I really loved this book and hope to share it with many people. Maia clearly explains eir thoughts and choices growing up, and I hope my kids are inspired by em.

Spoilers Ahead: 
I thought this was a very interesting book. As someone who is part of the LGBTQ+ community, I wanted to read about what it felt like to not be the gender you was assigned at birth. 

This is an autographical piece, and it was so intriguing. We follow Maia as ey (I think these are the right pronouns, I’m so sorry if they’re not correct) are learning to find themselves. Assigned female at birth, but feeling like ey’re genderless and not really wanting to be identified as male or female, it’s really cool to see em become more happy with eir body, and find out which pronouns work out best for em. 

Honestly, I learnt quite a lot more than I thought I would from this comic. Such as how their is actually a hormonal reason as to why some people feel like they are not connected with the body they were born in. Secondly, I thought this comic was so raw, so brave and so beautiful, and showing the struggles that ey faced. Even with family, who are supposed to love you unconditionally, aren’t perfect, and it’s nice to see it from all angles. 

I’m definitely very interested in learning a lot more about being non-binary and gender-queer, as I think it’s becoming a more prevalent part of life, and I want to make sure I’m being respectful of everyone’s gender. Also, it’s insanely fucking cool. 

This graphic novel gave me so much to think about. I went into it without any expectations other than it has been banned, so I know the stupid conservatives hate it. Honestly that's always a plus to me. I found myself introspectively reading it; there was a lot more identifying going on than I expected. I really, really appreciate how raw, real, and relatable Maia was with this book. People all over the world can identify with eir feelings, and they probably don't even know it yet. If someone doesn't identify with any of Maia's feelings, they probably know someone who does. 

*1/2-1 star off for the multiple Harry Potter references. I understand that Maia is trans, so e is someone who should be able to discuss HP if ey want. However it is still triggering, and I just wish we could erase all mentions everywhere by everyone since JKR keeps furthering her harmful anti-trans views and desire for anti-trans regulations passed everywhere. I think everyone, including all trans people, should reevaluate what about JKR is so valuable to them despite the hurt and harm she causes. I was hoping that since I bought the new special edition, all HP references would have been edited out. Mentioning HP instead of keeping it vague adds nothing positive to the story. It just adds triggering content.*

Kobabe writes a beautiful reflection of eir experiences growing up and dealing with the struggles of self identity. E shares eir experiences of body image, sexuality, and relationships with others in becoming more authentically em. 

So many big thoughts and emotions. I relate to almost all of eir experiences. I felt so seen yet so sad for the confusion and loneliness both of us possessed for so long. So tender yet informative, heartbreaking yet hopeful. Must read for everyone. Redefined what a graphic novel can look like for me.

I’m hopefully going to come back and add to my review once I detangle some of my feelings.

CW for transphobia, homophobia, medical content and trauma, Harry Potter references pre-JKR was openly a blatant transphobe, blood, vomit