Starred review from July 1, 2020
Gr 8 Up-YouTuber and LGBTQIA+ activist McKenna, a self-described "queer, transgender, twenty-something-year-old guy who tries to be funny on the Internet," crafts an affirming and refreshing guide to understanding sexuality, gender identity, and coming out. Focusing on self-acceptance and authenticity, McKenna reminds teens there's no right or wrong way to come out. He offers an informative play-by-play of his own coming out and transition. The text is interspersed with lists on topics such as how to come out at school, including a template letter to administrators. Opening this book is like diving straight into McKenna's Instagram page-there are bright, full-page selfies and Polaroids. Illustrated elements also include handwritten journal entries and colorful text boxes providing biographical information on LGBTQIA+ historical figures. Slang, hashtags, and humor are peppered throughout the text, conveying a modern tone that will appeal to teens. McKenna acknowledges his own white privilege but does not delve into the possible challenges an LGBTQIA+ person of color can experience. Extensive back matter includes a glossary, a recipe for rainbow cake, a playlist, a gallery of fan art, and thoroughly researched online resources for LGBTQ+ youth and allies. VERDICT Any teen with questions about gender identity and/or sexuality will find heart, humor, and essential guidance in McKenna's book, and so will the adults looking to support them. An indispensable first purchase.-Allison Staley, Lake Oswego P.L., OR
Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
August 1, 2020
This coming-out guide for the next generation hits all the right notes. McKenna, a queer, white, trans YouTube personality, presents a new generation of tween and teen readers with an updated coming-out guide that's fun, fresh, and incredibly useful. Celebrity-authored books can be hit or miss, but this one will be a hit thanks to the warmth and personality that infuse it. Along the way, readers will learn about McKenna's story of coming out as queer, then as trans. But although sections of the book discuss his life, the focus remains on providing solid real-world advice. McKenna tackles a laundry list of common (and less common) aspects of coming out, from the role and changing nature of self-labeling to finding or making safe spaces to therapy to maintaining a healthy mental state throughout the process. It's on this point that the book truly shines; McKenna consistently and effectively reminds readers to value their mental health. Links in the text and in the backmatter will supply readers with plenty of places to turn for help. Superfans will be ecstatic because the book is peppered with photo-shoot images of McKenna, sometimes alone, sometimes with friends. The pictures tell the best story of all: that of a young man who's comfortable in his own skin. A worthy read for teens, tweens, and their parents. (activity guide, resource list, glossary, fan art) (Nonfiction. 12-18)
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June 1, 2020
Grades 8-12 In this energetic and lovingly written memoir, Miles McKenna, self-identifying as a queer, transgender twenty-something, shares his experience with coming out and transitioning in order to provide support to LGBTQ+ youth. Following an introduction from fellow YouTuber Tyler Oakley, this title is structured into a time line of McKenna's personal history, steadfastly upholding his genuine, unflappable, unapologetic self. While discussing labels (and lack thereof) and avoiding sugarcoating and false promises, McKenna acknowledges the weight of coming out and reminds readers that he's only an expert at being himself, urging them to likewise live authentically. He also acknowledges safety and mental-health concerns, advocating for seeking support during the never-ending journey of self-discovery. Rainbow-inked mantras, vibrant photographs, collages, and fan art make this more journal companion than self-help volume. While touching on his physical transition, McKenna focuses on what he learned as a teenager during his emotional and social journey, promoting living as one's true self when possible and supporting all LGBTQ+ youth.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)