Girl Mans Up

Pen, the child of traditional immigrant parents, was born female but identifies as a male and faced bullying and isolation since starting school. High school brings more problems, including Pen’s first sexual relationship, the loss of a best friend who had used Pen to prey upon girls, and being at odds with parents who want Pen to be a “good girl”. Pen leaves home and moves in with their brother and finally feels accepted for who they are. This contemporary Canadian novel is suitable as a literature circle or independent novel for mature senior students and addresses gender identity, sexual identity, challenges facing transgender students, abortion, stereotyping, respect, and family dynamics. Social considerations noted.