Girl Mans Up

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.

I've been meaning to broaden my LGBTQA+ list of read of books so, it was suggested that I give this book a try. I gotta admit I was a bit hesitant to try reading it at first since I didn't know what I was getting myself into.

I read this book in one sitting.

Okay, it was one LONG sitting about, but it was one of those days where I needed to read something, and I'm so glad I picked up this one.
Pen, is one of those characters I'm rooting for the whole time, but we'd never actually get along in real life. She is a hot head, a little irrational, but she is a teen still working things out and she has a good heart.

The drama in this book is pretty real and hard hitting. There are some intense issues, although not all are fully delved into. Issues such as teenage pregnancy, bullying, drugs, and toxic/controlling home life.

An aspect I liked was that Pen wasn't figuring out she was a lesbian, coming into it, or having to ‘come out' to people. She just is what she is. This book was how she came into her own person, not her sexuality. She grows up, starts to figure out who she is, and work out her morals.
side note: HEALTHY FEMALE RELATIONSHIPS!!! YES!!!

Such a great book. I highly recommend it.