Starred Review ALA Booklist

Starred Review In order to win the National Debate Championships, Finch Kelly has to debate his own humanity. This year's topic is transgender bathroom access, and if he wants to win, Finch must argue on a national stage against his own right to use the bathroom. It's the only way he can impress Georgetown, his dream college, and kickstart his path to becoming the first out trans congressperson. But between his dad's long-term unemployment and his reporter mom's impending layoff, his family is closer to selling their belongings than sending him to college. Worse, his debate partner, Jonah Cabrera, is very cute, but he's in a relationship. Thomas' debut is achingly vulnerable, and readers will root for Finch as he explores his sexual orientation, handles his family's financial stress, and balances mental health with his political dreams. Finch finds an empathetic partner in Jonah, who advocates for and supports him every step of the way. Both are keenly attuned to the other's emotions, with Finch helping Jonah navigate anti-Asian racism and arguments with his boyfriend. Their strong connection as debate partners and friends shines brightly throughout the story, drawing the reader back to this central relationship like a lighthouse amid a stormy sea. There is no debate: Both Sides Now is a compelling, heartfelt must-read.

Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Tue Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 2020)

The debate club is Finch's passion, but when the topic for nationals is announced, he is anything but excited.Students from across the U.S. will be debating bathroom access for transgender students. It feels to Finch, as a White transgender boy, like a debate about his right to exist in public spaces. With hopes for winning-and thus improving the odds of a life-changing college scholarship-on the line, he has to choose between his academic and political ambitions and his emotional well-being. Complicating things are his growing feelings for his friend and debate partner, Jonah, who is gay; Finch is unsure of his sexual orientation. Queer issues are given center stage, evoking the lived experiences of many in a sensitive and sympathetic way. Racial and other identity-related subjects, while not the focus of the narrative, are also addressed, with Filipino American Jonah receiving his own fleshed-out subplot regarding anti-Asian racism and diverse representation in the supporting cast. Bigotry is depicted in its many insidious forms, including the buildup of day-to-day microaggressions. Despite presenting the full picture of these attacks, the novel makes it clear that Finch's and Jonah's lives are not bleak tragedies: They are allowed their happiness and their triumphs. These characters feel nuanced and genuine, with their identities and backgrounds as integral parts of the plot and characterization.Emotionally charged and politically relevant, this is a must-read. (Fiction. 14-18)

Horn Book (Sun Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2021)

Brilliant

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

The debate club is Finch's passion, but when the topic for nationals is announced, he is anything but excited.Students from across the U.S. will be debating bathroom access for transgender students. It feels to Finch, as a White transgender boy, like a debate about his right to exist in public spaces. With hopes for winning-and thus improving the odds of a life-changing college scholarship-on the line, he has to choose between his academic and political ambitions and his emotional well-being. Complicating things are his growing feelings for his friend and debate partner, Jonah, who is gay; Finch is unsure of his sexual orientation. Queer issues are given center stage, evoking the lived experiences of many in a sensitive and sympathetic way. Racial and other identity-related subjects, while not the focus of the narrative, are also addressed, with Filipino American Jonah receiving his own fleshed-out subplot regarding anti-Asian racism and diverse representation in the supporting cast. Bigotry is depicted in its many insidious forms, including the buildup of day-to-day microaggressions. Despite presenting the full picture of these attacks, the novel makes it clear that Finch's and Jonah's lives are not bleak tragedies: They are allowed their happiness and their triumphs. These characters feel nuanced and genuine, with their identities and backgrounds as integral parts of the plot and characterization.Emotionally charged and politically relevant, this is a must-read. (Fiction. 14-18)

School Library Journal (Sun Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2021)

Gr 9 Up-For high school senior Finch Kelly, winning a national debate tournament is his ticket to the east coast, a scholarship to Georgetown, and all his DC political dreams. But when the topic, whether transgender students should be able to use the bathrooms of their choice, is announced, Finch will have to decide if he can debate against his own rights, when most of his schoolmates don't even know that he's transgender. Thomas creates a sharp, witty narrative, building a clear chemistry between Finch and his debate partner, Jonah, whose loving Filipino family contrasts with Finch's tense home life. This novel captures the ups and downs of high school relationships, navigating race and privilege, and the effects of parental unemployment and alcoholism, with just the right balance of teenage sarcasm and angst. Finch and his family are white, and a diverse group of secondary characters includes Jewish, Persian, and Black representation. VERDICT A solid entry in contemporary LGBTQIA+ young adult literature, full of cerebral teens with big plans and snark to spare.Molly Saunders, Manatee County P.L., Bradenton, FL