Publishers Weekly
09/19/2016
Jess, a transgender teen who recently graduated from high school, embarks on a cross-country road trip to crash her father’s wedding, joined by her best friend, Chunk. Tensions soon escalate: the two “compatible nerds” begin fighting the first night, Jess worries that her Adam’s apple will betray her, and her father refuses to stop thinking of her as a boy going through a phase. The plot centers on Jess’s journey to self-acceptance, using her art portfolio to manifest crucial past memories alongside her present-day narration. Is Jess as self-centered as Chunk accuses her of being? Perhaps, but Clark (Freakboy) purposefully thrusts her into the spotlight as she explores publicly transitioning, a terrifying, uncomfortable, and euphoric part of Jess’s quest to discover her identity. “Is it so wrong to want to appear to the world the way I see myself?” she asks. Despite an arguably happy ending, Clark resists pat answers as Jess reconciles her relationships with those who knew her as Jeremy, discovers surprising feelings of jealousy, and faces the very real danger of being different in a society that embraces norms. Ages 12–up. Agent: Tracey Adams, Adams Literary. (Nov.)
From the Publisher
"Clark (Freakboy, 2013) has written a thoughtful, engaging examination of a transition that is fraught with misunderstandings...Readers will be anxious to find out in this compelling novel that deserves a place at the forefront of the growing body of literature about transgender teens." —Michael Cart, Booklist, starred review
"Clark makes an important contribution to LGBTQIA+ literature for young adults by writing a story that demonstrates the often-uneasy process of self-discovery, as well as the universality of the human experience. Teens who like road-trip stories will enjoy the fun details about the cross-country excursion, and teens who like trans* stories will enjoy the fact that this one is not about a trans* teen figuring out she is, in fact, trans*—Jess has already done that work and is moving on." —VOYA
School Library Journal - Audio
03/01/2017
Gr 9 Up—Jess and her best friend Christopher (also known as Chuck or Chunk) are taking a road trip to attend Jess's father's wedding. The trouble is, the last time Jess saw her father, she identified as male. And at the time, her father made it clear that he wasn't happy with her decision to transition. While Jess hadn't planned on attending the wedding, when your best friend proposes a road trip that will take the better part of the summer, how can you say no? As if transitioning the summer before leaving for college isn't enough, the long drive gives Jess and Chunk ample time to reflect on their lives, their futures, and their feelings. While the road unwinds before them, Jess and Chunk learn about themselves and, ultimately, their limitless possibilities. The ending is a bit too tidy, and the issue of fat-shaming is not well addressed, but for many teens struggling with the complicated challenges related to gender identity and transitioning, the story provides a positive message of hope. Transgender actress Michelle Hendley turns in a solid and believable performance as Jess. VERDICT A sensitively told coming-of-age novel; recommended for most libraries serving teens. ["Despite its flaws, this is still a useful addition to collections because of its rare multifaceted picture of a trans girl, with a story that is about more than just coming out": SLJ 9/16 review of the Farrar book.]—Lisa Hubler, Charles F. Brush High School, Lyndhurst, OH
School Library Journal
09/01/2016
Gr 9 Up—Immediately after graduation, Jess and her best friend, Chunk, embark on a road trip from San Jose, CA, to Chicago. Trans teen Jess has tried to fly under the radar, but now she's ready to show her true self. Where better to make her debut than a surprise appearance at her transphobic dad's wedding to her mom's former best friend? The road trip uncovers many worries, tensions, and truths. Jess is concerned for her safety and nervous about passing. Her friendship with Chunk—who really hates the taunting and judgmental nickname and would prefer to be called Chuck—is on the rocks, too. He's spending the trip texting another girl while growing increasingly irritated at Jess's utter self-absorption. For someone so aware of names, image, and identity, Jess is extremely insensitive, especially when it comes to weight. It takes seeing (and overhearing) Chuck interact with new people for Jess to understand her feelings and begin to see beyond herself. Though it relies on an engaging premise, the novel is a mixed bag. Some things are true simply because readers are told they are (such as a significant revelation about Chuck that's barely addressed). Chuck and Jess avoid some really big conversations that would reveal more about themselves and their relationship. Much like their friendship, the ending feels superficial. VERDICT Despite its flaws, this is still a useful addition to collections because of its rare multifaceted picture of a trans girl with a story that is about more than just coming out.—Amanda MacGregor, formerly at Great River Regional Library, Saint Cloud, MN
Kirkus Review
2016-07-26
A trans girl artist goes on a road trip with her fat best friend and publicly dresses as her true self for the first time.Jess (Jeremy to Jess' dad) and Christophe (Chunk to Jess) are on their way to the wedding of Jess' estranged dad. Thanks to her father’s transphobia, Jess has been on hormones for only the seven months since she turned 18, and she's worried about passing. As they drive from liberal San Jose through places about which Jess has only fearful stereotypes, she seesaws from euphoria at the freedom of living openly to utter terror. Does she have visible stubble? Will she be murdered in a gas-station toilet? Jess realizes slowly that there are trans and trans-friendly people all over the U.S. She realizes even more slowly that—regardless of her own gender—she can behave in some pretty rotten ways to her loved ones. Jess' personal growth comes slowly, and she treats her overwhelmingly considerate best friend in fatphobic ways he clearly loathes. At the moment of truth an out-of-the-blue epiphany provides a happy ending. Written by the mother of a trans woman, the narrative appears at times to be more a vehicle for communicating the essential humanity of trans people than a fully developed story; both Jess and Christophe appear to be white by default. Well-meaning and timely but not as strong as Meredith Russo’s If I Was Your Girl and Brie Spangler’s Beast (both 2016). (Fiction. 12-16)
