Girl Mans Up
Ratings2
Average rating3.5
Lambda Literary Award Winner! “Pen is an inspiration to anyone who’s struggled to be understood, and a vital addition to the growing world of genderqueer protagonists.” —New York Times Book Review All Pen wants is to be the kind of girl she’s always been. So why does everyone have a problem with it? They think the way she looks and acts means she’s trying to be a boy—that she should quit trying to be something she’s not. If she dresses like a girl, and does what her folks want, it will show respect. If she takes orders and does what her friend Colby wants, it will show her loyalty. But respect and loyalty, Pen discovers, are empty words. Old-world parents, disintegrating friendships, and strong feelings for other girls drive Pen to see the truth—that in order to be who she truly wants to be, she’ll have to man up. M. E. Girard’s Girl Mans Up is perfect for fans of Meredith Russo, Becky Albertalli, Alex Sanchez, and Jaye Robin Brown! Entertainment Weekly Best YA Book of 2016 * Children’s Book Council Books Best Book of 2016 * Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Coming-of-Age Novel of 2016 and Best Teen Book of 2016 with Unforgettable Protagonists * Publishers Weekly Fall 2016 Flying Starts * William C. Morris YA Debut Award Finalist
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More intersectional genderqueer characters in YA, please! I have not read this character before, so 4 stars for a voice that needs to be more represented. The supporting characters were well written, but there wasn't much of a plot.
I found this book in one of my libraries list of banned books. I LOVED THE BOOK. I was transported back to high school and all the strong “feels” associated with pretty much everything. Pen is a fantastic character and I could see how anyone struggling with gender identity could really relate to how much her clothing, hair, actions, etc would ruffle feathers as I've had similar issues . I was so proud of her for standing up for herself with her “this is me, take it or leave it” attitude.
Merged review:
I found this book in one of my libraries list of banned books. I LOVED THE BOOK. I was transported back to high school and all the strong “feels” associated with pretty much everything. Pen is a fantastic character and I could see how anyone struggling with gender identity could really relate to how much her clothing, hair, actions, etc would ruffle feathers as I've had similar issues . I was so proud of her for standing up for herself with her “this is me, take it or leave it” attitude.
