Status
Series
Description
"High schooler Ryo knows he's transgender, but he doesn't have anyone to confide in about the confusion he feels. He can't tell his best friend, who he's secretly got a crush on, and he can't tell his mom, who's constantly asking why Ryo 'dresses like a boy.' He certainly can't tell Jin, the new transfer student who looks like just another bully... The only time Ryo feels at ease is when he's wearing his favorite clothes. Then, and only then, the world melts away, and he can be his true self. One day, while out shopping, Ryo sees someone he didn't expect: Jin. The kid who looked so tough in class has the same taste in fashion as him! At last, Ryo has someone he can open up to--and the journey ahead might finally give him a way to express himself to the world."--Provided by publisher.… (more)
User reviews
I've been waiting for this book for such a long time! I asked for a purchase at my library and had to wait (for what felt like forever due to shipping delays and such) to get my hands on my copy. I'm so glad I finally was able to read it!
I just loved this so so much!! I love Ryo and Jin's relationship and how, even after the first hesitation on Ryo's part, they fell into a great friendship. It did take me a few pages to get into the story, but once I did, all I wanted to do was continue reading it!
Besides the fact that the main character is a trans boy and it's written and illustrated by a transgender author - Keito Gaku writes Ryo's experience in a way that is easy to understand for people who have never read anything with a trans character yet. It's not overly simplified though, which is nice since no two people are the same.
The storyline isn't really only about Ryo's struggle, though it is a main plot point, but it's also about living your truth and doing what makes you happy, even if that makes you stand out from those around you.
The art of the novel is so grand and the design of the characters really makes them pop off the page. The graffiti art is also something I really liked, especially Ryo's full page design that is shown at one point.
I'm so so so excited to continue reading this series!
manga starring a trans boy, written by a trans author--includes a note about binding responsibly, and interview with the author. These characters are so cool! I could easily read this whole series, and heartily recommend them to kids.
Engaging characters with big dreams and lots of obstacles to overcome make for a promising start to this young adult fiction series by a Japanese transgender man. I have the second volume on hand and am eager to dive in.