Symptoms of Being Human

Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with the pressure of labels or seeking to understand the spectrum of gender beyond the binary. It is a vital resource for parents of children who feel 'othered' by social expectations or who are questioning their own identity in a world that often demands a simple answer. Through the story of Riley Cavanaugh, the novel explores the profound courage required to live authentically while navigating the public and private spheres of high school life. The story follows Riley, a gender fluid teenager who starts an anonymous blog to process their feelings, only to have that safe space threatened by real world consequences. It tackles heavy themes like anxiety, social media vitriol, and family expectations with a grounded and realistic touch. For parents, this book offers a bridge to discuss self-respect and empathy. It is best suited for older teens (14+) due to its honest portrayal of bullying and mental health, providing a mirror for some and a window for others into the lived experience of gender non-conformity.