After transitioning Spencer Harris had to endure a year of bullying at his old school. This year he is looking forward to a fresh start at his new private school, Oakley.
At Oakley Spencer is able to pass, therefore no one knows he's trans. He makes new friends and joins the soccer team. He also falls for one of his new teammates, Justice. Life couldn't be better.
Unfortunately things aren't all picture perfect. Spencer's parents aren't happy he's playing soccer. Justice is keeping secrets. And the F on Spencer's birth certificate is keeping him from playing on the team.
After keeping his head down it's time for Spencer to stand up tall.
I really wanted to like this book. It had a bunch of elements I was excited about, but it fell a bit flat. None of the characters were very fleshed out. Everyone seemed to come from a mold "trans" "jock" "religious zealot". The whole plot always seemed to be on the cusp of SOMETHING, but full potential was never reached. Also, there is a lot of alluding to what happened at Spencer's old school, but again...no details. I wish the world was as simple and accepting as it was in this book...maybe one day.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to BookishFirst and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group/Dial Books for this ARC.
At Oakley Spencer is able to pass, therefore no one knows he's trans. He makes new friends and joins the soccer team. He also falls for one of his new teammates, Justice. Life couldn't be better.
Unfortunately things aren't all picture perfect. Spencer's parents aren't happy he's playing soccer. Justice is keeping secrets. And the F on Spencer's birth certificate is keeping him from playing on the team.
After keeping his head down it's time for Spencer to stand up tall.
I really wanted to like this book. It had a bunch of elements I was excited about, but it fell a bit flat. None of the characters were very fleshed out. Everyone seemed to come from a mold "trans" "jock" "religious zealot". The whole plot always seemed to be on the cusp of SOMETHING, but full potential was never reached. Also, there is a lot of alluding to what happened at Spencer's old school, but again...no details. I wish the world was as simple and accepting as it was in this book...maybe one day.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to BookishFirst and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group/Dial Books for this ARC.