This was just so gosh darn cute. I love happy queer books! And I'm so happy that these kinds of books are becoming more widely available and being written about a wider variety of characters.

Minor spoilers ahead, with no details - I was really happy to see a story involving a queer character who starts out in the closet whose story doesn't revolve around coming out. We need all kinds of queer stories, because there are all kinds of queer people! And I can't think of too many others that are like this.

I was also pleasantly surprised at how diverse this book is. I knew it had a trans main character when I picked it up, but he has two moms, and one of his best friends is disabled!

Liv is such a great protagonist. He's funny, he has good intentions even if he doesn't always go about things in the best way, and no matter how great he is, he's still realistically imperfect. His voice made me like him right off the bat, and I was rooting for him the whole way through!

This wasn't the main focus of the book, but one of my favorite parts was how this discussed that apologizing for something doesn't automatically make everything okay. There were a few times that I was worried that things would be resolved in a quick, forced way, since I tend not to expect as much depth from middle grade (which is a habit I should really break). But I had nothing to worry about! It handled real emotions and real problems exceptionally well.

I may not have given this a full five stars, but really, I have no complaints. I guess it was just missing that little extra something that would have made me absolutely love it. If this kind of book seems like your thing, I'd highly recommend it!

I received this ARC from Negalley for an honest review.

Liv, short for Olivia, does not feel like a girl. She has had feelings for quite some time but she has yet to tell anyone. When she gets to middle school, the school uniform includes wearing a skirt. Liv hasn't worn a skirt since she was a child and as she identifies as a male, she shouldn't have to wear them. Thus the Pants Project is created. Liv and his friends come together to change the rules for the dress code.

I read this last year because I promised Megan Daley I would write about transgender middle grade students. I had George and The Other Boy, and when this one appeared on Netgalley, it completed my trio (I like to work in threes). The blog post I wrote for Megan is at Children's Books Daily. But I always knew I would be back to write more about this interesting and inspiring book.

Liv articulates to herself (and to us) very clearly about being a boy. But is not so forthright with actual people in his life. He cares so much for his two 'moms' (Americanism urgh) he tries to protect them from his anger and frustration. He understands he can't lash out, but the strong reactions he feels against being told to grow his hair longer, being called Olivia, and of course, wearing skirts to school make it hard for him to remain silent and calm. This is a very insightful depiction of Liv's character. He repeated acknowledges his choice to not react. I liked how mature he tries to be.

But he's not always successful, because he's only 12. He hasn't told anyone the truth, and more and more the secret is eating away at his self-confidence and his identity. Making friends with Jacob at the same as losing connection with former best friend, Masie, is almost a lifesaver. Jacob accepts Liv as he is, and when Liv eventually confesses his secret, Jacob shares his own.

I do want to repeat something I said in my other review. In this book, and another one called George, the main character each divulges first to their friends. Young people who not transitioning, or not black, or gay or whatever other minority is being highlighted should have access to books about these people because we just don't know everything about what's happening in our friends' lives. And if reading The Pants Project means a cis kid stops using defamatory language about transgender people, then who knows what other positive ramifications there might be. It starts and ends with kindness and compassion.

I found this fresh and positive. Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Jabberwocky for the read.

The Pants Project is recommended for people who like their contemporary fiction diverse and inclusion. There's no romance, but the friendship roller coaster is strong. Positive representations of supportive parents, yet some other adults are presented as ill-mannered and oblivious, which is realistic. Offers a hopeful conclusion in which Liv feels safe and loved. On my soapbox a bit with this one, but I believe school libraries should try to add fiction like this to their collections. Out (in Australia) on March 07.

The Pants Project was an utterly fantastic read from beginning to end. I simply could not put it down. (Ok. Maybe I could put it aside for a little while, because video games. Liv would understand…)

If you are looking for a Middle Grade novel that deftly tackles the topics of gender identity, bullying, and homophobia, The Pants Project is for you. The story is enjoyable, the characters are endearing, the pacing is superb, and the writing goes down smoothly. It features supremely readable, straight-forward storytelling that is perfectly attuned to the target Middle Grade audience, while offering subtleties of meaning and all too familiar social situations that can be appreciated by older readers.

As a narrator, our main character Liv is honest and witty and her story – although occasionally face-palmy in that “this isn’t going to turn out well” sense – is heartwarming. His wonderfully inclusive family is complete with two moms, an annoying but lovable little brother, and a three-legged dog named Garibaldi. Liv has a lot of factors stacked against him in the local school popularity rankings, but he doesn’t let this stop his crusade to reverse the discriminatory uniform policy at his new middle school. [There is certainly a mean girls vibe to the book, but I haven’t yet been jaded by such representation. Also, the reality is that sometimes kids can be quite harsh, especially when not kept in check.] Along the way he learns to how to make new friends, live his morals, and start opening up about his gender identity.

Everyone should read The Pants Project. It would make the world a better place. Promise. In all seriousness, though, I would particularly encourage middle school teachers to utilize this book as a learning tool regarding diversity and inclusivity in their curricula and middle school and public library librarians to obtain and prominently feature copies during Transgender Awareness Week.

I have a fundamental problem with the core premise of this novel. Not the fight against a dress code. I'm cool with that. My issue is with the idea that the only kid in the entire school who fights against girls having to wear skirts is the trans kid. If I, as a straight person, had been told that I had to wear a skirt every day for three years I probably would have lost it. Lots of girls don't like wearing skirts. Other girls would protest simply because it is a rule aimed at a single gender. This feels like a plot from another era. While the intention is good and the actual writing is decent, I struggle with it on that notion alone.

Liv's parents are pretty cool, but some of their new classmates have an issue with the fact that Liv has two mothers. Matters are compounded because Liv is in the process of discovering that she is transgendered. As she fights for the right to wear pants to school she will discover a lot about friends. family, and theirself.

I was a little nervous about this one because as far as I can tell, this isn't an #ownvoices book and I'm kind of tired of cis authors writing trans stories. But I'm so glad I gave this a chance. I ended up reading it straight through; I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters, the representation (trans MC, family with two moms, and secondary character with a disability), the story, and especially the hopefulness! There is no objectification via inspiration or tragedy. I am close to a few middle school age genderqueer/trans kids, and everything about this book mirrors their thinking and their moxie, as well as the challenges they face. What a great read!

I thought this book was really good. Perfect for pre-teens and teens. Parents would definitely approve of it's language and the gentle way it approaches the subject of LGBTQ. Liv has 2 moms and is trans herself. The internal struggle of deciding whether to tell others, even her moms, is well done. I think all middle schoolers should read this book even if they don't know anyone who is trans or has 2 moms or 2 dads. Those that are struggling would appreciate this book. It has general middle school themes as well - starting a new school, dealing with mean girls, deciding with whom you want to be friends, new teachers, new dress codes. Well done.

I enjoyed reading this book. All of the characters were well developed and readers have a sense of who each character, and their expected behavior, is. The books portrayal of children in this age range seemed very realistic. We, as adults, know that school children can be cruel, cliquish, and that peer pressure is a very strong influence on behavior. At first I thought the inclusion of 2 mothers in addition to the main character being transgender was a bit risky, but it worked out well for the story. The book is strongly family oriented with a strong, loving family bond.

The story is about a transgender student, who identifies as a boy, starting Middle School and facing a strict , outdated, gender based dress code. Liv very bravely stands up for his rights and brings awareness to the inequality and sexist school dress code that requires girls to wear skirts. Liv's best friend of 6 years turns on her (due to peer pressure) and becomes friends with 2 of the popular students, Jade and Chelsie. These 2 girls are nothing short of bullies. Liv is saddened by this betrayal but he moves on and develops better and stronger friendships with another group of students.

I was pleased to see this book in the Middle School age group. I feel that children SHOULD read about LGBT topics at an age where they are beginning to form their own self identities. They are old enough to be aware of differences in other peoples identities and hopefully still young enough to incorporate understanding and acceptance.

Liv’s EX friend, Maisie, is eventually cast out by the mean girl group. I was proud that Liv was able to be true to himself and let his old friend remain in the past. This is important because it helps children learn that it’s NOT ok for friends to treat you badly. It’s ok to let friends go if they’re not a true friend.

This is a story about self-acceptance, self-esteem and not being ashamed of who you are. It also encourages acceptance of others.

I totally agree with the recommended ages of 9 and up. This book should be included in all school libraries.

I received the book free in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my rating nor review.
My review will be posted on amazon(once released), goodreads, netgalley, And moonshineartspot.blogspot
Terri/Aunt Meanie

It was nowhere near as phenomenal as 'George' by Alex Gino, but it was definitely a quick, fun read. I also learned new things from a different perspective that I'll never experience myself. It's always great to learn what other people go through. Everyone fights their own battle. Definitely a great read for middle grade readers just so that they learn how to accept each other for who they are. We are all equal no matter our differences.

I’m reviewing this one in list form because that’s how my brain is working today:

Best middle grade social issue fiction I have read to date
Best book with two moms I have read to date (best about 2 dads is “The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher” and its sequel)
Perfectly depicts what so often happens with school bullying and the reactions of teachers ~ initial horror and condemnation of the bully, but no follow-up. AND the inability to erase the fact that kids already heard the horrible words said.
Liv being trans isn’t the entire point of the book and I love that. I mean, I love that he’s trans, but I appreciate that the journey in the book is about the dress code. It helps portray Liv as a more complex character that all kids can relate to, and puts him being trans into the “oh, and he’s trans” category of character traits, rather than “he’s TRANS!!!! AND NOTHING ELSE!!!!” This helps erase the “otherness” that is so often placed upon characters different than the reader, and translates toward opinions of people in real life.
I am NOT trans, but I can relate fully to the agony of wearing clothes that don’t fit who I am, and I love how the characters react to having to wear tights. It’s 100% the way I react as a 30-something adult female!

I will be purchasing for both of my school libraries and doing a book talk on it with my middle grades.

4.5 stars. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I think this story of a transgender middle school child was really well done. I think books like this are really important, so that kids who may be going through what Liv was, as well as kids who are NOT transgender, can see it as normal, and book-worthy. It's important that kids be able to relate to characters, and I think it's also important for kids to be able to read about families and lives that may be very different from their own experiences.

I thought the family life, with the two moms, was written very well. The plot was somewhat predictable, but I think perfectly acceptable for the target audience of middle school. The only thing I found that didn't quite ring true to me was that the kids were only in 6th grade. They read a little older to me, more like 8th. (And I say that as the mom of a 6th grader. But I realize my kid is on the less-mature side, and that 6th grade has a HUGE range of maturity levels in it, so maybe I'm just biased by my own experience.)

Overall, though, I would highly recommend this for middle school kids, teachers, and libraries.

I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.

Liv is transgender and in middle school. Never having told anyone, Liv lives with being a girl, even though she is a he inside. When Liv is forced to wear skirts at his new school, he takes matters into his own hands to change the policy. Liv will lose and make friends along the way and will have some family issues too. Even through the challenges, Liv doesn’t back down or lose focus. This is a story of a strong person trying to be who they really are.

I really enjoyed The Pants Project. Living in Liv’s head was interesting and fun. Being a middle grade book, I felt the author did a good job of keeping it lighthearted, but still manage to give a good message to our young ones.

I gave it four stars, because there were some formatting and grammatical issues, but would have given five stars otherwise.

This was such a wonderful book!

After the last middle grade book that I had chosen to read, this was a refreshing and delightful change of pace. It fits winderfully into the middle grade category and was a refreshing story as well.

It is the story of Liv. Transgender Liv starting in a new middle school where girls have to wear skirts as part of the dress code.

The story tackles all things important in middle school - friendship, clothes, family, and finding your way. And despite the topic, it handles it in a very age appropriate way focusing on the things that an 11 or 12 yesr old would most likely focus on.

This was a GREAT read that I would recommend to just about everyone.

Liv (Olivia) was born a girl, but knows in his heart that he's a boy. But this realization isn't easy for a kid entering middle school, which can be a heartless place for anyone. What complicates things for Liv is a move to a new school, which brings a stringent dress code: girls must wear skirts. No exceptions. Whatsoever. Liv knows in his heart that he's a boy, but the school system (and kids at school) don't see it that way. Liv is already dealing with enough, but now he feels uncomfortable everyday in his school clothes. It also doesn't help that his best friend is dropping him for a group of mean-spirited bullies who bully Liv on a daily basis. But Liv perseveres and comes up with an idea: Operation Pants Project. Liv is going to get this uniform dress code overturned, no matter what.

This is an excellent YA novel that draws you in immediately. I found the storyline to be interesting from the very beginning, and it never wavered. Liv is a wonderful, amazing, resilient young man, and I loved him from the moment I met him. Liv's story is heartbreaking at times, but also very poignant. I see this tale as a must-read for transgender kids, but also all middle school kids, as it offers a wonderful chance to teach empathy. But, seriously, just having this story, and the way Liv expresses his thoughts on being transgender is so key. Yes, a lot of the story is probably a tad simplified, but still. It's just so refreshing to see this in book form.

Liv also has same-sex parents (two mothers) for which he is teased at school, which breaks my heart (being part of a same-sex marriage and having two young daughters). So much of the story hurts your heart at times and makes you just despair how much young kids have to go through at school. Liv meets a new friend in middle school, Jacob, and in reading this book, I just hope that the world continues to be filled with more Liv and Jacobs: it will make it a better place for sure. (I also enjoyed that Clarke seemed to insert an inside joke about how awful and cliche lesbian films can be!)

Overall, I loved this book, and I wish it was on the shelves of every middle school (and high school) -heck all libraries and bookstores-- everywhere! Huge portions of it make you smile, and you will find yourself just rooting for plucky, wonderful Liv and his spirit. There's a great sappy message in this book that I wish everyone could read in these troubled times. Liv has a wonderful sense of humor, and Clarke's writing is perfect for the targeted age group. I do think a great deal is this book is probably a little simplified (not all parents may be as supportive of Liv, for instance), but the bullying aspects at school are spot-on. Just seeing a transgender "tween" in print is great. I would like to see a list of support resources at the end of the book (and I just read an ARC, so it's not the final version) for those who do not have the same support system as Liv. Yes, this book goes a long way toward showing acceptance, but it's not as easy for everyone. I certainly hope it inspires kids to treat everyone equally: it's an important message. I definitely recommend this wonderful novel for kids and adults alike.

I loved this book. I love that the author wrote this as a middle grade book about a very important subject. Many people argue that middle grade is not the time to discuss these issues, but I beg to differ. These days, more and more kids are discovering things about themselves at a younger age, and it's so important for them to be able to read books that deal with things they're going through. One line in particular really stuck with me, when Liv's family is having a family movie night: "Mama chose a sucky movie about a family with two moms. Boring. I get why she chose it - we hardly ever get to see movies or TV shows with families like ours, and when we do, they're usually kind of depressing." This line is so true, and I'm really glad the author decided to put this particular line in the book, even if it isn't fully explored. There aren't a whole lot of LGBT characters in movies or TV shows, and of those that are, they don't usually get a happy ending. I'm happy the author recognized this, but also gave Liv a happy ending to show that things don't always have to end badly. The author portrayed middle school very well, and I found all the characters went well with the story. Liv is a great main character. I enjoyed reading about his struggle to come to terms with who he is, and trying to figure out where he fits and how he's going to tell people about himself. The whole idea of the pants project is great. Getting rid of outdated gender norms is something we really need to work on as a society, and I thought it was portrayed really well here.

All in all, this book was fantastic, and I really hope that it gets out there and is read and discussed.

***I received a free e-ARC from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review***

THE PANTS PROJECT follows Liv, a transgender boy, as he navigates his first year of middle school and tackles his school's outdated gendered dress code.

I was initially hesitant about reading requesting this book because I couldn't find any information about the author and whether or not THE PANTS PROJECT was an #ownvoice book. Generally, I do not read books with trans characters that are not written by trans authors because cis people tend to make a mess and mockery of the trans experience. I did, however, end up requesting this book. There were a few lines that felt off to me (comparing being trans to being a transformer) but since that's outside of my experience, I can't speak on whether that language is problematic or not. While I am nonbinary, I have not had the same experience as Liv and so my review will not be focusing on the trans aspect until I hear from trans reviewers and what their thoughts on the language and terminology in the book is.

I did enjoy this book. The plot was solid and I enjoyed reading about Liv tackling a resistant intuition and forcing them to reevaluate their gendered dress code (pants for "boys", skirts for "girls"). I thought the reactions of everyone in the story was very true to real life. The characters themselves were wonderfully fleshed out, everyone had a distinct voice in the story, even the minor characters.

My favorite part of the book is that while Liv forgives his former best friend, he doesn't feel the need to accept her back as a friend. I think that's important thing for young readers to understand. Too many times we have books where the best friend betrays the MC in a terrible way but by the end of the book, they are best friends again. It's definitely important to remind young children (and even adults!) that we don't have to allow people back into our lives just because they are "sorry" that they treated us poorly.

A few things that I didn't like in this book: I wish the author would have explained more about Jacob's condition. This is a middle grade book and I'm guessing a lot of middle grade aged kids probably wouldn't really understand what hypermobility is. That was the second thing I didn't like about this book- sometimes it felt like the author forgot they were writing a middle grade book. The kids in the book are 11/12 years olds but sometimes it felt like the author was writing them as 16/17 year olds.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a good 'sticking it to the man' story.

The message in this book is incredibly important. Unfortunately, the fact that it's written for middle grade students caused the writing to feel a little too cheery, especially during scenes that needed a more serious tone. Also, as tends to happen in middle grade fiction, the major plot points seemed to work out too conveniently without the characters really having to do very much to accomplish what they set out to do.

One of those books with important issues, but the issues don't overshadow the mc who is just trying to fit in and be himself. Great middle-grade voice and one I look forward to sharing.