The Pants Project

by Cat Clarke

Overview

A touching, humorous story of strong-willed eleven-year-old Liv, who is determined to challenge his school's terrible dress code and change his life. Inspire empathy and compassion (and a few laughs!) in young readers with this stunning middle-grade novel.

"My name is Liv (Not Olivia)... I'm not technically a girl. I'm transgender. Which is a bit like being a Transformer. Only not quite as cool because I probably won't get to save the world one day."

Liv knows he was always meant to be a boy, but with his new school's terrible dress code, he can't even wear pants. Only skirts.

Operation: Pants Project begins! The only way for Liv to get what he wants is to go after it himself. But to Liv, this isn't just a mission to change the policy—it's a mission to change his life. And that's a pretty big deal.

Perfect for parents, educators, and librarians looking for a book for young readers that:

Has a transgender main character with a humorous voice

Is a hopeful, sweet story with a happily-ever-after ending

Will prompt discussions on gender identity, bullying, self-esteem, empathy, acceptance, and social justice

A 2018 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People selection

Amelia Bloomer Project nominee

A 2020 Pacific Northwest Young Readers Choice Awards nominee

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781728215525
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	10/01/2019
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	272
Sales rank:	296,310
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.80(d)
Lexile:	710L (what's this?)
Age Range:	9 - 13 Years

About the Author

Cat Clarke is an award-winning author from the UK. She lives in Edinburgh. Visit her at catclarke.com.

Editorial Reviews

"Strong-willed, introspective Liv is a likable and relatable protagonist; in many ways he’s like most tweens, navigating friendships, his own identity, and his relationships at home. Supported by his two moms, Liv tries various methods of protest (wearing pants under the skirt, organizing a petition); he doesn’t get any traction, however, until he makes some new friends, and they join the cause… this is a touching novel on a timely subject." — The Horn Book Magazine

"From the start, readers are drawn into the story by 11-year-old Liv's believable, humor-tinged narration: ‘Little brothers can always be counted on to reach peak levels of annoying at exactly the wrong moment. It must be part of their job description.’ Throughout, Liv's voice is convincing and a pleasure to read…Liv's two moms add further dimension to a tale that unabashedly affirms the importance of accepting and celebrating differences." — Kirkus Reviews

"A wonderfully sweet middle grade story with a satisfying ending… The hopeful tone makes it easier for readers to grapple with the serious issues discussed, and the happy-ever-after ending will not fail to satisfy. Give to fans of Tim Federle’s Better Nate Than Ever and Alex Gino’s George." — School Library Journal

"Written in first-person, with both the angst and the humor of a brand-new middle-schooler, The Pants Project is a story for young transgender readers looking to find themselves reflected in contemporary literature. But it’s also a story for all middle grade readers, inviting discussions about acceptance, compassion, and ways in which we all struggle with the same roller coaster of emotions that comes with finding our true selves." — BN Kids Blog

"Clarke artfully twists together LGBTQ concerns and disability issues with self-esteem, respect, and compassion. This book is a current day Beverly Cleary or Judy Blume, delving into issues faced by kids, like bullying and tolerance, but with an issue experienced by many kids today." — The San Francisco Book

From the Publisher

01/01/2017
Gr 3–6—A wonderfully sweet middle grade story with a satisfying ending. Liv is starting middle school, and he is nervous. Liv is transgender, but he hasn't told anyone, so everyone assumes he is a girl. He will be attending a new school in the fall, and the dress code states that all girls must wear skirts. Liv takes matters into his own hands and decides to challenge the school's dress code, and along the way he finds allies in unexpected places. Peppered with a diverse cast of characters, including Liv, who is bullied at school because he has two moms, and his best friend, Jacob, who walks with a cane, this is an ultimately upbeat story that celebrates differences. Liv's family members are very supportive, and their Italian heritage shines through in their everyday lives. The hopeful tone makes it easier for readers to grapple with the serious issues discussed, and the happy-ever-after ending will not fail to satisfy. VERDICT Give to fans of Tim Federle's Better Nate Than Ever and Alex Gino's George. A strong purchase, especially in light of the need for younger middle grade fiction featuring transgender characters.—Jenni Frencham, Columbus Public Library, WI

School Library Journal

★ 2017-02-01
In a few months, Liv effects a major change in his new middle school's antiquated dress code while simultaneously acquiring the courage to come out as transgender. From the start, readers are drawn into the story by 11-year-old Liv's believable, humor-tinged narration: "Little brothers can always be counted on to reach peak levels of annoying at exactly the wrong moment. It must be part of their job description." Throughout, Liv's voice is convincing and a pleasure to read. Readers learn that, over the years, Liv has become increasingly less tolerant of being assigned female pronouns and the name "Olivia." Being required to wear a skirt daily at middle school is the last straw. He—still "she" to others—works to convince the school's new principal that students should have some choice in clothing, moving from an unsuccessful conversation to an unpromising petition to a brilliantly orchestrated media event. Along the way, he contends with a mean-spirited bully and the loss of a former friend even as he makes new, more loyal friends and wrestles with his own shortcomings. His coming-out to friend Jacob is realistically brief and an enormous relief. Liv's two moms add further dimension to a tale that unabashedly affirms the importance of accepting and celebrating differences. The book assumes a white default, with ethnicity cued by naming convention. A fine addition to LGBTQ children's literature. (Fiction. 9-12)

Kirkus Reviews