A coming-of-age story about transgender tween Obie, who didn't think being himself would cause such a splash. For fans of Alex Gino's George and Lisa Bunker's Felix Yz.
Obie knew his transition would have ripple effects. He has to leave his swim coach, his pool, and his best friends. But it's time for Obie to find where he truly belongs.
As Obie dives into a new team, though, things are strange. Obie always felt at home in the water, but now he can't get his old coach out of his head. Even worse are the bullies that wait in the locker room and on the pool deck. Luckily, Obie has family behind him. And maybe some new friends too, including Charlie, his first crush. Obie is ready to prove he can be one of the fastest boys in the water--to his coach, his critics, and his biggest competition: himself.
Obie knew his transition would have ripple effects. He has to leave his swim coach, his pool, and his best friends. But it's time for Obie to find where he truly belongs.
As Obie dives into a new team, though, things are strange. Obie always felt at home in the water, but now he can't get his old coach out of his head. Even worse are the bullies that wait in the locker room and on the pool deck. Luckily, Obie has family behind him. And maybe some new friends too, including Charlie, his first crush. Obie is ready to prove he can be one of the fastest boys in the water--to his coach, his critics, and his biggest competition: himself.
My Rating - 4.5 Stars!
This story follows Obie who's a transgender middle school student. His story is powerful, heart breaking, and also inspirational. In other words, this is not an easy read.
The writing is fabulous. It's flows great and the storyline will keep you riveted. The author excels in addressing many issues involved with being a transgender child. And it's heart wrenching at times. The author writes with knowledge, care, and compassion. And also hope.
I love this story. I wish it didn't have to be told, but damn, the world needs more stories like this.
Obie's journey from being a kid with good friends and a great swimmer, to living his truth, and facing the consequences, is extremely heartfelt and honest.
His experiences with an transphobic coach and his former friends had me wanting to just hug him and protect him. But through it all, Obie lives his truth.
Not all trans kids have a lot of support, but Obie does have some, which is fabulous. His story is similar to a kid I know personally, but not everyone is lucky enough to have parents like Obie's.
This is a story I'd recommend to anyone looking to read about a transgender child's journey, or to learn more about the emotions involved with being trans. That said, although Obie's journey is tough and multi-layered, his parents are fully supportive. Obie's a child who was able to start on hormone blockers early on, and then adding T later. Not all parents are so wonderfully supportive.
Thus, if you're looking for a story of a trans child who doesn't have support at home, skip this one.
But if you're looking for a story about a trans child who's family is supportive, but the rest of his life is a struggle, this is for you.
Thus, if you're looking for a story of a trans child who doesn't have support at home, skip this one.
But if you're looking for a story about a trans child who's family is supportive, but the rest of his life is a struggle, this is for you.
And, honestly, one of my favorite parts is the way the author explores how Obie's friends feel. It's horrible, trust me, but I appreciate the thoughts that drive the friends.
I also appreciate the sports aspect. As we all know, there's a lot of controversy about trans students playing sports. It's a messy and long drawn out issue in the world today. I like that the author addresses this issue.
Obie is Man Enough is truly a great read. Schuyler Bailar excels in capturing the pain involved with dealing with transphobia. This is one I highly recommend.
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