Thanks to Penguin Teen for the arc of this title.
One sentence review: I really enjoyed this feel good story of a transgender student who switches schools and has to decide between fighting for his right to play soccer for his high school team or continuing to blend in at his new school.
The Passing Playbook by Isaac Fitzsimmons for me feels like a book about transgender joy. Serious issues and harsh realities are for sure discussed, but the emphasis of this book is about acceptance. Spencer is a fifteen year old who switches schools after being bullied at his previous school. As Spencer starts a new year at this new, more liberal, private school, we get the teen experience of how to fit in in a new environment. Things go sideways for Spencer when the coach of his soccer team requests a birth certificate and issues of gender come up.
My thoughts:
- This book brilliantly captures Spencer's hopes, dreams, doubts and worries.
- While this book is meant for teens, I think it would also be a fantastic read for parents with kids who are transgender. Spencer's mom is such an advocate for her kid. And Spencer's dad, while not as perfect as mom, still is a very supportive parent who loves his kid and is there for him.
- And so comes my one worry for this book. Spencer's parents are amazing. Dad slips up with names and pronouns at the beginning, but overwhelmingly these parents are there for their kid. And the school they send Spencer to is largely the same way. I just worry that for teens who don't have this kind of support this might be triggering. Or it might inspire hope. I suspect it could vary greatly depending on the person. This is in no way a criticism of the book, just more of a strange trigger warning I guess.
In summary, I really think this is a great book. It is hopeful while still outlining the reality and difficulties that transgender youth face.
One sentence review: I really enjoyed this feel good story of a transgender student who switches schools and has to decide between fighting for his right to play soccer for his high school team or continuing to blend in at his new school.
The Passing Playbook by Isaac Fitzsimmons for me feels like a book about transgender joy. Serious issues and harsh realities are for sure discussed, but the emphasis of this book is about acceptance. Spencer is a fifteen year old who switches schools after being bullied at his previous school. As Spencer starts a new year at this new, more liberal, private school, we get the teen experience of how to fit in in a new environment. Things go sideways for Spencer when the coach of his soccer team requests a birth certificate and issues of gender come up.
My thoughts:
- This book brilliantly captures Spencer's hopes, dreams, doubts and worries.
- While this book is meant for teens, I think it would also be a fantastic read for parents with kids who are transgender. Spencer's mom is such an advocate for her kid. And Spencer's dad, while not as perfect as mom, still is a very supportive parent who loves his kid and is there for him.
- And so comes my one worry for this book. Spencer's parents are amazing. Dad slips up with names and pronouns at the beginning, but overwhelmingly these parents are there for their kid. And the school they send Spencer to is largely the same way. I just worry that for teens who don't have this kind of support this might be triggering. Or it might inspire hope. I suspect it could vary greatly depending on the person. This is in no way a criticism of the book, just more of a strange trigger warning I guess.
In summary, I really think this is a great book. It is hopeful while still outlining the reality and difficulties that transgender youth face.