Becoming Who We Are: Real Stories About Growing Up Trans

by Sammy Lisel, Lilah Sturges, Sammy Lisel (Editor), Hazel Newlevant (Editor), Cynthia Yuan Cheng (Artist)

Overview

Becoming who you are is a journey, and all journeys start somewhere.

 

In a collection of stories from across the spectrum of real-life experience, nine members of the trans community share their inspirational childhood stories. These are tales of questioning, affirming, transitioning, and growing up; courageous, gripping accounts from musicians, actors, teachers, scientists, forest rangers, and activists of how they overcame their unique challenges to become who they truly are.

 

Featuring work by HAZEL NEWLEVANT, LILAH STURGES, CYNTHIA YUAN CHENG, KAMERON WHITE, SUNMI, and many more!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781949518269
Publisher:	A Wave Blue World Inc
Publication date:	06/04/2024
Pages:	144
Sales rank:	66,441
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.80(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

Editorial Reviews

Every page of the book is infused with an aesthetic understanding of queerness as a way of life defined by kindness and respect." — THE COMICS JOURNAL (Hazel Newlevant, Sugar Town)

“Combines sheer talent with the supple versatility of an adroit graphical storyteller.” — NPR (Hazel Newlevant, No Ivy League)

“a memorable anthology” – The Beat

From the Publisher

2024-04-20
Nine transgender people share their stories.

Each tale in this work of graphic nonfiction, depicted by a different, talented illustrator, is told from the point of view of a real trans person. Brooke Guinan fought to make the NYC Fire Department more diverse and inclusive. Diamond Stylz, executive director of Black Trans Women Inc., endured bullying and parental neglect before meeting supportive queer friends and filing a lawsuit against her school for the right to attend prom in a dress. Marli Washington grappled with alcoholism and disordered eating but eventually began transitioning, fell in love, and started a company that designs chest binders. The individuals profiled are racially diverse and include transgender men and women as well as nonbinary people. Though it isn’t entirely clear how the stories came to be written (the subjects aren’t listed as co-authors, nor is there an explanation about an interview process), it’s a small point. The book overwhelmingly leaves readers with a sense of positivity. Even when the subjects confront painful situations—being bullied, getting kicked out of the house—all agree: It’s important to find a way to be true to yourself. They discuss not only their gender transitions, but also how they discovered their voices, passions, and careers. Though the work will resonate with many readers, it will especially speak to trans youth.

Inspiring and honest accounts from relatable role models. (Graphic nonfiction. 8-13)

Kirkus Reviews