The Passing Playbook by Isaac Fitzsimons
Jul. 3rd, 2021 01:17 amThe Blurb On The Back:
Fifteen-year-old Spencer is a proud nerd, an awesome big brother and a Messi-in-training. He’s also transgender.
After a year of bullying, Spencer gets a fresh start at a new school with great friends, a spot on the boys’ soccer team, and maybe even something more than friendship with one of his team-mates. The only thing is, no one knows Spencer is trans - he’s passing.
So when a discriminatory law forces his coach to bench him, Spencer has to make a choice: cheer his team on from the sidelines or fight for his right to play, even if it means coming out to everyone, including the guy he’s falling for …
( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )
The Verdict:
Isaac Fitzsimon’s debut YA novel mixes trans rights, romance and sports fiction to mixed effect. It’s great to read something with a black trans boy main character and although the romance is a little predictable, Fitzsimon sensitively shows the anxieties and issues he has to navigate. However there is a lot going on plot and character wise so that some elements, notably Spencer’s autistic brother and Justice’s religious family, feel tacked on.
THE PASSING PLAYBOOK was released in the United Kingdom on 3rd June 2021. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.
Fifteen-year-old Spencer is a proud nerd, an awesome big brother and a Messi-in-training. He’s also transgender.
After a year of bullying, Spencer gets a fresh start at a new school with great friends, a spot on the boys’ soccer team, and maybe even something more than friendship with one of his team-mates. The only thing is, no one knows Spencer is trans - he’s passing.
So when a discriminatory law forces his coach to bench him, Spencer has to make a choice: cheer his team on from the sidelines or fight for his right to play, even if it means coming out to everyone, including the guy he’s falling for …
( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )
The Verdict:
Isaac Fitzsimon’s debut YA novel mixes trans rights, romance and sports fiction to mixed effect. It’s great to read something with a black trans boy main character and although the romance is a little predictable, Fitzsimon sensitively shows the anxieties and issues he has to navigate. However there is a lot going on plot and character wise so that some elements, notably Spencer’s autistic brother and Justice’s religious family, feel tacked on.
THE PASSING PLAYBOOK was released in the United Kingdom on 3rd June 2021. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.