"Gender Queer" by Maia Kobabe is an essential read for young adults navigating their identities, and it offers insights that resonate with those exploring similar experiences. The graphic memoir captures the struggles and triumphs of self-discovery, making it a powerful tool for readers who may feel isolated in their journey.

Kobabe’s honest portrayal of gender identity and fluidity provides a much-needed voice for those grappling with these concepts. The illustrations complement the narrative beautifully, creating an engaging experience that encourages empathy and understanding. For young adults, especially those around 18 and older, this book can be a comforting reminder that they are not alone, validating their feelings and experiences.

Moreover, "Gender Queer" serves as an important resource for those who may not share the same experiences but wish to foster understanding and support. It opens a dialogue about gender that is crucial in today’s world, making it a significant read for allies, educators, and parents alike.

While I believe the themes are better suited for an 18+ audience due to the depth and complexity of the issues discussed, it is undeniably impactful. The book invites readers to reflect on their own identities and offers a compassionate lens through which to understand others. In a society that often marginalizes these conversations, "Gender Queer" is a vital contribution that deserves a place on the shelves of young adults and anyone seeking to broaden their understanding of gender.

It was lovely to see this book get some positive attention with the release of this new edition! I've read both editions of this memoir now and it really is lovely. I love seeing it get into more hands!

This should be required reading in all schools. I will buy this book over and over again for friends and strangers!

A beautifully illustrated and incredibly important book. This memory goes the authors exploration and journey of sexuality and gender.

Everyone should read this book, if only to defy those who insist on fighting to ban it everywhere. But beyond that, it was also well-written with good art and deserves to be experienced, especially by those who feel different. I think it could help a lot of young people who need it.

I didn't cry, I swear I didn't cry... (Spoilers: I cried hard and at work too)

This book has so much hype I didn't expect it to live up too that I have put off reading it for nearly two years where it sat instead in my "netgalley" folder taunting me and now with the obligation to burn through them in the next couple weeks.

And I'm honestly not sure if it's good or bad that I put off reading it because reading Maia's memoir was like eir cracked open my ribs and put to words things I had never truly been able to formulate into proper verbiage before to relate to others.
There are moments where I felt like I was looking at a mirror, or Maia was pulling from my own memories or feelings to create what eir was depicting.
Especially when Maia writes (and the illustration that goes with it):
"The End Goal wasn't Masculinity, The Goal was BALANCE"

I think this book is a great reminder of how important representation is, I wish I could have handed this to a High School Sam. While I don't know if it truly would have helped them given everything else going on in their life at the time but I think it could have been as meaningful then as it was now.

I do not thin it was my time to read this book: I put it away for now and I will be coming back to this once in the mood for that genre.

This memoir was a beautiful depiction of the author's story, bringing in the moments of relief and beauty with moments of struggle, darkness, and tragedy. It showcases the story of a trans person discovering their identity in childhood and slowing transitioning into the person they always were and were meant to be.
I look forward to owning a physical copy and loaning out to friends. I think for anyone who may have know a trans or nonbinary person, this book gives them a window into trans identity, and will foster connection and understanding. Especially in this divided world these stories are essential. Knowing that this book has now made it onto the banned booklist, I hope we can keep the read banned books movement going and encourage others to take a dip into this story. So well told and the art style was enchanting.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me access to the free advanced digital copy of this book.

What Bevan one of the most celebrated and banned book, started or as a simple memoir. Simple in that each human tale rings true to someone else in the world. But also complex because no one person's story is just like another. And yet we need the memoirs of diverse people in order to learn about others and to realize that you are not alone. Wonderful book. Highly recommend.

I have found a new love of non fiction in graphic novel/manga form. It's hard to review a persons life experiences but I absolutely loved this. Anyone questioning or learning about their gender or sexuality will find something in this to relate to or even something that will open their mind to something new. The last few pages talking about having out queer teachers and how that could effect both the teacher and students made me think about how much more different and better my life would have been had I seen queerness around me. If I had seen better representation for gender and sexuality instead of just cis straightness it would have educated me on so much that I didn't know until I was in my 20s. I could have understood myself so much better. Beautiful art and beautiful look into the authors life. Brilliant and important book.

Maia Kobabe’s story and illustrations are unmatched. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve recommended this book, so I was very excited to see there is this new deluxe edition!

I found this book really really brave, amazing, liberating and honest !

Only recently did I discover that there are now, finally, words I can use to describe myself to others -- the most general of which is genderqueer. The illustrations are very good and I also really appreciated how eir family was present throughout the whole comic.

Gender Queer is currently being banned and challenged all over the U.S. That is a sign to librarians that it is a good book! This meaningful memoir is about finding oneself, and lots of people can relate and need to see this representation on the page. Told in the panels of a graphic novel format, the illustrations bring life to this personal story.

There are many more in-depth reviews on this book that you should consult before buying for your school collection or reading/ recommending personally.

Gender Queer is a groundbreaking exploration of gender identity and expression. Author Maia Kobabe expertly weaves together personal experience and historical context to create an engaging and thought-provoking narrative. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in gender identity politics, as well as those seeking to understand their own gender identity.

Kobabe covers a wide range of topics in this book, from exploring gender identity from a personal perspective to examining the history of gender identity politics and activism. The writing is thoughtful, informative, and engaging, making this an easy read for anyone. The artwork is also stunning, providing a visual element to the text.

Overall, Gender Queer is a remarkable book. It provides an honest and open exploration of gender identity and expression, and is a must-read for anyone looking to better understand their own gender identity. Highly recommended.

This is the best memoir and the best graphic novel that I have ever read. Kobabe writes in a way that is not only accessible, but also fun to read. This book is perfect for anyone at any age and it helped me feel less alone in my own experiences. I saw things in this story that I did not even know were shared experiences in the Gender Queer community and I will be forever grateful for this story.

THIS! THIS BOOK! THIS IS IT! More than five stars!


I have read the original version, but the deluxe one? It’s so much better. I want to thank NetGallley and Oni Press for allowing me to read an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.


This is a graphic autobiography, the story of Maia Kobabe’s life, and eir journey to eir journey and asexuality. This story really talked to me at some point. It’s a touching and beautiful story, a real story about discovering yourself. From eir childhood to eir adulthood, we see everything, this is a deep dive in Maia’s life. Eir struggles, joys, loves… This is a realistic version of the struggles you can face while searching for your gender, pronouns, sexuality. I cried, I laughed and I felt represented. I think everyone needs to read it. If you’re questioning yourself, maybe it will help you to see that you're not alone. If not, it will help you understand more about queer people. And if you already know yourself, well it’s always good to see people from the community thrive and be happy.


Also, the graphic style is so good, I love the realistic side of it. The introduction by ND Stevenson is a great plus (I love his work), and all the bonus? I loved learning more about books I loved!

This is obviously an emotional read. I think for some people it will be a very deep-felt connection to the author. Personally, there were quite a few moments that resonated.
Visually I liked the art style, and I also thought the story formatting worked well. Definitely would recommend this book.

Incredibly important and an enjoyable read. As someone who is gender queer / non-binary, seeing more books showcasing our struggles and experiences is so important.

Gender Queer was a smash when I first read it, so eloquently thoughtful and I love the deluxe edition even more. Kobabe's experiences around gender and identity are poignant and even from my own experience, this book has opened doors for so many people whether through education or validation. A book everyone should read. Period.