Book Review: The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson

When I’m reviewing books for professional publications, I stay quiet about them on social media. I’m always really excited once a review comes out to be able to talk about the book, finally! Here’s one of my most recent reviews, which originally appeared in the April 2016 issue of School Library Journal.

Gr 9 Up–-Only David Piper’s two best friends know a big secret, and as puberty brings rapid changes to the teen’s body, the clock is ticking for the chance to tell the Pipers that David is really a girl. David shares narrating duties with Leo, a tough transfer student  uninterested in friendships. After Leo stands up for the frequently bullied David, the two slowly become friends, though neither could have guessed how much they actually have in common: Leo, who used to be called Megan, is transgender, too. When word gets out about Leo, he flees, remembering what happened at his old school, and goes in search of his birth father. David accompanies him, returning home having had an opportunity to live a few days as Kate, David’s true self, and ready to tell her parents who she really is. Leo’s and David’s stories are painful and complicated. The novel is filled with transphobic slurs, bullying, physical violence, and nasty reactions from other characters. In most cases, someone points out how cruel, unfair, or incorrect these offensive assertions are. Both Leo and Kate have supportive, loving families (even if Leo’s mother is otherwise a nightmare) and increasingly supportive friends. The book ends on a positive note, especially for Kate, who has longed to be visible. Pacing issues and the curious choice to misgender Kate throughout most of the book despite her announcement on page one that she’s a girl mar this otherwise well-written book. VERDICT: An important addition to collections for its first-person perspectives on the experiences and inner lives of transgender teenagers. –Amanda MacGregor, Great River Regional Library, St. Cloud, MN

ISBN-13: 9780374302375

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Publication date: 05/31/2016

Filed under: Book Reviews