I generally refrain from providing star ratings for memoirs, out of respect for author's personal stories. However, given the widespread banning of this book, I feel it's important to bring attention to the fact that this is a phenomenal story, and certainly one that belongs in libraries and bookstores and everywhere where there are readers.

I read this book as part of the 2024 Trans Rights Readathon, and I'm so glad that I did. Not only did I genuinely enjoy reading Kobabe's story, but I also learned so much from em. From chest binding to e/em/eir pronouns to ways to support people experiencing gender dysphoria, I learned so much that I didn't know before.

I'm so grateful that Kobabe wrote this graphic novel, particularly given the vulnerability it took to share eir story, and I am truly looking forward to reading more of eir work.

This memoir was beautiful, and so eye opening. I couldn’t put it down. I need to get a physical copy of it. 

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.*

This is such an important book for people to read to see non-binary and asexual rep! I learned quite a bit and felt I understood asexuality and NBs better. I enjoyed the art style but felt the story jumped all over the place which led to some whiplash. I also didn’t love the numerous Harry Potter references-I understand that the series was an important part of eir’s childhood and Led to a love of reading but it felt excessive. E also talked about a ship between Sam and Dean (which is incest btw?!) which felt icky. Overall I’d recommend it and I love that e can hopefully give words and understanding to other kids out there that may struggle with gender identity! 

I employed this book. You can tell the author struggles with eir identity as I do with mine. It doesn’t have a complete ending but that makes sense to me as the story isn’t over for em. I hope eir life does give em the happiness e are looking for.

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. 

This book made me very emotional and feel so very very seen. 
I was waiting for the rain to stop and ended up picking up this book in the bookstore and devouring the entire thing. WOW!!!! it's been on my list forever, but I've only ever found it in hardcover and I struggle to convince myself to spend extra on hardcover graphic novels and the Austin Public Libraries haven't had it in stock online or in person EVER. Seriously, I think I was on the Ebook waitlist for over a year. 
I have never felt so seen in a book????? A lot of this isn't relatable, and at the same time it all is??? Humans are so weird and Maia speaks so beautifully on everything e experiences. I am jealous of eir talents for putting words and pictures to an experience both em and I share. 
Literally so beautiful. So stunning. So weird and specific and wonderful and this alongside finally finishing Taika Waititi's Next Goal Wins I am just so surrounded by trans* joy and excellence and wow!!!! All I can say is wow!!!!!

A must read if you love queer folks.