedly agree with this approach. I highly recommend this one to readers interested in YA and queer fiction.