My Lady Jane

My Lady Jane

Hand. C., Ashton, B. & Meadows, S. (2016). My Lady Jane. New York: HarperCollins.

My Lady Jane is a fantasy novel based on historical characters and many historical events, but with a twist of the paranormal. Edward is the boy King after his father’s death (Henry VIII) and a time of tolerance has settled between the Edians and Verities (shape-shifter and humans). Edward faces the dilemma of needing to name a successor and he is manipulated into naming his cousin, Lady Jane Grey who is then is forced to marry Gifford Dudley with the hopes of producing an heir. Through many plot twists, Lady Jane is Queen for nine days and then is over thrown by Edward’s half-sister, Mary (who hates Edians). This novel twists a tragically true story and turns it into a humorous romantic adventure. The heroes and heroine decide to follow their hearts and not their destiny. No one is quite who they seem and this story has a much happier ending than its historical counterpart.

My Lady Jane is a witty, humorous, fantasy novel that draws the reader in with its romance and adventure. This novel is written in third person narrative, with three different points of view: book loving Jane (ferret), poetic Gifford (horse) and boy King Edward (kestrel). The novel uses the idea of shape-shifters vs. humans to represent the constant battle between the Protestants and Catholics that raged during this time period. These characters do bring history to life even though it is not historical fiction. This book would be a perfect twist for those who love historical romance or those who enjoy paranormal romances. This novel would also be perfect for fiction and nonfiction pairings. A warning might need to be given that this novel ends significantly better for all three of the major characters than their actual fates.

Awards:

ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults (2016)

Book Trailer:

http://ladyjanies.blogspot.com/p/the-book.html

Lily and Dunkin

Lily and Dunkin

Gephart, D. (2016). Lily and Dunkin. New York: Delacorte.

Lily and Dunkin is a self-discovery novel about two teens who are trying to survive eighth grade while expressing who they really are inside. Lily (who was born male) is trying to convince her parents that she needs hormone blockers to stop her development as a male. She longs to let her female self out to shine, but is terrified of the what the “Neanderthals” at school will do and say to her. Her best friend Dare is all she has until she meets the new boy in town. Norbert has just moved to Florida and is dealing with leaving his home, what has happened to his father and his own mental disorders. Norbert hates his name and Lily decides to call him Dunkin after his favorite place to eat. Dunkin also hates his body: he is too tall, too hairy and very uncoordinated. With tons of determination, he manages to get on the basketball team with the “Neanderthals” and while at school, he ignores Lily. He has not been taking his medicine and during a basketball game, Dunkin has a mental break and needs to be hospitalized. Lily is slowly making strides with her family and her dad is slowly accepting what she needs and she starts getting hormone therapy. Once Dunkin is released from the hospital, he and Lily realize a sense of trust and her is very accepting of the boy he knew as Tim, is now his friend Lily.

Lily and Dunkin is a contemporary realistic fictional novel dealing with the issues of transgender teens and mental illness. Lily and Dunkin initially seem like an unlikely pair, but as they both travel the road of acceptance, from others and themselves, they form a unique friendship. Accepting yourself for who you are and accepting others as themselves is an ongoing theme throughout the novel.  Dunkin struggles with how to fit in at his new school and does not always make the best decisions because he wants so much to be accepted. As Lily realizes that she has to force the issue of her desire to be female, her mother and sister rally around her. This story spotlights very support family members for both Lily and Dunkin. Lily’s father has a hard time with his acceptance, but it does happen.  

Awards

YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults (2017)

ALA Rainbow Book List (2017)

Interesting Links:

http://www.donnagephart.com/lily-and-dunkin.html

Freak Show

Freak Show

St. James, J. (2007). Freak show. New York: Dutton

Freak Show is about Billy Bloom who is a unique cross-dressing teenager who ends up at a private school in Florida’s Bible Belt. Billy endures extreme bullying to the point of hospitalization, but never gives up on who he really is inside. He suffers from depression and a few manic episodes, but always returns to school with his wigged head held high. He slowly makes friends with the coolest of the cool kids and life becomes slightly easier. He decides to run for Homecoming Queen and becomes a media sensation. Billy Bloom sees himself as a Super Freak, but it has taken him years to accept himself even as others don’t.

Freak Show by James St. James is a contemporary realistic fictional novel that is explores the world of a homosexual cross-dresser. This novel written from Billy’s point of view shows his emotional highs and lows and using humor share the message of tolerance. He frequently uses pop culture references and slang that may or may not translate as well in the ten years since its publication to young readers. Billy’s family is highly dysfunctional with his mom (who suffers from mental illness) and his dad, who is more absent than present. Billy deals with extreme bullying from his peers at school and adults who ignore it. He strives to break down social barriers and be different, when different isn’t acceptable. Due to the friendship of Flip, the football star, Billy is at least physically safe, but he still puts himself emotionally and romantically on the line. Billy Bloom never gives up. He never stops being who he is inside, remaining true to himself.

Awards:

SLJ Best Book of the Year (2007)