Gracefully Grayson

I loved this. No, not this, Grayson. I loved Grayson. I loved who he was and who he wanted to be and how he made it happen. (I use the pronoun he because Grayson used it throughout the book.) I loved the teacher who cast Grayson in the lead female role in the play because Grayson was the best person who tried out. I loved Grayson's dead parents who knew five year old him loved wearing dresses and were going to support him being a girl as he said he was, and I loved his grandmother who saved his mother's letters so Grayson could read them.

This wasn't a one hundred percent feel-good book. There were tough times for Grayson, there were people who didn't understand him, people who didn't support him, and people who opposed him. The parts show more that really struck me were those who didn't understand, who thought he was gay or who thought he was a rebel for wearing a skirt or barrettes. I never realized how difficult that sort of benign misunderstanding could be.

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I honestly don't know what to say about this book. It perfectly captured my school experiences growing up hiding who I was, but that's not a good thing. The book was incredibly painful to read. I really wish now that I hadn't finished it at work as I'll likely be crying for the rest of the day.

This is one I hope you give a try. Gracefully Grayson, by Ami Polonsky features 12 year old Grayson, who has known from the beginning that she is a girl in a boy's body. She also has learned that this is not "normal", and to hide the truth by imagining her loose pants and t-shirts to be gowns and dresses. In school, she's learned to draw unrecognizable (by others) princesses as she takes notes. It is becoming harder to sustain herself by imagination only, however, and she feels urges to come out of hiding. When she impulsively auditions for The Myth of Persephone, directed by Finn, her favorite teacher, her life begins to change. I won't spoil the story, but her actions trigger a cascade of problems, while at the same time she begins to show more find new, sympathetic friends among her fellow actors. Her quiet bravery as she tries to make her way through dangerous waters is moving, and real. No preaching, no improbably articulate ripostes, just a very believable young girl trying to deal with being in the wrong body, and trying to find a way to express her joy at who she really is in a world that resists.

Bullying inevitably shows its face, but so does unexpected support, including at home. Her parents died in an accident, and she lives with her aunt and uncle. The latter legitimately struggle with concerns for her safety versus letting her be herself. It turns out her parents had something to say about all of it, too.

This book is beautifully and simply composed. My wife teared up at chapter 34; some problem with our ventilation blurred my vision a bit sooner, at Chapter 31. The book is targeted at 10-14 year olds, but is one of those, like R.J. Palacio's Wonder, that should have appeal for all ages. Wonder, the story of a horribly disfigured boy who endures bullying but also is someone well worth knowing, has been on the middle grade bestseller lists for a long time, which I find encouraging. I hope something similar happens for Gracefully Grayson, as it deserves a wide audience and carries a welcome and timely message of integrity and compassion. show less

Alone at home, twelve-year-old Grayson Sender glows, immersed in beautiful thoughts and dreams. But at school, Grayson grasps at shadows, determined to fly under the radar. Because Grayson has been holding onto a secret for what seems like forever: “he” is a girl on the inside, stuck in the wrong gender’s body.
The weight of this secret is crushing, but leaving it behind would mean facing ridicule, scorn, and rejection. Despite these dangers, Grayson’s true self itches to break free. Strengthened by an unexpected friendship and a caring teacher who gives her a chance to step into the spotlight, Grayson might finally have the tools to let her inner light shine.

There are a very few books about transgendered children and almost none focused on middle schoolers. Still fewer are the books featuring transgendered characters that are written with style, a plot that does not shortchange complexity, and a host of characters with real-world flaws and graspings for understanding. This book hits all the marks, showing us Grayson, an orphaned boy trying to discover who she is and trying to live that self when doing so means bucking societal norms. Additionally, the book realistically portrays the adults in Grayson's life not as evil caricatures but as caring, well-meaning guides who are trying to figure out what's best for the gentle sixth grader. Is it OK for Grayson to take on the female lead in the show more play because it's what Grayson wants, or will doing so unleash a tsunami of teasing that will ultimately be harmful? The author's deep respect for the characters makes this story ring true and, by the book's end, to help Grayson be true, too. Highly recommended. (1) show less

I really enjoyed this. Of course I got angry to learn about the backlash against the teacher; we need more like him, not fewer! But I loved that most people were supportive or at least not awful, and that the bullies were actually punished.

I also loved that Grayson is in 6th grade, she's figuring out this stuff on her own while still young. And she's also fairly free-range, with a phone and a message about plans, but still, allowed to take public transportation in Chicago. (Speaking of which, I bet readers who know the city enjoy reading the details of the setting.)

Speaking of the teacher, I also love that he's teaching the theme of courage. For example, when teaching the Holocaust, he's not focused on the tragic victims or the gory show more details of the 'camps' but on the courage of the secret Resistance workers.

People who are into theater will like this, too. But I do have to wonder if the author shouldn't have said thank you to [b:Will Grayson, Will Grayson|6567017|Will Grayson, Will Grayson|John Green|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1660273765l/6567017._SY75_.jpg|6759965]. show less

Gracefully Grace by Ami Polonsky is filled with well-developed, believable characters who represent the spectrum of authentic reactions to Grayson’s sexual identity issues. While Grayson faces bullying, rejection, and ridicule from some, “she” is also surrounded by caring friends and an understanding teacher. Polonsky does an outstanding job helping readers see these different points of view from Grayson’s perspective.

From the first page, readers become immersed in sixth-grader Grayson’s secret life. The first person, conversational style helps readers see the world through “her” eyes. Grayson’s bravery in trying out for the girl’s lead in the school play is a powerful statement that leads “her” on a path to show more self-discovery.

The frustrations and insecurities of middle school children are realistically portrayed through short chapters that keep the story moving and build empathy for Grayson’s situation.

I’m happy to see the subject of gender identity being addressed in a developmentally appropriate way for middle school youth. In addition, there are many parents and teachers who would benefit from this realistic story about a timely topic.

The e-pages of this book flew by. This unique work is a book I’ll be thinking about long into the future. show less