I just finished this on #NetGalley & OMG I love Jamie & their friends *so* much 😭 The adults are brilliant(ly awful in some cases) & the story is honest & real & hopeful. Should be read by *everyone* #UKMG #LGBT #nonbinary #ChildrensBooks @ldlapinski https://twitter.com/ldlapinski/status/1591017826806108160?t=MNImDijBL315SadfDVvgeA&s=19

Okay, so this book doesn’t come out until 28 March NEXT YEAR. What I am SUPPOSED to do, when my (own internal) rule is to write a review, keep it in my notes, post before release.

But. I. Can’t. Wait.

This book firmly falls under the category of ‘I absolutely NEEDED’ this book when I was a pre-teen (See Also: Both of @notagainben kids books, Boy Meets Hamster by @seramilano , Gay Club! And Sleepover Takeover by @simonjamesgreen and Boy Queen by @thegeorgelester - you’re all welcome for that list).

Jamie Rambeau is non-binary. They aren’t a boy, and not a girl. And they are getting sick of having to tick boxes and take options in life that don’t actually represent them. The final straw comes when it comes to picking a secondary school, and the only options are a boys school and a school for girls. But what do they do? And why does no one care?

The story is great, but the real joy here is in the characters - the main trio, Jamie and their friends Ash and Daisy are very well written, act and talk like real kids and it’s a pleasure to spend some time with them.

The structure of the book has periodic information from Jamie, in the form of a glossary of words to do with sexuality and gender.
It’s clear and informative and there are some adults in my life that I would love to make read these parts.

In fact, as a whole, the book sets out to inform and educate on Jamie and their identity - but never at the expense of Lapinski’s writing - which is beautifully done, filled with love empathy and acceptance.

Did I cry a bit at the end? Sure, but it’s okay - you will too.

What a lovely experience of a novel that LITERALLY BELONGS IN EVERY PRIMARY SCHOOL LIBRARY IN THE COUNTRY.

Pre order it now, show some support as the author is, of course, getting some narrow minded, unintelligent, prehistoric attitudes hurled at them, and this sends a message.

You will most certainly have to read a second review of this at the time of release as I will HAVE to read it again.

Ages 8+ (and by plus I mean at least 41).

I can see exactly what this book is trying to do and it does that well. A great introduction to anyone needing to know more about what it means to be non binary and how to support young people that are