August 5, 2019
Rayne (GIRL: Love, Sex, Romance, and Being You) collaborates with debut author Gonzales in her second comprehensive guidebook tackling a variety of topics relevant to trans and nonbinary teens, such as coming out; pursuing the social, medical, and legal avenues of transition; and navigating potentially unfriendly or harmful families, schools, workplaces, and faith communities. The authors also take a gender-inclusive look at every aspect of intimate relationships, with chapters on dating, healthy relationships, intimate partner violence and other forms of abuse, sex, and on reproduction, contraception, and sexually transmitted infections. The inclusion of diary entries from trans and nonbinary teens and personal insights from the authors, both trans women, keeps the narrative from having a dry or impersonal tone. Aimed at readers of all gender identities, this empowering, essential guide arms teens with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions not only about transition but about their bodies and lives in general, and to prioritize their safety on the journey to self-discovery. Ages 15–up.
August 1, 2019
Gr 9 Up-Rayne and Gonzales have created a detailed, easy-to-read guide to gender identity written for young people who may be questioning their own identity. The book goes beyond definitions and tackles issues that will impact every trans person including coming out, transitioning, relationships, and sex. The authors dive into topics that readers might not yet be thinking about but will greatly affect their futures such as reproduction, parenthood, and the legal ramifications of transitioning. The authors are direct with their audience. All discussions of sex and genitalia are straightforward and thorough. Included in the text are contributions by trans individuals regarding the different topics. While this book is geared toward trans teens, it also has value for teens who wish to learn more about the subject. VERDICT This work is a mostly inclusive collection that relays gender identity information. Gonzales and Rayne treat their trans readers with respect and offer information in a down-to-earth and relatable way.-Cathy DeCampli, Haddonfield Public Library, NJ
Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 15, 2019
A comprehensive guide for transgender teens. Without access to resources, growing up as a transgender person can feel isolating. However, the authors emphasize that transgender people exist as "part of a strong, important global history." In this handbook for navigating young adulthood as a transgender person, debut author Gonzales and Rayne (Girl, 2017, etc.) organize the chapters into six sections: an introduction to gender, dysphoria, and coming out; body development and reproduction; paths for transitioning; strategies for dating, building healthy relationships, and identifying unhealthy patterns; sexual activity and health; and confronting challenges in other aspects of life like school and work. Each chapter includes diary entries from trans people of varying identities and backgrounds. The authors also chime in with their own personal reflections. Quirky portraits of each contributor accompany the diary entries and author reflections. A conversational tone makes the content more engaging and approachable. Along the way, Gonzales and Rayne stress that certain topics may be triggering or exacerbate dysphoria for readers, so they encourage skipping parts or replacing terminology that feels uncomfortable with more affirming words as a means of self-care. Every chapter ends with additional trans-centered resources. While the guide covers a broad range of topics, a central theme unites them: Transgender people of all identities have their own valuable narratives to share that are deserving of respect. Honest, inclusive, and essential. (dictionary, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 14-18)
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