ANA ON THE EDGE by A. J. Sass - A story about deciding who you really are

After an extended holiday break (which included returning to teaching kindergarten online and writing about my students' wonderful progress for their report cards), I'm back to reviewing some of the many books I read. This year, one of my reading goals is to expand the types of books I read to better reflect the diversity of children who read them. Along with choosing stories that call to me personally, I will also be choosing books that may help me broaden and challenge my own perspective. 

 Why you want to read this book…

Ana’s story is intriguing, full of tension and a few surprises. I didn’t know what to expect when I started reading this book, but it didn’t take long before I was hooked on the story. The way Ana’s character develops and grows seemed so natural, especially the way Ana questioned and thought about their own feelings. The backdrop of the competitive figure-skating world adds another layer to the story with the pressure to perform. This is a much-needed book and it’s so well-written that I really didn’t want to put it down.

The author’s note and an explanation of dysphoria at the back helps to explain what nonbinary means and some of the feelings a nonbinary individual might experience.

 

Description from the publisher…

Twelve-year-old Ana-Marie Jin, the reigning US Juvenile figure skating champion, is not a frilly dress kind of kid. So, when Ana learns that next season's program will be princess themed, doubt forms fast. Still, Ana tries to focus on training and putting together a stellar routine worthy of national success.

Once Ana meets Hayden, a transgender boy new to the rink, thoughts about the princess program and gender identity begin to take center stage. And when Hayden mistakes Ana for a boy, Ana doesn't correct him and finds comfort in this boyish identity when he's around. As their friendship develops, Ana realizes that it's tricky juggling two different identities on one slippery sheet of ice. And with a major competition approaching, Ana must decide whether telling everyone the truth is worth risking years of hard work and sacrifice.

Ana on the Edge by A. J. Sass was published by Little, Brown and Company in 2020. I read an e-version from my local library.

If you’re looking for more thought-provoking middle grade books to read, check out Marvelous Middle Grade Monday on Greg Pattridge's blog.

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - GEORGE

I’ve heard a lot about this book, so I was glad to finally have the chance to read it. It’s a thin book with lots of white space so I was able to read my library copy in one afternoon. And I had to read it in one afternoon, because I couldn’t put it down!

When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl.

George thinks she'll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte's Web. George really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can't even try out for the part . . . because she's a boy. 

With the help of her best friend, Kelly, George comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte -- but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all.

George by Alex Gino was published by Scholastic Press in 2015.

My Take:

This is the first time I’ve read a middle grade book with a main character who is transgender. I really felt as though I was seeing the world through Melissa’s eyes. This book had funny moments, sad ones, heartbreaking ones and hopeful ones. It made me think about the importance of respecting and accepting others for who they are. I think everyone should read this book. Even though it never comes across as trying to teach a lesson or send a message, it definitely makes you feel compassion and the need to stand up for anyone who is bullied for being different. I also really enjoyed the scenario of the Charlotte’s Web play, since I’m a big fan of that story too.

It was so effective to write this story from Melissa’s perspective as a girl even though outwardly she appears to be a boy. The idea that she hasn’t been ready or able to share this part of herself with anyone else comes across clearly in the novel. I’d love to read this book again to study the language and dialogue, which seemed so appropriate for the age group.

Opening Line:

“George pulled a silver house key out of the smallest pocket of a large red backpack.”

 Quotes:

“My point is, it takes a special person to cry over a book. It shows compassion as well as imagination.”

“The days passed George by in a haze of unhappiness.”

“But the world isn’t always good to people who are different. I just don’t want you to make your road any harder than it has to be.”

Other Info:

Alex Gino began writing George in 2003, and it was a long process with many revisions to create the finished novel.

I really liked what Alex Gino said about Melissa on their blog: “Melissa is who she is. The trouble is in how she is seen (and unseen) by the people around her.”

Alex Gino is currently at work on another middle grade novel, which incorporates issues of deafness, racism and police violence.

To find more great books to read, visit author Shannon Messenger's blog for a list of other bloggers who are featuring middle grade books today.