Tobly McSmith

i thought this was pretty great. the theater/acting theme was really fun to read about and worked so well for august's character of becoming himself and stepping away from acting in his own life all the time. he had to grow and be able to show his true self to (himself and) his friends and the people around him, and not just play a part. it was fun to watch him realize this and grow in this way while also exploring his acting on stage and in that capacity.

this was what seemed to me a really show more realistic depiction of a trans kid becoming themselves. it wasn't sugar coated (his parents are evangelical and there is no happy ending there, which is unfortunately much more true to life than had they come around, but he found chosen family with people who were supportive.) it felt really true to life and managed to show that harder side while also saying over and over again that trans lives are important and worth saving. the messaging here, for any trans youth reading, is on point. and then it's a good story, with good characters besides. it was maybe a bit of a surprise how many people gendered him correctly since the story starts literally the day after he begins to live as male, and with no hormones or medical transition - just a haircut and different clothes. but otherwise this felt realistic.

i'm so glad there are books like this out there. show less

A really great story about a theater-obsessed trans teen dealing with concurrent extreme highs and lows in his life. August's struggles to fit in in a new, high-stakes environment, his attempts to perform all manner of painful contortions to try to keep the regard of his religious and bigoted parents, and his desire to ignore or shoot past the painful work and the help he really needs to function and interact with others in a healthy way, were all really relatable for any reader.

I was show more concerned about some aspects of the book—there seems to be a kind acceptance of a certain level of horrible, abusive behavior from people in positions of power in the theater world. It seems to be implied that constant abuse from a director leads to August's improvement as an actor, and in fact his improved mental health, which I found really questionable. But overall the book showed how environments of support and love allow kids to flourish. show less

Pony is starting a new school this year in an attempt at a clean slate - a place where no one knows he's trans and he can be more than just the Trans Kid, and hopefully avoid the bullying that comes with that label. Georgia is one of the most popular girls in school and a member of the cheerleading squad, but after a bad breakup over the summer, she's ready to reevaluate what's important, even though the thought of leaving cheerleading to be a journalist for the school paper scares her. On show more the first day of school, these two lock eyes, feel a spark, and both lives start to change.

A loose (but clever and interesting) take on The Outsiders, with an excellent treatment of what it's like to be trans in a Texas high school, how it's great to feel ready to come out but also how it's absolutely valid not to be ready, and how even the most unlikely people can change their views. Highly recommended. show less

Pony is a transgender young man on his way to a new high school. He sees it as his opportunity to start fresh as the man he’s always known that he is. On the very first day as Pony walks up the stairs to the front door of his new school, he spots Georgia through the crowd. Georgia is a cheerleader and is beginning her senior year of not-dating in her uniform surrounded by her friends. When their eyes lock the direction of both of their lives changes.

This novel is a love story but it’s show more also about learning to be who you are and being open and authentic. There are so many influences and pressure in High school and they’re not always good or bad. I felt like this was a pretty accurate representation of being a Senior and struggling to fit in. As a Cisgender woman, I can’t speak to the issue that Pony deals with as a trans man, but it read as authentic to me.

In the midst of all the growth and change that happens in your senior year of high school, Pony is dealing with all kinds of pressure. Pony’s home life is far from perfect. His mother is quietly supportive, his sister is fiercely protective and vocal on his behalf. Pony’s father doesn’t accept his son at all. At times he is hurtful and emotionally abusive. He refuses to call Pony by his real name and deadnames him.

When I was reading Pony’s POV in this novel, I could definitely feel the pain and hurt that was caused by him misgendering. McSmith has really captured the emotions and turmoil of everyday things that most people take for granted. The first time Pony uses the bathroom in his new high school he is almost frozen in fear when someone confronts him about why he is there. It turns out that the encounter is perfectly innocent but there are a lot of instances of this during the novel that clearly communicates the impact of everyday things on someone who is living with a fear of being misgendered… or something far more violent.

There are several really important themes/ issues explored in this novel. Perhaps the most important and touching is the timing of letting someone know that you are transgender. Who do you tell? When do you tell people? In this novel, when Pony begins a relationship with Georgia it’s as though there is an invisible timeline. I can’t begin to imagine what it must be like to determine the “correct” time to tell someone that you are trans. Part of me feels as though no one should ever have to reveal that if they don’t want to – but obviously when you’re talking about a romantic relationship it’s important to be open.

Interestingly, Pony also deals with pressure from his friend Max. Max is a vibrant character, very political, and is constantly putting pressure on Pony to “come out” at school and be more vocal for the rights of trans people everywhere. But, this is still pressure! And it’s still a heavyweight on Pony’s shoulders. Is it wrong to want to just be “average”? Is it wrong to just be yourself and not want to speak up and out?

Ultimately, I think that many of the themes in this book boil down to figuring out what is right for you! We all have the power to decide for ourselves when we reveal things… or even if we do. We have the right to exist and be happy without having to explain or justify. Sadly, for Pony – things culminate in a violent act that shakes the foundations of his beliefs.

For her part, Georgia is also dealing with an event in her past that has left her with little ability to trust men. She was betrayed and her privacy was violated in a severe way … things I’m sure that many young people deal with on a regular basis. While I thought she might have been a bit quick at times to change her mind about her feelings and her actions… I did think she was a pleasant character.

This book is written by Toby McSmith who is a self-identified Own-voices author. I want to acknowledge that because I think that books about trans characters written by trans authors are very important! I wanted to take the time to support own-voices authors and the publishers who get their work out into the world. show less