Skating on Mars by Caroline Huntoon is about a non-binary 12 year old coming to terms with being an enby (NB spelled out) and figuring out how to present their true self to the world. Formerly named Veronica, they now wish to be called Mars, and they struggle with how to let others know they are enby and what they would like to be called. They also struggle with how they skate--should they skate as a boy? as a girl? Why do their have to be divisions at all? Mars also struggles with their Dad's recent death. I found all of their struggles and their family's and friends' responses to be all honest and positive. I will definitely be adding this book to my school library.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.

Mars, as a twelve year old competitive figure skater, who is also grieving the loss of a parent, negotiating friendships and stepping into their non- binary identity, definately has a lot to work through. While books about death can sometimes get soggy and sad, Mars draws on the death of their father to inspire both the competitive and personal parts of life. Written with warmth, honesty and insight, I guarantee you'll want to be Mars friend.

I will forever and always love any nonbinary sports novel, and this one has my whole heart! I was swept away from the start into Mars' world, where skating is EVERYTHING. It's competition and technique. It's hustle and passion. It's where Mars makes the best of friends, and where they *find* themselves...until they're forced to question if there's any room for them at all in a world that is so binary.

I was so moved by the characters in this novel. Huntoon has created a narrator who feels terribly real, and the things Mars deals with in and outside of skating are relatable. This book tackles heavy topics like grief and other types of loss, but its whimsy and joy balance the pages well. People of all ages will fall head-over-skates for this beautiful coming-of-age middle-grade story

Thank you, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, for allowing me to read Skating on Mars early.

Wow, wow, wow! This is how a Middle Grade book should be written. Mars is such a likable character and I adored them. Caroline Huntoon perfectly pictures how difficult it is to always have to choose between men or women in our society, and that it's so important to do whatever we want to do in our life, if it's skating or something else. I can't wait to read more of their books!

I liked this YA novel. The skating was reasonably well-written. The author either has first hand knowledge of the sport or did research to write a convincing novel about competitive figure skating.
The nonbinary story was well-written. I felt for the kid and what they were going through. I also enjoyed the very supportive parent. Every child should be so fortunate. I think this story will resonate with many people and will be particularly helpful to those in the nonbinary community as well as their loved ones. I liked that the characters created a skating competition that was open to all to compete on a level playing field regardless of gender.
There are plenty of social media and pop culture references in this novel, which will probably appeal to the YA target audience, which I am not. However, YA readers will probably find that these references make the story feel current and tangible.
This book would make an excellent choice for a YA/teen/tween book club. There is plenty of material here for young people to discuss. It is timely and relevant. Very well done.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Actual 4.5 rating stars. 
 
Once in a while, I pick up a Middle-Grade story, and each time I’m surprised at how wonderful those books are. Skating on Mars, about a non-binary twelve-year-old figure skater, is no exception.
 
Caroline Huntoon drew me into Mars’ story, and I couldn’t let go. I sat on the edge of my seat and finished the book in less than 24 hours. Mars, who lost their Dad not that long ago, and never felt a girl or a boy, is a fantastic main character and skating is what they love most. And what do you do when you’re competing in a girl's competition, and an older boy dares you to skate against him? What follows is a beautifully nuanced story in which Mar searches for their identity and tries to be who they want to be without giving up what they want to do most. The character growth in this MG is outstanding, not only Mars’ but also their friends, family, and even people who were a*holes at first. And I simply loved, loved the ending!
 
I can’t wait to read more by Caroline Huntoon because their writing is incredibly vivid and captivating, and I’m curious about what they have in store for us next!

I recieved an eARC of this book. Thank you for the opportunity to read it.

One of the best things about recent MG books is that, more and more, there are TGNC characters who just are, where they are accepted by peers and are part of the class project, marching band, or robotics team. Such representation is vital and imporant. And, I admit, having read young adult books involving coming out stories, I was a little nervous about the fact that Skating on Mars is a coming out story, and one involving a young athlete who is trying to find their place in a gendered sport, because it could so easily have gone to either extreme, of either being too easy, where everyone is supportive, or being just plain too miserable. Both are better than no representation at all, but aren't ideal.

Skating on Mars manages to thread the needle extremely well. Mars is a 7th grade, 12 yr old figure skater. They've skated for years, love it, but are more and more uncomfortable skating as a girl. They're also nervous about coming out to their family, their coach, at school, everyone but their best friend, Libby, who gave them the name Mars. When Libby's pairs partner challenges Mars to compete against him, as a boy, Mars takes him up on it.

This book shines in how much it shows Mars's internal struggles, where things like which locker room, or which division to compete in, have no good answers. While some in Mars's life are supportive, some are not, and some of the obstacles Mars faces are set by others, but some are completely internal.

The necessary triumph, the happy ending common to both middle grade and sports books manages to both be a victory and to be realistic. It's a feel good ending, but not one that is "happily ever after".

I believe a lot of kids, whether they're male, female, or non-binary, will find that Mars's efforts to be themself-and to figure out who they are-will be relatable and ring true. For those who are gender non-conforming, and who love sports that don't seem to have a place for them, Mars's struggles will be even more relatable.

I wish every adult who has proposed a bill that bans trans kids from playing sports as themselves, who wants to restrict kids using their pronouns and names at schools, who wants to force kids to be outed before they choose would read this book and realize that what Mars...and many other kids are asking for...is simply to be able to be themselves. This is a beautiful book. I hope it gets the chance it deserves.