Lexie Bean

This is an epistolary novel the author describes as "a gift to my 10-year-old self." It's based on the author's own experiences as a trans child. I started out listening to the audiobook, but it didn't hold my attention. I switched to the print book and still could not get into it. The form of this book is reminiscent of [b:The Perks of Being a Wallflower|22628|The Perks of Being a Wallflower|Stephen Chbosky|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1650033115l/22628._SX50_.jpg|2236198] (letters to an unknown recipient, feels like a diary). It was maybe too realistic -- like reading actual found letters instead of a coherent novel. The tone was overwhelmingly sad for me.

As with the books [b:George|40948486|George|Alex Gino|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1532559186l/40948486._SX50_.jpg|44165520], [b:Everything Sad Is Untrue|45916267|Everything Sad Is Untrue (a true story)|Daniel Nayeri|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1579708868l/45916267._SY75_.jpg|70768669], and [b:Out of My Mind|6609765|Out of My Mind|Sharon M. Draper|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1347602096l/6609765._SX50_.jpg|6803732], I recognize the value of the story but I didn't enjoy it or find it well-written. They all felt like something I was forced to read for school, but in reality I was the one forcing myself to read them because they are about important topics that are underrepresented in children's literature. They all got good reviews from professional journals. But what can I say? Despite the very compelling subject matter I found the book itself a slog.… (mehr)

Literary Merit: Great
Characterization: Great
Recommended: Yes
Level:Middle school

Comments: Lexie Bean created an incredible story that everyone should read.

Rowan is a 5th grader in the late 90s who is very lonely. Rowan writes letters and attaches them to a balloon as often as they can. Inside the letter’s Rowan confesses that he was born as a girl but he doesn’t believe he is a girl. Within the course of the letters Rowan switches between names when they sign the letter. The letters vary in topic. Topics include loneliness, sexual identity, sexual assault, sexual abuse, substance abuse, homophobia, and bullying.

Adults who work with youths should read this book. The section where Rowan’s teacher calls them by Rowan is important. You never know what a youth is going through and you could be the only adult in their life who is kind to them.… (mehr)