With the recent news that the Trump administration is actively working to narrow definitions of gender, we need to support and share stories by transgender and non-binary authors. So, this week I’ve decided to feature some young adult novels from own voices authors that show authentic transgender stories. Reading and sharing these books, especially for teens, shows the population that they’re not alone; it’s more important now than ever to read and share these stories as far as you can.
The pool of own voices stories from transgender or non-binary protagonists in young adult books is quite small, but it is increasing as publishers are slowly becoming more inclusive. Some of these books come from smaller publishers, and though they might be more difficult to get a hold of, buying them or suggesting them at your local libraries will go a long way in supporting transgender authors and their work.
1. Roving Pack by Sassafras Lowrey
Sassafras Lowrey currently lives in Portland, Oregon, where this book is based. Roving Pack follows a group of homeless queer teens, narrated through the voice of Click. Together, they’re just trying to figure out life, hormones, and create art. This is one of the only books I’ve seen (so far) that uses completely gender neutral pronouns, in nod to the pronouns Lowrey also chooses to use. Complex, layered, and an unflinching look at the struggles that a lot of queer teens face.
Alex Gino is the author of mostly middle grade texts, which is what this book is considered, but I’m still including it here. They identify as genderqueer, and their experiences influenced the story of George. While everyone says differently, George is a girl. So, she decides to try out for Charlotte in the school play, with help from her best friend. All she wants is for everyone to accept her for how she really is.
3. If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo
If I Was Your Girl is inspired by Meredith Russo‘s own struggles as a transgender woman when she fully transitioned in 2013. When Amanda Hardy moves to a new school, she’s ready for a fresh start, ready to keep her past a secret. But when she falls for Grant, keeping the secret isn’t as easy as she thought it would be. If I Was Your Girl also won the 2017 Stonewall Book Award, among numerous other praise and awards.
4. Lizard Radio by Pat Schmatz
Lizard Radio is all about examining the gender binary in a futuristic society with strictly regulated gender roles. Pat Schmatz draws from their own struggles with the gender binary, which shows in the protagonist’s, Kivali’s, own struggles. Lizard Radio will have you thinking about all sorts of binaries, not just gendered ones.
5. Dreadnought by April Daniels
In an interview, April Daniels stated that she started writing Dreadnought, a novel with a transgender superhero protagonist, after she had been fired for being transgender. After watching Dreadnought fall from the sky, he passes his powers to Danny, which allows her to be what she’s always been: a girl. But in addition to adjusting to her new body, she now has to worry about saving the city from super-villains.