This is a YA novel whose protagonist is a young trans teen starting over at a new school after his transition was met with threats of violence at his old school. This book is all about what it takes to come out, with our trans protagonist, his non-binary friend, and the cis gay boy he has a crush on all on different points of their coming out journey, with different levels of support and different motivations for being out or in. This was a debut novel that felt a little rough in places, but first, I am not the target audience, and second, the last few chapters had me crying (in a good way) nonetheless. I think this walked the line pretty successful of addressing the difficulties of encountering/fearing bigotry while still managing to feel overall like a warm hug. Definitely a book I probably would not have picked up had I not seen it recommended a few times for the Trans Rights Readathon, but I enjoyed it! ( )

4.25 ( )

Coming from a family who wouldn't be accepting to my sexuality if I were to come out to them I could relate deeply to Justice. Seeing Spencer have such an amazing support group is absolutely everything to me and seeing him come out of his shell and being more comfortable with telling people his sexuality is amazing to see in a book. "Thank you for telling me. I want you to know that I'll always love you. whether you feel like you're a girl or boy or whatever." The second I read that sentence from Spencer's mom after he came out made me absolutely cry, it made wish I had the same support. I read that and I thought about it in my head and hearing my mom say that to me would absolutely break me in the best way possible. This book brings light to a topic some people deem "inappropriate" which is important to be aware about all of this to be able to safely talk about and know that you aren't alone. ( )

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

My first finish for the #TransRightsReadathon 2023: what a beautiful start!

This book addresses so much. First and foremost we get a look inside the mind of Spencer, a trans high school soccer star, as he navigates a new school, complicated family life, and his first crush. Those would be a lot of things to deal with for any kid... but Spencer also has to deal with the daily challenges of existing in a society that can be everything from dismissive to downright dangerous for a boy like him.

We get to see daily choices and actions made by Spencer, his family, and his friends and how differently the reality of those choices and actions effect Spencer. Everything from being able to pass as a boy at school to the challenges of navigating gendered bathrooms and locker rooms, it was definitely eye opening to see the thought behind so many situations most people would just take for granted as being easy.

While this could have just been a book about a trans kid navigating "normal" high school challenges (which would be difficult enough!), the author did a beautiful job of adding so many layers to Spencer's story to help illustrate the additional multi-faceted challenges that so many trans kids face. From growing up in a multi-racial household to having a sibling on the autistic spectrum, we learn how difficult and sometimes invalidating it can feel to interact with loved ones, even in an "accepting" family.

Then we meet Justice, Spencer's crush and fellow soccer teammate. They bond over a shared love of the beautiful game, but Justice comes from a very conservative, religious family who see the LGBT community as sinful. Through Justice and interactions with his family and church, we see how difficult it is for Spencer to separate Justice and his (more open-minded) beliefs from the hateful rhetoric most of his family believes in. Justice is on his own journey of self discovery and acceptance, and the connection between these two is beautiful, and also important to their individual and collective growth.

But don't worry, this isn't all intense emotional journey stuff. Shout out to great side characters like the soccer coach, the school GSA (gay-straight alliance) club, Spencer's rocker best friend, and of course, the boys on the soccer team. They all provide some endearing scenes, and the comic relief.

I hope this book can find it's way into the hands of trans and other lgbt youth across the country because it gives a voice, and a validation, to so many diverse aspects of the queer experience and how challenging it can be, especially in your teenage years. This is a beautiful story about community, love, and acceptance overcoming bigotry. I can't recommend it enough.

Some notes & TWs:
❤️ 🏳️‍⚧️ Trans MC
🧡 Gay MC
💛 Multi-racial family
💚 Autism rep (family member)
💙 Non-binary side character
💜 Little bit of side character bisexual rep

- TW: un-accepting church culture
- TW: drug use & death (discussion of past event / not current characters) ( )

Book Club Review…..THE PASSING PLAYBOOK by Isaac Fitzsimons

Fifteen-year-old Spencer Harris is a proud nerd, an amazing big brother and training to be a Messi. He's also transgender. When his classmates at his old school found out Spencer went through a horrible year of bullying. But now Spencer is transferring to Oakley, the most liberal private school in Ohio he is hoping for a fresh start.

Everything is going well at Oakley for Spencer. Great new friends and classmates that are accepting of who he is, a chance at a starting position on the boys soccer team and maybe even a little romance with one of his teammates.

But that doesn't last!

You see, one at Oakley knows Spencer is trans. He's passing! So when Spencer's coach discovers the 'F' on Spencer's birth certificate due to a discriminatory law the coach is forced to bench him. Now Spencer needs to decide whether he will cheer his team on from the sidelines or publicly fight for his right to play. even if it means coming out to everyone including the guy he's falling for.

Passing the Play was a delightful story with a high school setting about first love, courage, friendship and so much more! As a group we absolutely loved this story! The love and acceptance that Spencer's family showed was heartwarming. Even his little brother! He was just too cute! The romance Spencer and Justice was absolutely wonderful to read about! The chemistry between them was sweet and they were great together!

The author has shined a spotlight on the real life trials that trans teens face. The pacing is perfect and the story itself is easy to follow and fall in love with. Fitzsimons does not shut away from the hard stuff but handles them with care. But that is not the main focus of the book, it's love! Love in so many different forms! The love of a family, friend or even a first love!

Passing the Play was an absolutely amazing heartwarming read! I really can't wait to share this book with our teen reading group The Booked Teen!

Thank you The Book Club Cook Book, Penguin Teen and Isaac Fitzsimonsfor sharing this absolutely amazing and heartwarming book with us!


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