Parrotfish
by Ellen Wittlinger (Author), Al Cetta (Designer)
Member Reviews
Though this book gets points for being a trailblazer, I will say it is pretty flawed.
But it's easy for me to pick apart a text that tried to tackle controversial issues a decade-ish after it was written. We as a society have had more thoughts and discussions and made new revelations on the issue of trans visibility and representation since then.
This book seems to want to normalize a trans teen experience, but often comes across as a sitcom version of reality.
As with some other YA and MG books I've read with trans characters, the emphasis is often on 'passing' which to me seems to only add to the social obsession with trans bodies and policing of looks and our needlessly strict gender norms.
Everything feels a little too convenient for our hero. A haircut and a chest binder and girls at school think he is attractive. He is very fortunate throughout the book, though I read somewhere that the author made a conscious choice to have a happy ending and positive feel to the story.
The writing isn't really to my taste, but I imagine that some young people might appreciate the simple candid style when paired with a topic that might feel confusing to them. I could imagine this book helping some close minded people learn basic empathy for trans teens but it should not be the only text used in said hypothetical mind-opening literature experience.
Let us hope this book inspires more in the genre.
But it's easy for me to pick apart a text that tried to tackle controversial issues a decade-ish after it was written. We as a society have had more thoughts and discussions and made new revelations on the issue of trans visibility and representation since then.
This book seems to want to normalize a trans teen experience, but often comes across as a sitcom version of reality.
As with some other YA and MG books I've read with trans characters, the emphasis is often on 'passing' which to me seems to only add to the social obsession with trans bodies and policing of looks and our needlessly strict gender norms.
Everything feels a little too convenient for our hero. A haircut and a chest binder and girls at school think he is attractive. He is very fortunate throughout the book, though I read somewhere that the author made a conscious choice to have a happy ending and positive feel to the story.
The writing isn't really to my taste, but I imagine that some young people might appreciate the simple candid style when paired with a topic that might feel confusing to them. I could imagine this book helping some close minded people learn basic empathy for trans teens but it should not be the only text used in said hypothetical mind-opening literature experience.
Let us hope this book inspires more in the genre.
Angie never felt like a girl. From not liking dresses to not feeling right when told to lineup by gender for gym class, her whole life leads up to one little change that makes a big difference. Angie becomes Grady, she is now he, and he becomes comfortable with himself for the first time. Not all goes smoothly with Grady's friends & family, who have a hard time even saying his new name, but he finds allies, including one of the school geeks, who explains to him that parrotfish change gender all the time, according to what's needed. Grady's like a parrotfish – doing what he needs to do to survive. His story will make you wonder whether "boy" and "girl" really should be the only choices.
This was a really positive construction of a coming out story for a transgendered boy, we need more representations like this. Snarky and sarcastic at points, it takes place between Thanksgiving and Christmas as Grady works out old friendships and makes new ones and finds allies in unexpected places. It seemed a little idyllic at points to me - bordering on trite, but maybe not quite hitting the point of cliche. But this is a pretty minor critique about a much needed positive construction of a queer character. 10 years ago this character would have been punished by the narrative and probably wouldn't have survived the book.
I'm a Wilma groupie too.
I'm a Wilma groupie too.
Parrotfish by Ellen Wittlinger is about the transitioning of Angela into Grady — female to male. Problems arise at school — the administration doesn't have a clear cut policy in place and there's of course bullying, problems at home — the mother who desperately doesn't want to lose a daughter (even a tomboy one) and problems with friends (over reacting or not knowing how to react).
The title comes from a species of fish that changes its sex. Grady believes in his heart of hearts that he should be male even if his body isn't. He needs, though, to prove to others that his feelings are natural and normal.
While the book would be useful for teens either going through the same thing or even just feeling like fish out of water, the pacing and characterization felt forced. Except for Grady and a sympathetic gym teacher — and perhaps the father's over the top approach to Christmas decorating, the characters are presented at the extremes of both genders. Men are MEN and women are WOMEN.
In this sort of dichotomy, there's nothing for Angela (pre-Grady) to do except to change into Grady. There's no wiggle room, and therefore no way to explore the nuances of gender. As some one who isn't especially feminine and who has friends and family who fall somewhere between the two extremes — I had a hard time relating to Grady or anyone else in the book.
The title comes from a species of fish that changes its sex. Grady believes in his heart of hearts that he should be male even if his body isn't. He needs, though, to prove to others that his feelings are natural and normal.
While the book would be useful for teens either going through the same thing or even just feeling like fish out of water, the pacing and characterization felt forced. Except for Grady and a sympathetic gym teacher — and perhaps the father's over the top approach to Christmas decorating, the characters are presented at the extremes of both genders. Men are MEN and women are WOMEN.
In this sort of dichotomy, there's nothing for Angela (pre-Grady) to do except to change into Grady. There's no wiggle room, and therefore no way to explore the nuances of gender. As some one who isn't especially feminine and who has friends and family who fall somewhere between the two extremes — I had a hard time relating to Grady or anyone else in the book.
"Parrotfish" is a funny and tender light read that nonetheless has content that will provide serious discussion. It asks the question, between the lines of straight and gay, male and female, how does what the youth hem or herself wants fit in? Why is gender such a big deal? Grady Katz-McNair is by all accounts a very ordinary boy, except he's not.
You see, Grady is Angela, a biological female, and vice versa. Angela/Grady is a smart, funny, and razor-sharp transgendered teenager. 'His' family is shocked when he comes out as Trans, and why shouldn't they be? It's a big change. But Grady doesn't think so. This is who he's always been, only now he has gone the whole nine yards- cutting his hair, binding his breasts, and swapping 'Angela' for a more masculine name.
Grady requests acceptance- and reactions at home and school run the gamut, from horrified and horrifying to accepting to somewhere in between. Grady finds unlikely allies in Sebastian Shipley, the High School geek, and Kita, a fierce beauty and Grady's first love interest, while growing further and further away from his old friend Eve, who has starting hanging out with some very nasty girls.
An interesting technique that is used in this book is the ironic, imagined conversations Grady comes up with. In these talks, people say what they really think, and everything is out in the open. Many writers would write over-the-top, unbelievable dialogue just to be funny, but author Ellen Wittlinger finds away around this and show more also, in doing so, adds humor and credibility to Grady's character.
I wasn't sure about some of the side characters. Sebastian seemed like a little too much of a super-nerd who always runs to Grady's defense, is blisteringly intelligent, and doesn't care what anybody thinks. Kita was a little aggressive. A good example of her aggression is when she goes ballistic because there was a drag comedy routine at high school and believes that Grady's rights are being infringed upon. I mean, burlesque acts involving cross-dressers have been going on for years, and so what? They're just for fun.
My dad did a Miss Emergency Pageant in full drag, but not to be offensive to transsexuals. You can do it in a way that is offensive and homophobic. But that's not the only option. So, I think Kita overreacted. And she and Sebastian are somewhat one-dimensional. But they don't ruin a very entertaining book.
"Parrotfish" is a LIGHT read, emphasis on light, so don't expect literary gold. But you can still learn from it. Grady is a hilarious and lovable character. He's extremely intelligent and sarcastic, which just makes him more lovable. But he just wants to be himself yet still receive his family's approval. I also loved the character of Miss Unger. She doesn't turn out to be how I first thought she would at all.
This book is thematically similar to "Luna" by Julie Anne Peters, and has a blurb by Peters on the back. "Luna" is a little more literary, but I like them both in their own way. "Parrotfish" is a lot of fun yet sensitive to its subject matter. I also think it would make a great movie if the they cast it right.
None of the A-list young Hollywood starlets would pass as a boy like Grady does, so I think they'd have to cast an unknown, and also pick someone who actually looks about sixteen (okay, I think I have a pet peeve with alternately hulking and buxom thirty-year-old actors playing fifteen- and sixteen-year-olds.) I'd recommend this book to the open-minded and those who remember being a teenager. show less
You see, Grady is Angela, a biological female, and vice versa. Angela/Grady is a smart, funny, and razor-sharp transgendered teenager. 'His' family is shocked when he comes out as Trans, and why shouldn't they be? It's a big change. But Grady doesn't think so. This is who he's always been, only now he has gone the whole nine yards- cutting his hair, binding his breasts, and swapping 'Angela' for a more masculine name.
Grady requests acceptance- and reactions at home and school run the gamut, from horrified and horrifying to accepting to somewhere in between. Grady finds unlikely allies in Sebastian Shipley, the High School geek, and Kita, a fierce beauty and Grady's first love interest, while growing further and further away from his old friend Eve, who has starting hanging out with some very nasty girls.
An interesting technique that is used in this book is the ironic, imagined conversations Grady comes up with. In these talks, people say what they really think, and everything is out in the open. Many writers would write over-the-top, unbelievable dialogue just to be funny, but author Ellen Wittlinger finds away around this and show more also, in doing so, adds humor and credibility to Grady's character.
I wasn't sure about some of the side characters. Sebastian seemed like a little too much of a super-nerd who always runs to Grady's defense, is blisteringly intelligent, and doesn't care what anybody thinks. Kita was a little aggressive. A good example of her aggression is when she goes ballistic because there was a drag comedy routine at high school and believes that Grady's rights are being infringed upon. I mean, burlesque acts involving cross-dressers have been going on for years, and so what? They're just for fun.
My dad did a Miss Emergency Pageant in full drag, but not to be offensive to transsexuals. You can do it in a way that is offensive and homophobic. But that's not the only option. So, I think Kita overreacted. And she and Sebastian are somewhat one-dimensional. But they don't ruin a very entertaining book.
"Parrotfish" is a LIGHT read, emphasis on light, so don't expect literary gold. But you can still learn from it. Grady is a hilarious and lovable character. He's extremely intelligent and sarcastic, which just makes him more lovable. But he just wants to be himself yet still receive his family's approval. I also loved the character of Miss Unger. She doesn't turn out to be how I first thought she would at all.
This book is thematically similar to "Luna" by Julie Anne Peters, and has a blurb by Peters on the back. "Luna" is a little more literary, but I like them both in their own way. "Parrotfish" is a lot of fun yet sensitive to its subject matter. I also think it would make a great movie if the they cast it right.
None of the A-list young Hollywood starlets would pass as a boy like Grady does, so I think they'd have to cast an unknown, and also pick someone who actually looks about sixteen (okay, I think I have a pet peeve with alternately hulking and buxom thirty-year-old actors playing fifteen- and sixteen-year-olds.) I'd recommend this book to the open-minded and those who remember being a teenager. show less
An enjoyable story highlighting the challenges of a transgendered teen. I was with the author up until the very end, when the big confrontation scene felt really contrived.
Parrotfish. By Ellen Wittlinger. Simon & Schuster. 2007. 287 pages. $8.99 pbk.978-1442406216. Grades 8-12.
Grady has just come out to his friends and family as transgender – and they are having a tough time adjusting their ideas of the girl they thought he was to the young man he is finally comfortable being. On top of it all, he is making the transition from homeschooling to high school, and he has a crush on a girl who already has a boyfriend. Luckily his vivid imagination and his growing bond with new friend Sebastian (who excitedly likens his gender transition to that of the parrotfish – hence the title) help keep him grounded. Wittlinger’s novel tells the story of a transgender youth from his own perspective, an important development in literature for transgender young adults. But chatty, down-to-earth Grady’s point of view isn’t enough to save this book from the author’s preachiness: though it has a transgender narrator, the story seems written for cisgender readers (i.e. readers whose gender identity is aligned with the sex assigned to them at birth) looking to learn more about transgender issues – which is unfortunate, as it leaves the book feeling inauthentic and awkwardly instructional. LGBTQ teens want to read books that reflect their experiences, and unfortunately literature focusing on issues of gender identity lags behind that focusing on sexual orientation. The backmatter provides appropriate resources and references to further reading material show more for readers looking to learn more: Parrotfish might make a good read for a young adult wondering about transitioning or a teen who knows someone who is transitioning. Recommended. show less
Grady has just come out to his friends and family as transgender – and they are having a tough time adjusting their ideas of the girl they thought he was to the young man he is finally comfortable being. On top of it all, he is making the transition from homeschooling to high school, and he has a crush on a girl who already has a boyfriend. Luckily his vivid imagination and his growing bond with new friend Sebastian (who excitedly likens his gender transition to that of the parrotfish – hence the title) help keep him grounded. Wittlinger’s novel tells the story of a transgender youth from his own perspective, an important development in literature for transgender young adults. But chatty, down-to-earth Grady’s point of view isn’t enough to save this book from the author’s preachiness: though it has a transgender narrator, the story seems written for cisgender readers (i.e. readers whose gender identity is aligned with the sex assigned to them at birth) looking to learn more about transgender issues – which is unfortunate, as it leaves the book feeling inauthentic and awkwardly instructional. LGBTQ teens want to read books that reflect their experiences, and unfortunately literature focusing on issues of gender identity lags behind that focusing on sexual orientation. The backmatter provides appropriate resources and references to further reading material show more for readers looking to learn more: Parrotfish might make a good read for a young adult wondering about transitioning or a teen who knows someone who is transitioning. Recommended. show less
This review has been crossposted from my blog at The Cosy Dragon . Please head there for more in-depth reviews by me, which appear on a timely schedule.
Angela has become Grady. It hasn't been an overnight decision, she's known she's a he for quite some time. The rest of the world has trouble adapting though, particularly his Jewish mother and ex-bestfriend Eve.
Parrotfish is a well written, thoroughly enjoyable teenage novel in the LBQT spectrum. Grady is an endearing character who will draw you into his story and make you feel along with him very nicely.
While some of the characters felt like placeholders (such as Grady's dad, and Sebastian's mother), the progression of other minor characters such as Sebastian himself and Eve were genuine. I liked the character of Kita, even if I felt that her reaction (and poor Grady's reaction to her) was perhaps a little too over the top in terms of how accepting she was right away.
I felt that Parrotfish romanticized the truths of coming out as transgender a little bit. The fact that there was hardly any bullying, other than Danya and the glass of milk seemed hard to believe. Not that they weren't hardships, and Grady really could have suffered if not for his friends, but just everything seemed a little too easy.
I enjoyed the subplot of the Christmas cheer. It's hard to believe that so much can be packed into a novel from Thanksgiving to Christmas. If anything, I wished that the novel was a little longer - I wanted to know what Grady's show more long term plans were.
I loved the analogy of gender being like a football field, with a continuum of gender. Some people aren't girly girls, but they aren't guys either. I'm probably somewhere on the middle of this genderfield too - I'm a girl, but I couldn't tell you why I was one.
With a friend transitioning in the other direction (MtF) I felt like it was high time I got into the transgender set of literature. I'm so glad I picked this novel as my first real foray into it. show less
Angela has become Grady. It hasn't been an overnight decision, she's known she's a he for quite some time. The rest of the world has trouble adapting though, particularly his Jewish mother and ex-bestfriend Eve.
Parrotfish is a well written, thoroughly enjoyable teenage novel in the LBQT spectrum. Grady is an endearing character who will draw you into his story and make you feel along with him very nicely.
While some of the characters felt like placeholders (such as Grady's dad, and Sebastian's mother), the progression of other minor characters such as Sebastian himself and Eve were genuine. I liked the character of Kita, even if I felt that her reaction (and poor Grady's reaction to her) was perhaps a little too over the top in terms of how accepting she was right away.
I felt that Parrotfish romanticized the truths of coming out as transgender a little bit. The fact that there was hardly any bullying, other than Danya and the glass of milk seemed hard to believe. Not that they weren't hardships, and Grady really could have suffered if not for his friends, but just everything seemed a little too easy.
I enjoyed the subplot of the Christmas cheer. It's hard to believe that so much can be packed into a novel from Thanksgiving to Christmas. If anything, I wished that the novel was a little longer - I wanted to know what Grady's show more long term plans were.
I loved the analogy of gender being like a football field, with a continuum of gender. Some people aren't girly girls, but they aren't guys either. I'm probably somewhere on the middle of this genderfield too - I'm a girl, but I couldn't tell you why I was one.
With a friend transitioning in the other direction (MtF) I felt like it was high time I got into the transgender set of literature. I'm so glad I picked this novel as my first real foray into it. show less
It's nice to read a young adult book where friendship actually counts for something- too often, writing for this age group focuses on individualism and drawing one's strength from within, both of which are certainly important, but should not come at the cost of building valuable friendships. I liked Grady, but then I expected to- he's the main character, and the author ought to be able to make me sympathize with him on some level. What surprised and pleased me, though, was how much I liked his friends, for it is clear that they matter to the story.
Angela never felt quite right as a girl. Everything in her life has lead up to the day that she decides to come out as Grady, a transgendered individual. Even though Grady feels ready to come out, he isn't prepared for the reactions of his friends, family, and those surrounding him. He doesn't understand why people can't just let him be himself, be the person that he always knew he was. Through finding friends in un-expected places and finding his possible first love, Grady begins to finally find support and acceptance. Will this allow him to finally become comfortable in his own skin?
For anyone looking for a good novel about a transgendered individual, they don't have to look much further than Parrotfish. Since the novel is told from the point of view of the transgendered character, readers are able to gain insight into a world that they might not know much about. I think this was the main reason I liked this novel so much. That, and Grady is such a relatable character. Even if you aren't a transgendered individual, Grady struggles with accepting himself, and not caring about what other people think of him, which are problems that basically everyone deals with. His character is also very well developed, making him even more relatable. Parrotfish is an important novel because it gives voice to a community that doesn't get a voice in literature very often, and it does it well, which isn't always the case. If someone is looking to better understand the transgender show more community, Parrotfish is a good place to begin.
For a classroom setting, I don't think this could necessarily be taught to the class, but it is a novel that is worth keeping on the shelf, especially if you have students going through similar things to Grady. It would also be a good novel to keep around in case students have questions about the transgender community. It can definitely help to open students eyes to a community that they might not necessarily know a lot about. show less
For anyone looking for a good novel about a transgendered individual, they don't have to look much further than Parrotfish. Since the novel is told from the point of view of the transgendered character, readers are able to gain insight into a world that they might not know much about. I think this was the main reason I liked this novel so much. That, and Grady is such a relatable character. Even if you aren't a transgendered individual, Grady struggles with accepting himself, and not caring about what other people think of him, which are problems that basically everyone deals with. His character is also very well developed, making him even more relatable. Parrotfish is an important novel because it gives voice to a community that doesn't get a voice in literature very often, and it does it well, which isn't always the case. If someone is looking to better understand the transgender show more community, Parrotfish is a good place to begin.
For a classroom setting, I don't think this could necessarily be taught to the class, but it is a novel that is worth keeping on the shelf, especially if you have students going through similar things to Grady. It would also be a good novel to keep around in case students have questions about the transgender community. It can definitely help to open students eyes to a community that they might not necessarily know a lot about. show less
Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com
Angela Katz-McNair isn't your typical teenage girl. She is, in fact, a boy. Sure, she may have the body parts that science uses to dictate her gender, but, in this case at least, science has gotten it all wrong.
Shortly before Christmas, Angela announces to her family that she's decided to act on the issue of being a boy trapped in the body of a girl. Her name is now Grady. She's cut her hair short and she's wearing boy's clothes. Grady is determined to make the change permanent, and as complete as he possibly can.
He starts by announcing his decisions to his family, which is met with assorted reactions. His dad seems to take the news in stride; after all, Grady was always a tomboy who did "guy stuff" with him anyway. His sister, Laura, is sure that Grady is out to ruin her life, and her high school experience. His younger brother, Charlie, doesn't care all that much, as long as the news doesn't affect his video game playing. And his mother, well, his mother isn't at all sure what to think, how to act, or what to do.
Since Grady is determined, he doesn't just turn into a transgendered person at home. He makes his intentions known at school, too, and you can probably guess what some of the consequences are. Friends are no longer friends; indifferent acquaintances become outright enemies. But there are also bright moments in Grady's new life: he makes a new best friend, Sebastian, who introduces him to the scientific wonder of the parrotfish, show more an ocean fish who can, and does, change gender. He also finds allies in Russ and Kita, a powerhouse high school super-couple who raise new questions in Grady's mind when he starts falling for Kita himself.
PARROTFISH is a wonderful, emotional novel dealing with the issues of identity and transgenderism. Previously, the only other book I've read on the matter is Julie Anne Peter's LUNA, in which a girl was born in the body of a boy. I have to say that both novels are wonderful, and for teens questioning their own identity, are more than just a good read. Ms. Wittlinger has also included resources in the back of PARROTFISH for help and support. Overall, this is a great work of fiction, but it's also a great story dealing with one teen's struggle to find himself outside of society's norm. show less
Angela Katz-McNair isn't your typical teenage girl. She is, in fact, a boy. Sure, she may have the body parts that science uses to dictate her gender, but, in this case at least, science has gotten it all wrong.
Shortly before Christmas, Angela announces to her family that she's decided to act on the issue of being a boy trapped in the body of a girl. Her name is now Grady. She's cut her hair short and she's wearing boy's clothes. Grady is determined to make the change permanent, and as complete as he possibly can.
He starts by announcing his decisions to his family, which is met with assorted reactions. His dad seems to take the news in stride; after all, Grady was always a tomboy who did "guy stuff" with him anyway. His sister, Laura, is sure that Grady is out to ruin her life, and her high school experience. His younger brother, Charlie, doesn't care all that much, as long as the news doesn't affect his video game playing. And his mother, well, his mother isn't at all sure what to think, how to act, or what to do.
Since Grady is determined, he doesn't just turn into a transgendered person at home. He makes his intentions known at school, too, and you can probably guess what some of the consequences are. Friends are no longer friends; indifferent acquaintances become outright enemies. But there are also bright moments in Grady's new life: he makes a new best friend, Sebastian, who introduces him to the scientific wonder of the parrotfish, show more an ocean fish who can, and does, change gender. He also finds allies in Russ and Kita, a powerhouse high school super-couple who raise new questions in Grady's mind when he starts falling for Kita himself.
PARROTFISH is a wonderful, emotional novel dealing with the issues of identity and transgenderism. Previously, the only other book I've read on the matter is Julie Anne Peter's LUNA, in which a girl was born in the body of a boy. I have to say that both novels are wonderful, and for teens questioning their own identity, are more than just a good read. Ms. Wittlinger has also included resources in the back of PARROTFISH for help and support. Overall, this is a great work of fiction, but it's also a great story dealing with one teen's struggle to find himself outside of society's norm. show less
When Angela decides to change her name to Grady and announce that she has always felt like he was really a boy, Grady's life suddenly becomes so much more complicated. To Grady, being a boy has always felt like a much better fit than being a girl, but being transgender in high school (especially after having been homeschooled most of your life) is incredibly daunting. This book is an excellent read for anyone, whether you are familiar with trans people or not.
Warm and realistic portrayal of Grady, a transgendered teen who starts out as Angela. Characters are finely drawn, and except for one entirely evil girl, pretty realistic and very sympathetic. An interesting window into what it might be like to have gender dysphoria as an adolescent, when there's so much else to be dealing with too. The dad in this book is adorable, too.
When Angela decides to change her name to Grady and announce that she has always felt like he was really a boy, Grady's life suddenly becomes so much more complicated. To Grady, being a boy has always felt like a much better fit than being a girl, but being transgender in high school (especially after having been homeschooled most of your life) is incredibly daunting. This book is an excellent read for anyone, whether you are familiar with trans people or not.
am i allowed to be critical of a book of such monumental importance?
if i am, i have to say that i've read about three hundred books by better writers. but i've never read one about a teenaged ftm who is transitioning with pride and courage.
so, i'm conflicted.
issue driven books. morals. badly written dialogue. woefully pedestrian metaphors about christmas, babies, and napoleon dynamite.
then, pride and courage and sadness and confusion and good friends and family coming around.
what to say?
if i am, i have to say that i've read about three hundred books by better writers. but i've never read one about a teenaged ftm who is transitioning with pride and courage.
so, i'm conflicted.
issue driven books. morals. badly written dialogue. woefully pedestrian metaphors about christmas, babies, and napoleon dynamite.
then, pride and courage and sadness and confusion and good friends and family coming around.
what to say?
am i allowed to be critical of a book of such monumental importance?
if i am, i have to say that i've read about three hundred books by better writers. but i've never read one about a teenaged ftm who is transitioning with pride and courage.
so, i'm conflicted.
issue driven books. morals. badly written dialogue. woefully pedestrian metaphors about christmas, babies, and napoleon dynamite.
then, pride and courage and sadness and confusion and good friends and family coming around.
what to say?
if i am, i have to say that i've read about three hundred books by better writers. but i've never read one about a teenaged ftm who is transitioning with pride and courage.
so, i'm conflicted.
issue driven books. morals. badly written dialogue. woefully pedestrian metaphors about christmas, babies, and napoleon dynamite.
then, pride and courage and sadness and confusion and good friends and family coming around.
what to say?
An important YA book because it is probably only the second ever to deal with a transgender teen character. The author's book Razzle was better overall I thought. This one had a bit of an easy ending.
An easy and fun read. Angela has always felt like a boy inside, and she eventually comes out as transgender, changing her name to Grady and starting her life over as a guy. Grady feels that his life will finally start going in the right direction, but first he has to cope with the difficulties of being the only t-boi at school, his friends' and families' reactions and his own self acceptance.
It was overall a very positive book that didn't focus on all the negative sides of being a transgender teenager the way many other books would. Grady has friends that support him, develops a crush on the beauty queen of the school and his family eventually comes to accept him for the person he is. Sounds TOO good to be true? It is at some points, where it feels like Grady hasn't really done anything to win over everyone's approval (maybe it's his natural charm?). Otherwise, it's a charming read that I'd recommend to anyone who is interested in transgender issues.
It was overall a very positive book that didn't focus on all the negative sides of being a transgender teenager the way many other books would. Grady has friends that support him, develops a crush on the beauty queen of the school and his family eventually comes to accept him for the person he is. Sounds TOO good to be true? It is at some points, where it feels like Grady hasn't really done anything to win over everyone's approval (maybe it's his natural charm?). Otherwise, it's a charming read that I'd recommend to anyone who is interested in transgender issues.
Well, this was different for me. I've never read anything where the female protagonist choses to live here life honestly as a boy. It's very well written, honest, funny, and sad all at the same time. This is a must-read for parents and teachers of teens who may be questioning their sexuality. Teen fans of Rainbow Boys, Geography Club, Boy Meets Boy, Annie on My Mind, etc. will really like this book.
Parrotfish deserves to be a classic. Wittlinger puts other YA literature to shame. The character development is execellent, even for the people we don't want to like. The plot is well balanced. Grady is struggling with average, and not so average teen issues with a humor that reminds one of Lily Tomlin.
Engaging and sweet YA novel about a young translad. A bit Afterschool Special/wish-fulfillment fantasy, but who doesn't like that sometimes?
Angela Katz-McNair has never felt totally right living as a girl. Inside, she's always known that she was a boy. So Angela cuts her hair, buys some boys' clothes, and decides on the new name Grady. These huge steps are only the beginning. Grady has to deal with telling his teachers, classmates, and family that he's now a boy. His best friend can't understand it and he feels like he's disappointed his family. But as time goes on and Grady keeps on living the only way he can, he realizes that there are some people that will accept him just as he is.
A heartfelt novel of a kid re-learning how to be and showing true courage.
A heartfelt novel of a kid re-learning how to be and showing true courage.
Pretty generic, but I appreciated that it was well-researched and well-intentioned. There can never be enough books about the trans* teen experience, as far as I'm concerned.
Wow- this book is truly remarkable. Angela, a transgendered teen, decides that the way to become her true self is to begin dressing as a boy and changing her name to Grady. Her family and friends respond in a range of ways, further complicating this major change in Grady's life. This book offers a rare look into the life of a transgendered teen, and is highly recommended for all teens- both those who identify themselves as transgendered and those who want to learn more about the people behind the sometimes cruel labels that are placed on transgendered teens and adults.
An important issue that is becoming more high profile - transgendered teens. An engaging story about Angela who becomes Grady, knowing that she has never felt like a girl. She becomes he, and must navigate the treacherous waters of public high school.
Grady, formerly Angela, has made the final steps toward looking on the outside the way he feels on the inside. But his family and friends are having trouble accepting this. Luckily, there are a few people at school that support him, and he slowly learns how to fit in with his new identity.
This is the book we had in 2007. We can wish it were different, but it's this book.
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