Surgeon turned novelist Gregorio treads fairly new YA territory in this novel starring an intersex teenager. High-school senior Kristin Lattimer has it all: a sports scholarship to run hurdles for a Division I college, a place on the homecoming court, a cute boyfriend, and plenty of friends at school. What she doesn't know is that she also has gonads at is, until her first sexual experience with her boyfriend leads her to see a doctor, who tells her the surprising truth: she's intersex. Kristin's discovery doesn't stay secret for long, quickly turning the senior year she's supposed to coast through into a roller coaster. Gregorio's medical background comes through in frank doctor's office conversations as well as Kristin's volunteer gig at a clinic. Though the story arc is a bit predictable, what elevates this novel is its deep exploration of the many ramifications of such a life-changing discovery. What does it mean to be a woman? What defines gender anyway? Eye-opening and important.

Kristin Latimer seems to have everything: friends, the title of homecoming queen, a future college scholarship as a hurdler, and a great boyfriend. But when she decides to have sex with her adored Sam, it is a disaster. Unbelievable pain tells her that something is very wrong. A visit to the gynecologist reveals that Kristin is "intersex"she not only lacks a uterus but also has male parts, gonads, inside her. With her world turned upside down, Kristin reveals her diagnosis to her two close friends. Before long, the news goes viral, and Kristin faces obnoxious sexual slurs, the loss of her boyfriend, and perhaps her scholarship. Depressed and reeling from such momentous changes, Kristin struggles to adapt to her new reality and to regain hope about life and her future.Well written by a female surgeon who has operated on patients like Kristin, this book imparts up-to-date information about the diagnosis of intersex/hermaphrodite and its impactfor example, track star Caster Semenya initially was forced to withdraw from competition. The author emphasizes that Kristin, the homecoming queen, is the same person before and after her diagnosis, but ignorance and misunderstanding precipitate the ugly reactions to her condition. All the medical facts are skillfully woven into this compelling and touching narrative. Likable Kristin and her high school circle are typical of today's teens, who juggle academics, volunteering, playing sports, partying, and even having sex; however, None of the Above rises above most young adult fiction because it has potential to evoke significant change.Barbara Johnston.

Gr 9 Up-Kristin Lattimer embodies the all-American teenage girl. She's sporty, well-liked, cool but humble enough to be shocked when elected Homecoming Queen, with two loyal best friends and a loving boyfriend. Even in the wake of her mom's death from cervical cancer, Kristin's future is looking pretty bright. Until her first time having sex with Sam goes painfully awry, leading to a doctor's appointment that reveals she is intersex. Suddenly, Kristin's life is thrown wildly off-kilter as she struggles with her condition and its impact on her self-esteem, academic life, and most important relationships. The novel is engaging and well paced, with smart young characters. However, their witty banter and sage insights don't always seem to capture a youthful voicethe novel;s pedagogical intent threatens to overwhelm the natural rhythm of speech, making these 17 and 18 year olds sound like medical mouthpieces from time to time. Gregorio's helpful author's note explains that numerous AIS perspectives and sources were consulted in the writing process; it is evident that research was done to give this fictional account realism and nuance. Links and resources about being intersex are provided for further reading. While the text occasionally reads like a fictionalized medical record, this book serves as a useful introduction to the discussion around intersexuality, particularly from a youth viewpoint. Ashleigh Williams , School Library Journal