Sign Around My Neck, The

Lucy/Lou, an eleven-year-old, likes himself but hates his body as he was born a girl but identifies as a boy. He struggles to reveal the truth and the pain he feels, and when he eventually comes out he encounters an accepting father, a reluctant mother, a cousin bullied for being different and not coping well, and supportive and accepting friends. Now, he just has to get through the school play and the girl’s role and costume he detests. This thought-provoking book for grades 5-7 deals with sexual identity, self-awareness, bullying, self-acceptance, diversity, and friendship. Suitable as a read-aloud, lit circle choice, novel study, and to support health education.