Such a great resource for those that want an accessible introduction to safe binding practices. Its full of different perspectives, wonderful graphics, and important information about safe and unsafe binding practices.

such an important book -- should be in every library. the art is perfect, you can't go wrong with maia (gender queer is still the BEST). a great resource for people looking to bind safely, or curious about binding. a lot of great info in here!!!

Breathe is part memoir, part informational text on binding. I think this is an incredibly important topic and text for teens, those with body dysmorphia, those thinking about binding, and those who care for someone who binds. I was surprised that the beginning was a memoir because for some reason I thought it was an entirely informational text but I think this is a great choice because it really sets the stage for us to understand why the author chooses to bind and why others might as well. It also helps us understand the pitfalls of binding, like I could leave it on just a little longer. The author articulately and engagingly describes the experience of binding, the complications, the stereotypes, the thoughts and feelings. Much like Kobabe's other memoir, while I think this is an incredibly important text, I do worry about censorship with this title. I think it is an important and needed addition to any public library. School librarians and classroom teachers with libraries will want to include it in their collection with support from policies and ideally administrators. Best suited for high school and beyond, it is a well-written, thoughtful, and important text for teens.

A very quick read with a lot of helpful info and heart.

Thank you to NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | Dutton Books for Young Readers for providing me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review is of the published version.

"Breathe" by Maia Kobabe and Dr. Sarah Peitzmeier is a profoundly moving graphic memoir that combines personal narrative with expert insights to explore themes of gender identity and mental health. The book’s honest, heartfelt storytelling and engaging illustrations offer both an intimate look at the author’s journey and valuable information on navigating complex issues. Its blend of personal and educational elements makes it an impactful and enlightening read.

Loved this. We are so lucky to be in a world where resources like this exist. Younger me would have been so grateful to have this book and current me is thrilled knowing that the youth of today have access to these kinds of books.

The slim (64-page) volume begins with an explanation about the research and interviews that underpin the stories that follow. While details have been changed, the stories included are personal and realistic, giving the reader insight into how others view their bodies and gender and why they bind.

The second half of the book is “Tips and Tools for Healthy Binding,” including a set of exercises to expand lungs and stretch chest muscles. There are also prompts for self-inspection and reflection, to think about what someone wants from binding and how it makes them feel, as well as ideas about other methods of gender affirmation.

This is the kind of health topic where it really helps being able to see what the individuals are describing, so a graphic novel is a terrific choice. It’s also more approachable. The whole book is colored in shades of ocean blue, an unusual choice, particularly when used for skin tones, but overall calming, with a sense of depth.

Breathe is a straightforward, easy-to-read guide that focuses on practical basics. Those already aware of the topic will find information to back up what they already know, while those new to the idea may find it a life-saver.

I know so many people looking forward to this book. I will absolutely be selling it. More books like this need to exist – so many queer and trans folks need access to exactly this information, and I’m just pleased as punch that it exists.

One of my favorite reads this year! As someone who binds semi-regularly, this is a book I would have loved to have read at the beginning of my journey. I started binding due to cosplay, and I found that I felt more like myself and better in my body when binding. I don't identify as trans or nonbinary exactly, but I definitely experience dysphoria regarding some gendered parts of my body, including my chest.

This book is a perfect introduction to binding. It's short, informative, and includes first-hand personal stories. Most importantly, it talks about ways to bind healthily (NOT with Ace bandages! Don't wear binders for too long! Not all binders are created equal!). I worry that many queer youth may get their first binders from Amazon and purchase one that wasn't created with the wearer's health in mind. I love that the book name checks a few places where readers can buy quality binders (GC2B shoutout!) as part of the information it provides.

An important book to have in all public library teen collections!!!

A great combination of hard facts and the true stories of real trans folks and their experiences with Binding. The stories shared can help both Cis and trans folks understand some of the emotions, thoughts and physical realities that necessitate and stem from binding. As a Cisgender reader, reading the featured stories and the journeys taken by the included folks to reach a place of healthy binding- of understanding how to bind safely and incorporate (or not) safer binding practices into their lives highlighted the reality of this practice. The stories told- and the long-term effects dealt with by the folks written of within the pages- pared with the fantastic resources at the end of the book encourage reflection of trans folks to examine their own binding practices for safety and longevity. Highly Recommended!

This is such an important book, for safety as well as for visibility, and approaches the topic of chest binding with care. Having an approachable resource like this is necessary and I'm so glad this is out there.

Easy 5 stars! super important and gave me so much new knowledge on the topic! the stories were diverse in gender, age and experience with binding and how to safely do so. the end was awesome where it provided tips and tools. Toolbox for gender affirming strategies?! I love that so much. The handouts were amazing, not only will this be helpful for those interested in binding, it is perfect for family member's and those who work closely with those binding to provide support and information. this will be a lifesaving book for many & glad people now have access to it 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🫶🏻

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. More books like these please!

This book was extremely educational and brought up a lot of things many people might not understand in regards to breast binding.

This was such a fantastic read! I loved the visuals, combined with the factual information and the powerful stories shared. this book was extremely educational in a very intesting and amazing way!

I found this graphic novel to be marvelous. It follows the stories of four individuals of diverse identities and ages, encapsulating the findings of the authors' research on the use of binders within the transgender community. Each narrative delves into the motivations behind their decisions and the journey they embarked on to find the correct tools to manage a safe practice. They offer a range of physical and mental health exercises to provide healthy ways of finding what works best and how to detect when you need to change strategies. Lastly, the novel presents the most precise research results regarding the physical consequences versus the mental health benefits.
The information was incredibly insightful and beautifully articulated. I believe everyone should read this at some point, especially young readers eager to understand how to feel better in their own bodies.

Great information, very inclusive, lots of tips. I don't bind myself, but it would be a great book to initiate trans kids into healthy binding. Great resource

What an informative and accessible little book!

We are not so far removed from when binding advice only came through word-of-mouth (or word-of-Tumblr-post). In fact, the only other piece of printed media that I own on the topic is a zine. So I was super happy to see that this little piece of graphic nonfiction was being published — especially with the involvement of Maia Kobabe, author of my favorite graphic memoir, Gender Queer.

Breathe offers a lot to individuals who are curious about binding or perhaps having difficulty with the process. It explores multiple experiences from individuals who do or did bind their chests. It asks the reader to reflect on what they want or expect to get out of binding in a very realistic way. And it offers a lot of helpful information about how to bind SAFELY, a topic of great importance for our trans youth who are often desperate for anything that will bring them some degree of gender affirmation (especially in today’s political climate).

As with a lot of books of this nature, I only wish that the ADULTS who need to read this — the unaccepting parents of trans youth — actually would. That’s because the authors also do a fantastic job of explaining how binding becomes much more dangerous when individuals have to hide the practice. How closeted or judged youth will often not be able to access the safest options while simultaneously avoiding disclosure of any health complications that may arise from unsafe alternatives.

So yes, while the comic book style is fantastic for youth, the information held within is also perfect for any adult who loves a trans child or teen. And the fact that it’s short enough to read in one sitting makes it an even less intimidating introduction for scared or hesitant parents.

I would recommend Breathe in a heartbeat!

I found this to be a nice little primer on binding safely. There are a number of stories from different people - different ages, genders, etc. - and how and why they bind. The characters in the book are composites of many real people, and that helps to let the reader feel represented - there is someone like them talking about something that is often ignored.

Each chapter is about a different person. The illustrations are excellent (the ARC was in black and white, so I'm looking forward to seeing them in color) and the language used throughout the book was open and honest.

One thing I didn't care for was the way each chapter sort of winds up with the person saying that they are happy now that they are binding. It felt cutesy, which took away from the book. The book is intended for teens, so maybe that was why it was decided to go that way and end on a really positive note.

This is a very short book, which could go either way with its audience. It shouldn't be longer, but I wonder if it couldn't be a chapter/section of a longer book.

My thanks to NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group, and Dutton Books for Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was super helpful and insightful about binding. Not only is it helpful with gender affirming care but it’s also helpful to know some exercises to do and how to care for oneself when binding. I am thankful that Maia put together this resource for those who are interested in binding as a starting place.

Informative, empathic and a perfect blend of narrative and guidance. While I am not interested in binding myself, this helped me understand the ways it can be used. the reasons, and how it can be part of a positive part of person's life. The individual anecdotes were very inclusive of different ages, choices, and body types. The many references to dangerous choices teens often make when they feel a need to hide binding from their parents make me wish more parents would read it and find a way to make information about binding part of general puberty health curriculums. Same for health professionals in regards to the hesitancy of many people to talk to someone about physical symptoms.