The Other Boy

Shane Woods is a 12-year-old boy living in Los Angeles with his mom, where he plays baseball, draws comics, and hangs out with his best friend Josh. Though most people don't know it, Shane was assigned female at birth and transitioned socially in sixth grade after moving from San Francisco. Shane's life includes typical middle school experiences like crushing on a girl at school and working on his graphic novel about a superhero named Hogan Fillion. He navigates relationships with his supportive mom, his more hesitant dad back in San Francisco, and his friends at school who don't know about his past. When his status as transgender becomes public knowledge at school, Shane must face new challenges involving his friends, his place on the baseball team, and his own sense of identity. The story follows his journey to stand up for himself and decide how to move forward. The novel explores themes of authenticity, friendship, and the courage to be oneself in the face of others' reactions. Through Shane's perspective, it presents a window into one transgender youth's experience while touching on universal coming-of-age challenges.

Readers appreciate the authentic portrayal of a 12-year-old transgender boy's experiences, noting the book handles complex topics in an age-appropriate way. Parents and teachers report it helps foster understanding and empathy among middle school students. Readers highlight the realistic family dynamics, friendships, and school situations. Several reviews mention the effective incorporation of baseball and graphic novel elements that appeal to young readers. Some readers felt the plot moved slowly in parts and that certain adult characters seemed one-dimensional. A few noted the resolution felt rushed. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (180+ ratings) Kirkus Reviews: Starred Review Example reviews: "Perfect for middle schoolers questioning their identity" - School librarian on Goodreads "My 11-year-old devoured it in one sitting" - Parent reviewer on Amazon "The baseball scenes add authenticity" - Middle school teacher on NetGalley

George by Alex Gino A story about a transgender fourth grader navigating school life while keeping her identity a secret from everyone except her best friend.

Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky A sixth-grade student born male dreams of playing the lead female role in the school play while struggling with gender identity.

Star Crossed by Barbara Dee An eighth-grade girl discovers her feelings for another girl while rehearsing for the role of Romeo in the school's production of Romeo and Juliet.

Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle A thirteen-year-old boy runs away to New York City to audition for a Broadway musical while questioning his identity and place in the world.

Felix Yz by Lisa Bunker A thirteen-year-old boy fused with an alien prepares for a risky separation procedure while exploring his gender identity and first love.

📚 The Other Boy explores themes of gender identity through a 12-year-old transgender boy named Shane, making it one of the first middle-grade novels to feature a transgender main character. 🎨 Author M.G. Hennessey worked closely with GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) during the writing process to ensure accurate and sensitive representation. 🌟 The book includes graphic novel elements throughout the story, as the main character Shane is creating his own superhero comic book. 🏫 The story tackles real-world issues like school bullying and medical transition in an age-appropriate way for middle-grade readers ages 9-12. 💝 M.G. Hennessey volunteers with the organization Reading to Kids and regularly speaks at schools about acceptance and diversity, using her book as a starting point for these important conversations.