It’s hard to explain a proper age group for this one because the identity crisis suggests a middle-grade tone but the language and innuendo make me think it’s great for older teens as well. It’s a truly good story-line, with a lot of laughs along the way. Sam discovers he’s not entirely sure who he is in the strange new world where Matthew lives, but pretending to be a girl gives his confidence, energy, and happiness.

This isn’t necessarily a story about transgender, but it is about finding your identity. When Matthew and his friends, who feel like Sam doesn’t fit in with their social group, dare Sam to dress up and act like a girl, Sam strives to prove himself in their eyes by doing so. Sam, still reeling over his mother’s death, is emotional and somewhat crazy. So when Sam is sent to live with his cousin, things get very strange, very quickly. Sam has had a rough childhood because he lived with his single-mother and her criminal boyfriend, who is actually Sam’s father, though he never acts like it. Matthew, whose parents might be overbearing and oversharing, still love and take care of him. Matthew and Sam lead completely different lives. Sometimes it’s nice to step out of the fantasy scene and read something fresh and not so typical of what I usually read because I tend to find books I really, truly enjoy. I can’t believe it took me so long to review this. Fans of contemporary cuteness and coming-of-age books will love Boy 2 Girl.

Boy2girl book