Member Reviews
This was more of a personal autobiography in my opinion than an actual 'survival guide book'.
The different interviews and viewpoints across the book were fascinating but it didn't hit the right tone for me; as a member of the lgbtqia community. But i think it was another hit and miss one looking at other reviews as well.
Thanks, NetGalley, for giving me the opportunity to read this book. Trans Teen Survival Guide would be a great addition to any library’s collection. I feel that the information that is inside could be helpful to a lot of people, especially teens who are questioning their identity. I feel that I’ve learned a lot of information that I wasn’t even fully aware of and it has made me very conscious of my actions and how they could be perceived by others.
I received an advanced reader copy of this title from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
First and foremost, I am a cisgender person and therefore cannot speak on the book's accuracy, impact or resourcefulness as a whole based from any sort of experience whatsoever. I will do my best to comment on my thoughts on this book as a person who recognizes I am not the book's title demographic and may not perceive it the same way as others might.
That being said, I loved this book! I found this very informative, while at the same time being very entertaining. The voice of the novel provides a lighthearted narration while at the same time provides a serious and informative voice when the need arises. I especially appreciated the diversity present in the book, it is an informative book for trans individuals, but does not cater to one division of trans folk and is inclusive to many an identity within the trans umbrella identity, such as non-binary individuals. It was wonderful to see those identifying that way being recognized.
I also very much loved the illustrations littered throughout the book. Some illustrations are imaginative and fun to look at, while others serve as comics putting different social situations into perspective in regards to aiding the narrator's point of elaboration. Such illustrations in place throughout the book add to the book's lighthearted atmosphere.
I liked the various segments spread throughout from other people sharing their experiences and advice, I think it adds a strong contribution to the experience reading the book, with so many different people having contributed, it adds a sense of community and I think will benefit many trans individuals, that there are more than authors sharing their experiences within the book. Along with this, I really loved the advice given in regards to social media platforms and the media at large, I felt that to be beneficial and was an important addition to this informative book that one might not usually think to include, but can prove to be extremely helpful.
I really appreciated all of the resources included throughout the book (and there were many). I think this goes without saying, but this book can and will certainly be a great resource for trans individuals, and individuals like myself seeking to educate themselves. This book had so many phrases and information I didn't know! The fact that I learned so much reading added to my overall enjoyment and satisfaction for this book, and my faith that this book can do great things and be extremely informative in regards to blooming trans, questioning and allied individuals.
Very informative, yet perfectly accessible look into the many factors affecting the trans community. Full of insight, options and resources. Most balanced, thorough and readable book of this kind that I have read yet.
I’m not a trans person and as such my knowledge and experience is limited to trans friends, and blogs and other books. As a librarian, I read and review books that I would like to have included by my library service, and I was looking to educate myself further too. My opinion – and it is only opinion unbacked by personal experience of being trans or having a trans partner – is that it would be a helpful starting place for those questioning their gender. It’s written in an engaging way, structured in such a way that you can go from cover to cover or dip in and out on issues that interest you. It includes accounts from trans people which show a wide breadth of experience. It also doesn’t sugar coat everything nor does it attempt to paint the issues it discusses with shade. To me it seems a well informed and friendly book looking at everything from coming out to dysphoria to the biological side of being trans. I’m sure there are more in depth and complicated books on the subject but this certainly seems to be a good starting place. I will be adding it to the library shelves.
So total honesty from the start, I’ve been in a relationship with a transwomen for quite some time so I thought this might be an interesting read. Now when reading Trans Teen Survival Guide there where some chapters that were excellent and others that I didn’t sit well with me but overall I think the book is a great starting point for trans or questioning teens.
The format of the book allows you to read it chapter by chapter or to dip in and out depending on what you want to gain. Throughout the book cute comics have been included, they are funny and relatable but it would have been great to have the book in a slightly different format, possibility separating the tips from the general text making sure important parts aren’t lost in the bulk of everything else.
Three chapters of the book really stood out for me first was the chapter discussing the medical side of being trans, personally, as adults we’ve found this side of things the most challenging to navigate. To read frank and honest information was refreshing, but the only slight negative was some of the slur terms included. The dysphoria chapter is also so important, giving some understanding to the feeling that trans/questioning teenagers may be having.
Next up the clothing section was great for trans men with so many areas covered including binding but while the book cover packing it really missed out tucking which is disappointing as it is just as important to transwomen as packing is to transmen!
The book contains the real voice of trans people, showing their experiences in different areas from how they revealed they are trans to their family to how they handle different situations. The voice of the other trans people might make you feel less alone as there are other people out there who have been what you may be going through.
Now to the parts I really didn’t like, first the media chapter. The authors have quite clearly been stung by the media or know someone who has, but the chapter is so unnecessary in a book that might be the first a trans person has picked up. It seems to be trying to scare people, yes there are some rubbish journalist but in reality unless your aim is to be a well know trans person (Vlogging or being very vocal on twitter about trans rights (while there is nothing wrong with that it’s not what happens right at the start of your journey!!)) the media doesn’t care!
Another chapter that felt lacking was the self-care section, it was just standard. The same self-care you would see anywhere or that is obvious so seems pointless. One self-care that should have been prioritized it personal self-care, we understand that trans people may not like their body but it is still important to take care of your hygiene and your body, if trans people do decide to have hormones or surgery they need to keep their strength up and healthy.
Every school and college library should contain a copy of this book to allow their transgender or questioning teens to gain a greater understanding, plus teachers and parents would certainly benefit from the information!
This book is an invaluable and very necessary resource for trans teenagers- and those questioning their gender- that should be readily available in every school and library. The authors set out to write the book they wished they had access to as teenagers. As trans non-binary people themselves, as well as campaigners for trans rights, they know their subject very well. They also feature quotes and advice from other trans young people. In the book they talk a lot about the importance of support from the trans community and they provide exactly this in the book. The friendly, encouraging tone makes it very accessible and although they deal with some difficult issues, the book remains upbeat and optimistic.
The authors make it clear that there is no one way to be trans and that the most important thing is to be free to be who you are. They encourage their readers to seek out accepting and validating friends, the support of the trans community and to practise self care. There is practical advice about things such as how to change your legal name, as well as advice on emotional wellbeing such as hobbies, taking care of your mental health and eating well. The book features some great cartoon strips and illustrations, including some from Sophie Labelle, who creates Assigned Male comics.
I would also recommend this book to older readers who have recently started questioning their gender or realised they are trans; most of the book would be relevant with the exception of a few sections such as those on puberty blockers. It is also a great resource for friends, family and teachers of trans teenagers or trans people of any age. The authors answer a lot of questions expertly and without judgement, so cis friends, family and allies can educate themselves without demanding that their trans friend takes on the task of explaining everything to them. The chapter on dysphoria stood out to me particularly; it was a concept I was familiar with from things I've read and conversations I'd had with friends, but I never realised how awful and debilitating it can be. Finally, there is also an appendix for parents and carers of pre-teen trans kids with advice on how best to support and affirm children who come out as trans at a young age.