Sasha Masha

every word of this was perfect. i loved all of it. (and not every author is a good narrator, but agnes' voice here is also perfect in every way.)

this is not the trans story that is most often out there. this is sasha masha figuring out their identity, which parts of alex to take and which to leave behind, and who they are when they take a new name, and all that means. it is community helping you through hard times, and showing you that you aren't alone, and that you have a history (the hall of ancestors was fantastic) and a context. that you fit in the larger scheme and that you aren't the first to exist but that you are unique. the friendships (with mabel and with andre) are beautiful and necessary to self understanding. the parental show more relationships were drawn so nicely and positively but not in a way that is unrealistic.

i love the messaging here and the story itself and how we aren't shown what happens after sasha masha starts considering a trans identity. that this story ends where most would start. it's beautiful and perfect in literally every possible way. show less

Sasha Masha is a contemporary YA novel of self-discovery. Penned by own voices author - Agnes Borinksy - this book will be published on November 10th, 2020 by Farrar, Straus, and Giroux. I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Alex's best friend, Mabel has moved away at the beginning of this story and it's a chance for Alex to begin anew. New relationships bring out different aspects of Alex's identity and Alex comes to realize he is also Sasha Masha. Sasha Masha wears beautiful dresses, feels pretty, feels right in her skin, smooths lipstick on her lips, and twirls on the dance floor.

With the loving and adorable support of his best friend, Mabel, and fearless new friend, Andre - it's time show more for Alex to wonder more about his feelings, what he wants, how he wants to be. I feel as though books like this one is more important now than ever before. We live in a world that often has mixed messages about gender identity and sexual orientation. Stories like this one give young people a place to grow and explore as they question who they are.

This story is a beautiful tale about figuring out who you are. We all take different paths to become ourselves and this novel is a very important depiction of the fluttering beginnings of that journey. Sometimes it may be an inkling, a hint, or a bold choice... but it can all be life-changing and emotional.

I would happily recommend this book to any young person and I'd love to see it as an addition to my local library system. show less

Novel about a teenager who is discovering their gender identity. Alex, who is portrayed in an introspective tone, tries to discover their genuine self. Growing up in Baltimore, Alex struggles with heteronormative expectations, striving to feel like a "real boy" in the eyes of his peers and family. Then, a photograph sent from Alex's long-distance best friend awakens dormant personal truths involving Alex's suppressed identity. The journey spans awkward moments at home, school friendships, an affirming social club for queer youth, and reflective moments alone. Parents and friends are lightly characterized, their voices imbuing their personalities with energy as Alex travels unfamiliar terrain.

This is about a teen boy who doesn't feel right. Something is off. It's the process of figuring it out. I haven't read a lot of trans stories. The ones I remember most they were about always feeling like they should have been a girl. Sasha Masha is about figuring it out. He doesn't really know how he feels. It's an ongoing process. I like how this shows that everyone is different.