Both Sides Now

"Both Sides Now" is a compelling young adult novel centered on Finch Kelly, a transgender high school senior with big dreams of winning the National Speech & Debate Tournament and attending college in Washington, DC. His plans get complicated when he develops an unexpected crush on his openly gay debate partner, Jonah, making Finch question his own sexuality. The ultimate challenge arises when the national debate topic is announced: transgender rights. Finch must decide if he can argue against his own humanity to achieve his goals. This book offers a witty, warm, and poignant exploration of identity, self-discovery, first love, and standing up for what you believe in, perfect for readers aged 12-18.

A witty and warm-hearted novel about a trans teen finding his place in the world perfect for fans of Red, White and Royal Blue There’s only one thing standing between Finch Kelly and a full-blown case of high school senioritis: the National Speech & Debate Tournament. Taking home the gold would not only be the pinnacle of Finch’s debating career, but the perfect way to launch himself into his next chapter: college in Washington, DC, and a history-making career as the first trans congressman. What could possibly go wrong? Well, for starters, Finch could develop a teeny tiny crush on his very attractive, very taken, and very gay debate partner, Jonah. Never mind that Finch has never considered whether he’s interested in more than just girls. And that dream of college in DC? Finch hasn’t exactly been accepted anywhere yet, let alone received the full-ride scholarship he'll need to make this dream a reality. Worst of all, though, is this year's topic for Nationals: transgender rights. If he wants to cinch the gold, and get into college, Finch might have to argue against his own humanity. People say there are two sides to every argument. But, as Finch is about to discover, some things—like who you are and who you love—are not up for debate.