But Hancox's graphic novel is not just about his own story of growing up and becoming who he was always meant to be, it's also a lifeline for younger readers who may feel confused about their own identities, or who are sure of their identities but feel unsure of where to get support. Waterstones’ expert booksellers vote for the books they believe are the very best in new children’s writing and illustration.

Magical, Transcendental, Visibly Muslim, But Also Ordinary and Mundane”– Sabba Khan Talks About Her Graphic Memoir ‘The Roles We Play’/’What is Home, Mum? I would absolutely read more from Lewis Hancox, and hope to perhaps see more graphic novels from him in the future. Alongside being a memoir, I also see it as a loveletter to the poor, gender confused youths living in a world that doesn’t remember or understand how hard being a teenager is. When presented with the option of pants or a skirt for his uniform upon beginning high school, past-Lewis chooses the skirt to circumvent potential bullying but, as fellow classmates and narrator Hancox insists, he “was a boy in a skirt.Hancox describes the process of writing this book as therapeutic, and readers might find it so as well. They set a real example for young readers that the overused excuse of people being intolerant should not be shrugged off as just a 'generational' thing. This told the story of what life was like for Lewis (a trans guy) as he navigated his teenage years and his identity. Lewis was very lucky to have the support he had, and I hope that every teen that reads this graphic novel will hold out hope until they can finally live their true lives. The comics style reminds me of Raina Telgemeier, although the content here (drinking, smoking) means it's for an older crowd than her usual audience.

I found out about this graphic novel approximately 2 hours ago and decided I needed to read it so I downloaded the kindle app and bought it. Overall, this book made me cry and felt really seen as an adult trans person who also didn't have the words til my 20s.

Delicate grayscale illustrations effectively convey the intense emotions and the stark living conditions. Every story I've heard about trans guys before they've got to start transitioning really young and I always feel so jealous and overthink that what if it's too late for me.

I'm so glad he made this because it was so relatable and a reminder that I'm not alone even when I think I am. For fifty years, she has trained to slay wyrms - but none have appeared since the Nameless One, and the younger generation. But the new wellbeing collection of 27 books, targeted at those aged 13 to 19, has sparked a backlash over a section on sexuality and gender identity.

I like the parts where the adult author would converse with those around them who remember what they were like as a teen. While the story is basic, the emotionally brutal yet stripped-down art helps create immediacy and intimacy. As she learned the truth of her country’s oppressive fascist political environment, Kim became closer to the other book club members while the authorities grew increasingly desperate to identify and punish student dissidents. This is a brilliant graphic memoir of Lewis' teenage years, growing up without the language he needed to express who he really was.