Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky

(Cover Not Final)

Title; Gracefully Grayson
Author; Ami Polonsky
Source; Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Format; Kindle
Publisher; Disney-Hyperion
Publication Date; November 4th 2014

Description; 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.

Debut author Ami Polonsky’s moving, beautifully-written novel shines with the strength of a young person’s spirit and the enduring power of acceptance.

My Rating; 4.5*s

Review; This must have been a hard book to write. A twelve year old boy who hasn't grown up feeling accepted isn't going understand that it's normal to not be the gender you were born as. That is such a shame, and this book brings that to life a little bit.

Grayson is such a likeable character. His struggles were so tough and so real. Kids like Grayson are the reason I believe children should be taught about being transgendered and gay, and so on and so forth. Because then people would begin to see it as normal, which is what it is. And real children that are just like Grayson won't have struggle as much.

I want things to work out for Grayson so bad. I want things to work out with school, with his family. Bless Uncle Evan. Seriously. That man was just amazing. As was Finn. Paige and pretty much all of the theatre kids.

This book is so beautiful, and so sad. Kids shouldn't have to be bullied because of who they are or how they look. Grayson is so brave. So, so brave.

I definitely recommend this book. And I would read it again.

Such a tough life led already for a 12 year old... It gets better though. It always gets better.