Ash is just Ash—not Ashley; not Asher. Just Ash. Ash cycles through genders regularly and is struggling to figure out how (or why) to describe their identity to others. Daniel is a very emotional guy who gets teased and put down for showing emotion and has been repeatedly labeled as “overly sensitive.” Daniel volunteers at a veterinary clinic and when he ends up secretly taking care of an elderly small dog with various medical needs, it quickly becomes more than he can handle. When Ash is willing to help, the two bond over their love and care for the dog but their relationship quickly becomes deeper than that. The only problem? Daniel things Ash is all girl. What happens when Daniel finds out there’s much more to Ash? Will Daniel accept Ash for who they are?

This middle grade novel explores gender fluidity at a level not commonly seen. Sometimes Ash feels like a girl, but then sometimes Ash feels all guy. There’s even an uncomfortable (for Ash) transition period between genders when they really struggle to define themself. This level of gender fluidity is new to middle grade fiction and will resonate with many young readers. It may also serve to help people understand this one facet of gender identity. Ash’s parents are not together, but Ash is lucky to have a very supportive mom; their dad is much less so. The gender identity plot is well conceived and executed. The caring for the dog plot is a stretch and doesn’t add much to the story. The idea of it seems more juvenile than the book as a whole and detracts from the more important message. This book fills an important gap in the literature, and is recommended for purchase despite it’s shortcomings. Recommended for readers 4th grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME