Review Detail

Powerful, heart-wrenching, inspiring tale of Lily, a transgender girl who tries to be true to herself even when it seems like everyone else is against her.

What worked: I loved this something fierce! Lily's struggles to be true to who she is are at times heart-wrenching(the scenes where the mean boys gang up on her are very painful). I loved Lily. Readers get a glimpse of how hard it is to be true to yourself when others around you are ignorant. I liked how some in her family-like her sister and mother-are more accepting. Lily's journey isn't all happily-ever-after but shows the roadblocks she encounters not only at her middle school but in her family as well.

Dunkin is the new kid in town with his own secret. Dunkin is bipolar. Gephart nails the daily battles someone who has bipolar disorder goes through. The highs that are very seductive to the lows. I know. I grew up with a bipolar father and half-brother. Dunkin's descriptions of not wanting to take his meds as they slowed him down, rang very true.

The big thing I loved about this book is how it doesn't sugar coat these issues but addresses them in such a way that hopefully will have others not be afraid. I'm a firm believer that the way to overcome the painful stigma of bipolar disorder is to talk about it. There is nothing to be ashamed of.

The other huge plus of this book has to be Lily. It's basically her journey. I feel this story is important to tell especially with all the stereotypes and misinformation that continue to be out there. Information is power.

Heart-wrenching, inspiring tale of two friends who overcome social prejudices with a dash of hope. Highly recommended. Also a great book club selection!