heatherbermingham's review against another edition
4.0
A few things I loved about this book:
- Zen's family relationships cover a few different outcomes for a child transitioning - the supportive aunts, the grandmother who doesn't get it and doesn't handle it the best but loves Zen and wants her to be happy.
- Christianity is handled so thoughtfully and gracefully. There are a few allusions to Zen continuing to pray as she was taught to do, even while struggling with things that have happened in her life. It would have been so easy to present the Christian girl who tries to befriend Zen as a villain but instead she's presented as a sweet, friendly girl who's chosen to believe what she's been taught by the adults around her. (For now. There's one moment where she seems to poke at what her mother says about LGBTQ people so maybe there's hope for her in the future.)
- I think the cybercrime investigation is a little hit and miss, but I do love that the book has another plot going on and isn't just About Being Trans. It helps present Zen as a whole person beyond just her gender identity.
- Zen's inner thoughts really give a good idea of what kinds of things trans children worry about or what causes them anxiety. Even as an adult, I found some of these things really insightful.
- Zen's family relationships cover a few different outcomes for a child transitioning - the supportive aunts, the grandmother who doesn't get it and doesn't handle it the best but loves Zen and wants her to be happy.
- Christianity is handled so thoughtfully and gracefully. There are a few allusions to Zen continuing to pray as she was taught to do, even while struggling with things that have happened in her life. It would have been so easy to present the Christian girl who tries to befriend Zen as a villain but instead she's presented as a sweet, friendly girl who's chosen to believe what she's been taught by the adults around her. (For now. There's one moment where she seems to poke at what her mother says about LGBTQ people so maybe there's hope for her in the future.)
- I think the cybercrime investigation is a little hit and miss, but I do love that the book has another plot going on and isn't just About Being Trans. It helps present Zen as a whole person beyond just her gender identity.
- Zen's inner thoughts really give a good idea of what kinds of things trans children worry about or what causes them anxiety. Even as an adult, I found some of these things really insightful.
tahkneeyah's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
dorayangvip's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
kateteaching7and8's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
ccls06's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book will help you deepen empathy for the thoughts, feelings, and experiences one has as an individual born with a body that doesn’t match their identity. It touches on conflict with empathy and kindness. Highly recommend.
madelinefmcguire's review
5.0
Zenobia is starting a life new life being her true self with her Aunts' in Maine after her fathers death in Arizona. She's never been able to be her true self before, and now that she can be she's a little nervous about it. She still has her mad-hacking skills to use an escape but it's still hard to be the new kid in school, especially Middle School. With the help of her Aunts, her new Uncle Sprink, and her new friend Arli it gets a little easier.
This book was so wonderfully done. We got a little insight into the other characters peppered throughout and a whole lot of Zen. Who is just a lovely character to read. A great middle school book about trying to be yourself and the fear that goes along with it. 12/10
This book was so wonderfully done. We got a little insight into the other characters peppered throughout and a whole lot of Zen. Who is just a lovely character to read. A great middle school book about trying to be yourself and the fear that goes along with it. 12/10
amaruuk's review
3.0
i think i just enjoy middle grade literature less the older i get…i liked Zen’s characterization and the A plot, but the B plot wasn’t nearly as interesting and Arli is infuriating
anakuroma's review
4.0
TW: bullying, transphobia, misgendering, deadnaming (not printed on page), islamophobia, religious anti-lgbt convictions, outing of a trans character, dysphoria, self harm.
Very torn, great book with excellent gender rep, powerful personal journey for Zen. But I'm torn when 'racist transphobe said sorry so we'll leave it at that' happened. Love this book a LOT, just a few sour notes.
Very torn, great book with excellent gender rep, powerful personal journey for Zen. But I'm torn when 'racist transphobe said sorry so we'll leave it at that' happened. Love this book a LOT, just a few sour notes.
baxgirl's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
c100's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0