Happy Families

Gr 9 Up—Twins Ysabel and Justin Nicholas seem to have it all. She is a talented artist, he a star debater as a freshman. But when Justin sees a woman at his debate event who looks just like their father, their happy life comes to an abrupt end. Their dad is transgender; he feels complete only when living as a woman, and the teens don't know how to deal with it. He leaves, and their mother becomes a shell of her former self. Feeling that their entire lives have been a lie, Justin and Ysabel are confused and angry. Forced to spend spring break with their father, they begin the process of understanding the changes in their lives and what truly makes a happy family. Characters are well developed and relatable. Religion is central in their lives, but the book is never preachy. Explanations of being transgender are age appropriate and offer a wide range of possible behaviors. No easy answers are given and the ending is left open but hopeful. Students will be hooked by the writing and likable characters, and they will keep reading because of the deft handling of a difficult topic. Acceptable transgender terminology and words to avoid are included at the end. This is an excellent addition to the small number of books for teens on this topic.—Kefira Phillipe, Nichols Middle School, Evanston, IL