BOOK INFORMATION:
Sometimes our hearts see things our eyes can’t.
Lily Jo McGrother, born Timothy McGrother, is a girl. But being a girl is not so easy when you look like a boy. Especially when you’re in the eighth grade.
Dunkin Dorfman, birth name Norbert Dorfman, is dealing with bipolar disorder and has just moved from the New Jersey town he’s called home for the past thirteen years. This would be hard enough, but the fact that he is also hiding from a painful secret makes it even worse.
One summer morning, Lily Jo McGrother meets Dunkin Dorfman, and their lives forever change.
MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK
I really enjoyed this book. It was incredibly beautifully written. It is a story of a friendship between two young eighth graders. They are dealing with some pretty hard things. I think that the author Donna Gephart really is brave tackling some serious issues. This book has topics that cover gender identity, bipolar disorder, abuse, suicide, grief, and sexuality with a grace that I haven't seen before.
The thing I loved the most was that there were so many strong characters that feel so real. I was very invested in their story. I found it really interesting that the author kept it real with having both Dunkin and Lily's family's being mixed about how they supported them. They were mostly strong and very supportive but there are certain family members that have issues or hold on to dated ideas about gender and sexuality. That is something we see in America. I am glad it wasn't just glazed over as a perfect situation. I enjoyed that even though they were not as supportive they were at least protective and loving. That was really beautiful.
This book as so many beautiful themes as I had said before. The themes of friendship, family, grief, bullying, transgender, and bipolar disorder were my favorite. As someone who struggles with bipolar disorder, I wasn't super excited about how the disorder was presented. There were some obvious stereotypical symptoms that aren't always the case in every person. I didn't like the idea of continuing bad stereotypes. I can't speak to the transgender representation because I am not transgender.
Ultimately I thought this was a five-star read. I loved the creativity included in this book. I loved how engrossing it was. I loved the characters and the side plots. I loved how the writing made the book feel alive. I loved the appeal the book could have to teens and middle-grade readers. It is a must-read. I am glad I picked it up from the library.
