
Reach for this book when your child starts resisting traditional gender expectations or feels pressured to perform an identity that doesn't fit who they are inside. While centered on the high stakes world of competitive figure skating, the heart of the story is about the quiet, internal realization that one's identity might not fall into a simple binary category. It is an ideal choice for preteens who are beginning to navigate social labels and the fear of disappointing others by being their true selves. Twelve year old Ana is a champion skater who loves her sport but hates the glittery, feminine costumes required for her new program. When she meets a transgender friend and is mistaken for a boy, she discovers a sense of comfort that leads her to explore a nonbinary identity. The story is gentle and age appropriate, focusing on self discovery, the importance of supportive friendships, and the bravery required to stand up for your own comfort even when the stakes are high.
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Sign in to write a reviewAna struggles with the 'lie' of letting Hayden believe she is a boy.
The book deals directly with gender identity and dysphoria through a secular, contemporary lens. The approach is realistic and internal. The resolution is hopeful, emphasizing self acceptance and the importance of finding a community that sees you for who you are.
A middle schooler who feels like they don't fit into the boxes their hobbies or family have built for them. It is particularly resonant for young athletes or performers in highly gendered activities like dance, pageantry, or sports.
This book is safe to read cold, but parents should be ready to discuss the difference between gender identity (who you are) and gender expression (how you dress), as Ana explores both. A parent might see their child expressing distress over specific clothing choices or showing a sudden reluctance to participate in a long term hobby that has become too performative or gender coded.
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the friendship and the sports competition, while older readers (11-12) will deeply resonate with the nuances of identity and the social risks of coming out.
Unlike many books about gender, this focuses specifically on the nonbinary experience within the context of a rigid, traditional sport, making the stakes feel physical and immediate rather than just theoretical.
Ana-Marie Jin is a twelve year old elite figure skater. When her coach assigns a princess themed program, Ana feels a deep disconnect. At a summer training camp, Ana meets Hayden, a transgender boy, who assumes Ana is also a boy. Instead of correcting him, Ana finds freedom in this new identity. The story follows Ana’s internal journey toward identifying as nonbinary while balancing the rigid, gendered expectations of the skating world.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.