None of the Above

Kristin Lattimer has everything going for her - she's a star athlete, homecoming queen, and has a perfect boyfriend. After a painful first sexual experience leads to a medical examination, she receives life-changing news: she has androgen insensitivity syndrome, an intersex condition. The story follows Kristin as she grapples with her identity and deals with the fallout when her diagnosis becomes public knowledge at school. She must navigate changing relationships with friends, family, and teammates while coming to terms with what this means for her future. Written by practicing urologist I.W. Gregorio based on a real patient encounter, None of the Above presents medical information with accuracy while telling a compelling story about identity, acceptance, and self-discovery. The novel stands as one of the first mainstream young adult books to feature an intersex protagonist. The narrative challenges assumptions about gender and biology while exploring universal themes of belonging and authenticity. Through Kristin's experiences, the book raises questions about how society defines normalcy and the true meaning of self-acceptance.

Readers appreciate this book's sensitive handling of intersex identity and medical ethics through the lens of a teenage protagonist. Many note its value as an educational resource that remains engaging as a story, with several teachers and librarians reporting using it to promote discussions about gender identity. Readers highlight the realistic portrayal of high school social dynamics and family relationships. Multiple reviews praise the medical details and research evident in the writing. Common criticisms include a romance subplot that some found predictable, and pacing issues in the middle section. Some readers wanted more depth in the supporting characters. A few reviews mention that certain medical explanations feel inserted rather than naturally woven into the narrative. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (8,700+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (180+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.4/5 (90+ ratings) "A needed perspective in YA literature" appears frequently in reader reviews, with many commenting on the book's role in expanding representation.

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If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo A transgender teen named Amanda moves to a new school and faces choices about privacy, disclosure, and relationships while seeking acceptance.

The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson Two transgender teens navigate high school, friendship, and identity as their paths cross and their stories intertwine.

Alex As Well by Alyssa Brugman An intersex teen stops taking medication and begins living as a girl, forcing confrontations with family, school systems, and personal identity.

🔍 Author I.W. Gregorio is a founding member of We Need Diverse Books, a nonprofit organization promoting diversity in children's literature. 🏥 The book's medical details are drawn from the author's real experience as a practicing surgeon, bringing clinical accuracy to the narrative. ⚕️ Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) affects approximately 1 in 20,000 people assigned female at birth, making it one of the more common intersex conditions. 📚 "None of the Above" was a Lambda Literary Award finalist and made the American Library Association's Rainbow List for LGBTQ+ young adult literature. 🎓 The author was inspired to write this book after meeting an intersex patient during her surgical residency, demonstrating how medical experiences can transform into powerful storytelling.