Will always be lined up for a new YA book with a transfem lead! GIRLMODE is a classic look at what it means to be a teenage girl, for a recently-transitioned trans girl. I would say it’s more focused on the ways in which women interact with the patriarchy, and some of the added ways it affects trans girls, rather than focusing on queer culture (the main character is really the only queer character in the book). My feelings were a little bit mixed in the first half or so of the book as it feels like the MC is being asked to conform to misogyny to be a ‘real girl’, but I did like how this ended up being explored, and the room for characters to grow out of bias as teenagers (but also that I can still hate on the real antagonist!).The art was really fun and I feel like it fits the characters really well. It also contributed to the kind of 90s movie feel that I think the author was going for with the story! Overall, this was a pretty quick and enjoyable read, and I always love seeing more transfem stories being featured in YA!

I have to admit with being disappointed by 'Girlmode'. Not by the stunning artstyle or the journey of our trans female mc but rather how unlikeable all of the characters in this book were. Which I understand (or assume) was partially meant to be the point but made the reading experience wholly unenjoyable as a person that seeks likeable characters at the centre of stories. As well as throwing around queer slurs for let me check... no reason?

The story had potential and if the mean girl main characters had more character development throughout the graphic novel rather than for a few pages at the end, I really feel this could have been something special but unfortunately just fell flat. Our mc was fantastic, following her journey and how her personality changes and grows and worsens in order to fit in and find her place. Unfortunately, none of the side characters were given the same character development treatment and were mostly all just made worse. I hope others enjoy it more.

This was a great graphic novel!! I loved the conversations that were had about being a girl from the point of view of a trans person verses a cis person. It told a great story of change over the course of a year and how much one can change over that time.

Thank you author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book!!

I love this idea! I also loved the art!!! Oh my gosh this book was beautiful.

The journey through this book is not only the Mc but her best friend too and it was awesome! Everything just went together beautifully.

My last thing is I would’ve absolutely destroyed any of those boys if I saw them acting like that! *POW*

A compelling and engaging story. This graphic novel follows Phoebe Zito as she learns how to be a girl and how to decide for herself what being a girl means to her. her journey is realistic and moving, from friends who try to mold her into what they though she should be to boys who don't understand her, I loved following her. Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins for the eARC.

4.5 stars
Stunning artwork!

What defines girlhood? Society? your friends? your crushes/partners? or yourself?
These questions are what we work through in this book, Girlmode, plus in life. Many things can feel right in a moment and many people can mean well but let prejudice or emotions/thoughts affect and influence them.
Girlmode follows Phoebe in a new school to find herself, what feminity is to her and her body/beliefs and the people around her being a hindrance or a backup for her along the way. Phoebe isn't the only one who learns and accepts herself and I think that was the gem of this book.

GIRLMODE is a YA graphic novel about phoebe, a trans kid trying to figure out who she is while adjusting to life in a new state and a new school. she's quickly adopted by mackenzie ishikawa, a popular girl who decides to take her under her wing and teach her all about girlhood. phoebe isn't sure if mackenzie's lessons will help or hinder her journey, especially when mackenzie's advice includes which boys not to date or which hobbies not to to pursue. this was such a heartfelt and touching story of self-discovery and girlhood and i absolutely loved how complex, flawed and realistic the characters were, especially considering they're teenagers!! i love that ultimately, phoebe and mackenzie's friendship was more important than any of the boys, and their reunion and reconciliation felt very well done to me.

read if you like:
- graphic novels
- clueless, but tai is trans
- female friendships

thanks to netgalley and harperalley for the advanced copy! GIRLMODE is out october 15.