Publisher Review

A William C. Morris Award finalist!

“Fierce. Tender. Unstoppable.” is how Lauren Myracle describes M-E Girard’s brilliant and addictive debut.

“Pen is an inspiration to anyone who’s struggled to be understood, and a vital addition to the growing world of genderqueer protagonists.” -The New York Times Book Review

Lambda Literary Award Winner
Entertainment Weekly Best YA Book of 2016
Children’s Book Council Books Best Book of 2016
Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Coming-of-Age Novel of 2016 and Best Teen Book of 2016 with Unforgettable Protagonists
Publishers Weekly Fall 2016 Flying Starts
William C. Morris YA Debut Award Finalist

All Pen wants is to be the kind of girl she’s always been.

So why does everyone have a problem with it? They think the way she looks and acts means she’s trying to be a boy-that she should quit trying to be something she’s not. If she dresses like a girl, and does what her folks want, it will show respect. If she takes orders and does what her friend Colby wants, it will show her loyalty.

But respect and loyalty, Pen discovers, are empty words. Old-world parents, disintegrating friendships, and strong feelings for other girls drive Pen to see the truth-that in order to be who she truly wants to be, she’ll have to man up.

Perfect for fans of Meredith Russo, Becky Albertalli, Alex Sanchez, and Jaye Robin Brown!