Sixth-grader Grayson Sender quietly doodles princesses and castles with glitter pens during class and dreams of wearing twirly skirts and long, shiny gowns instead of his limp, lifeless track pants. Those aren't problems, but the fact that he has to repress himself is a problem big one. Despite knowing that he is a girl deep down inside, Grayson has learned to look and act like the boy he is not; his family would be furious and his classmates would bully him if they found out. But now, cast as Persephone in the spring play, he finds acceptance among the cast members. Thoughtfully told through Grayson's eyes, the story conveys his angst, hurt, loss, and emerging confidence as he struggles with a whirlwind of emotions. His new friends allow him to find the courage to become who "she" really is, and we are privileged to watch the transformation take place. With great courage, Polonsky's debut novel reminds us with much sensitivity that we are all unique and deserve to become who we are meant to be.

Sixth grader Grayson daydreams about being a girl, despite being seen by everyone as male. Grayson keeps people at a distance until Amelia moves to town. After landing the (female) lead in a play, Grayson fights for the right to present her truest self to others--both on and off stage. Polonsky captures her protagonist's loneliness, then courage, in an immediate and intimate narrative.

Gr 6 Up-In this sweet and thoughtful debut, an introverted sixth grader begins to come into her own as a transgender girl. Grayson was orphaned in preschool and lives with her aunt and uncle in Chicago. She's becoming more and more aware of a nagging feeling that she should be living as a girl, despite being male-assigned, and on a daring whim decides to audition for the part of Persephone in the school play. She has a supportive teacher and a new friend, but also has to contend with school bullies and disapproving adults. The writing is clear and effortless, with a straightforward plot and likable characters. Grayson is a charming narrator who balances uncertainty with clarity, bravery with anxiety. This title has less obvious and didactic intent than other novels featuring transgender protagonists. A welcome addition to a burgeoning genre. Kyle Lukoff, Corlears School, New York City

Sixth-grader Grayson Sender has lived with his aunt and uncle ever since his parents died in a car accident, and has harbored a deep, dark secret from them and the rest of the world. He secretly imagines that his track pants are flowing skirts, that his long hair is pulled back with ribbons and barrettes, and that the shapes he doodles during school are pictures of princesses. Grayson's secret is something that his parents knew, but they are gone. His new family is less accepting of the fact that, even though born a boy, deep down inside, he is a girl. When he summons the courage to try out for a female role in the school play, Grayson finds out just how unaccepting people can be.Polonsky's first novel is a triumph. It is well written, insightful, and true to the world of middle school, beginning with Grayson doodling in class and trying to remain as anonymous as possible in school. When he is noticed, it is to be teased and bullied, even by his cousin Jack, who used to be his friend. Grayson is lonely and alone as he slowly comes to accept who and what he is, and takes baby steps toward expressing that true self to the rest of the world. It seems utterly realistic û heartbreaking and uplifting at once. This is an excellent choice for a middle school classroom discussion.Laura Lehner.