Book Club Review

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Book Club Review…..THE PASSING PLAYBOOK by Isaac Fitzsimons

Fifteen-year-old Spencer Harris is a proud nerd, an amazing big brother and training to be a Messi. He's also transgender. When his classmates at his old school found out Spencer went through a horrible year of bullying. But now Spencer is transferring to Oakley, the most liberal private school in Ohio he is hoping for a fresh start.

Everything is going well at Oakley for Spencer. Great new friends and classmates that are accepting of who he is, a chance at a starting position on the boys soccer team and maybe even a little romance with one of his teammates.

But that doesn't last!

You see, one at Oakley knows Spencer is trans. He's passing! So when Spencer's coach discovers the 'F' on Spencer's birth certificate due to a discriminatory law the coach is forced to bench him. Now Spencer needs to decide whether he will cheer his team on from the sidelines or publicly fight for his right to play. even if it means coming out to everyone including the guy he's falling for.

Passing the Play was a delightful story with a high school setting about first love, courage, friendship and so much more! As a group we absolutely loved this story! The love and acceptance that Spencer's family showed was heartwarming. Even his little brother! He was just too cute! The romance Spencer and Justice was absolutely wonderful to read about! The chemistry between them was sweet and they were great together!

The author has shined a spotlight on the real life trials that trans teens face. The pacing is perfect and the story itself is easy to follow and fall in love with. Fitzsimons does not shut away from the hard stuff but handles them with care. But that is not the main focus of the book, it's love! Love in so many different forms! The love of a family, friend or even a first love!

Passing the Play was an absolutely amazing heartwarming read! I really can't wait to share this book with our teen reading group The Booked Teen!

Thank you The Book Club Cook Book, Penguin Teen and Isaac Fitzsimonsfor sharing this absolutely amazing and heartwarming book with us!