A fun read exploring some interesting issues. I would definitely recommend it.

Also reviewed on Goodreads and mygoodreads..co.uk

As an adult I could see what was coming, and there were some rather obvious scenes, but it reminded me of 'Wonder' and other middle-grade novels. While they might seem obvious to adult readers, they are generally loved by the intended audience.
Liv is a likeable character, who doesn't always get things right but does grow during the story. Liv's relationships with her family and friends/classmates change through the story and I found the way in which Liv introduced the fact he was trans well-handled. Though not everyone was accepting, it was great to see this simply being a fact of life.

So here's the thing: I liked this book, and there's no question it deals with important topics. But I also think it's flawed. I think Liv is a great character. Sometimes she seems to have the maturity of an adult, at other times she acts like a toddler-- so she's basically your average sixth grader. Liv's brother, Enzo, is the younger brother we've all adored and also wanted to strangle. I thought Liv's fall out with Maisie was really authentic; sixth grade is about the right age for BFF drama. But Jacob is just too perfect. He accepts everything Liv reveals to him without so much as a blink. This brings me to my next concern. For the most part, the boys in this book are all chill and inclusive. The girls? Mean bullies from Hades. It definitely plays into the stereotype that boys are cool while girls are catty bitches. Then there's the fact that Liv's parents strongly suspected their child was transgender, but still sent said child to a school with a strict dress code and left it to their eleven-year-old to fight the system. Also, while diversity is important, I hate when it feels cheap or tokenism, and this book definitely felt like a game of "diversity bingo."

When I hear that Cat Clarke is releasing a new book, I always go into search mode, looking for pre-orders and availability (they aren't always as readily available in the U.S. so sometimes I have to wait a while). I've read them all, and was so happy to read an early copy of The Pants Project.

This is unique in that it's a diverse middle grade book. Liv is a girl on the outside, but a boy on the inside. Therefore, going to a new school with a skirts-only dress code for girls is not acceptable to Liv (I really feel weird about the pronouns because it wasn't heavily addressed in the book). Add to this, Liv also has two moms for parents.

The book deals with the dress code issue--the actual "pants project", bullying, true friendships, and great family support. And while it's diverse with transgender and gay topics, it's not a heavy or dark book because it's middle grade. I would definitely recommend this book.

I've been waiting for a great middle grade or teen book to tell the story of a transgender teen who was born a girl, but identities as a boy. I love that there are more and more stories of trans teens/tweens (hate that word), but found most of the stories are born a boy transitioning to a girl. Love the positive family and support system Liv has....and such amazing access to deli meats and cheeses!

As I build up my middle grades library for my classroom, I try to make sure the books reflect my students and the world around them. Finding books with LGBTQ characters is really challenging, so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this title pop up on Netgalley. Thanks for the chance to read and review!

This is the story of Liv, a transgender student who works to change the school's outdated dress code. Liv has to deal with bullying and middle school friendships, and grapples with how to share the news. I loved how Liv makes some questionable but understandable choices and the reader sees the consequences to each one. I can see my sixth graders rooting for Liv, and I can't wait to add this one to my class library!

I loved this book and the story it had to share. I did find how the chapters were written a bit clunky; some seemed to be unnecessarily short containing just a thought or reflection to the past. I wish it was clearer that Liv has two moms when he says “the moms” because whom he’s referring to isn’t elaborated on until about 10% into the book.