What if who you are on the outside doesn’t match who you are on the inside? Grayson Sender has been holding onto a secret for what seems like forever: “he” is a girl on the inside, stuck in the wrong gender’s body. The weight of this secret is crushing, but sharing it would mean facing ridicule, scorn, rejection, or worse. Despite the risks, Grayson’s true self itches to break free. Will new strength from an unexpected friendship and a caring teacher’s wisdom be enough to help Grayson step into the spotlight she was born to inhabit?
Read Aloud Tips
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Ask students to reflect on a time that they didn’t feel like themselves. Take five minutes to have them journal about that experience.
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While reading, encourage students to write down any questions, thoughts, or concerns they may have. After reading, go through those as a group and work towards an answer.
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Use this book to discuss autonomy and personal liberation. How might things have been different for Grayson if the secret was shared sooner?
“This title has less obvious and didactic intent than other novels featuring transgender protagonists. A welcome addition to a burgeoning genre.” – School Library Journal