Trans Teen Survival Guide

This book is an invaluable and very necessary resource for trans teenagers- and those questioning their gender- that should be readily available in every school and library. The authors set out to write the book they wished they had access to as teenagers. As trans non-binary people themselves, as well as campaigners for trans rights, they know their subject very well. They also feature quotes and advice from other trans young people. In the book they talk a lot about the importance of support from the trans community and they provide exactly this in the book. The friendly, encouraging tone makes it very accessible and although they deal with some difficult issues, the book remains upbeat and optimistic.

The authors make it clear that there is no one way to be trans and that the most important thing is to be free to be who you are. They encourage their readers to seek out accepting and validating friends, the support of the trans community and to practise self care. There is practical advice about things such as how to change your legal name, as well as advice on emotional wellbeing such as hobbies, taking care of your mental health and eating well. The book features some great cartoon strips and illustrations, including some from Sophie Labelle, who creates Assigned Male comics.

I would also recommend this book to older readers who have recently started questioning their gender or realised they are trans; most of the book would be relevant with the exception of a few sections such as those on puberty blockers. It is also a great resource for friends, family and teachers of trans teenagers or trans people of any age. The authors answer a lot of questions expertly and without judgement, so cis friends, family and allies can educate themselves without demanding that their trans friend takes on the task of explaining everything to them. The chapter on dysphoria stood out to me particularly; it was a concept I was familiar with from things I've read and conversations I'd had with friends, but I never realised how awful and debilitating it can be. Finally, there is also an appendix for parents and carers of pre-teen trans kids with advice on how best to support and affirm children who come out as trans at a young age.

So total honesty from the start, I’ve been in a relationship with a transwomen for quite some time so I thought this might be an interesting read. Now when reading Trans Teen Survival Guide there where some chapters that were excellent and others that I didn’t sit well with me but overall I think the book is a great starting point for trans or questioning teens.

The format of the book allows you to read it chapter by chapter or to dip in and out depending on what you want to gain. Throughout the book cute comics have been included, they are funny and relatable but it would have been great to have the book in a slightly different format, possibility separating the tips from the general text making sure important parts aren’t lost in the bulk of everything else.

Three chapters of the book really stood out for me first was the chapter discussing the medical side of being trans, personally, as adults we’ve found this side of things the most challenging to navigate. To read frank and honest information was refreshing, but the only slight negative was some of the slur terms included. The dysphoria chapter is also so important, giving some understanding to the feeling that trans/questioning teenagers may be having.

Next up the clothing section was great for trans men with so many areas covered including binding but while the book cover packing it really missed out tucking which is disappointing as it is just as important to transwomen as packing is to transmen!

The book contains the real voice of trans people, showing their experiences in different areas from how they revealed they are trans to their family to how they handle different situations. The voice of the other trans people might make you feel less alone as there are other people out there who have been what you may be going through.

Now to the parts I really didn’t like, first the media chapter. The authors have quite clearly been stung by the media or know someone who has, but the chapter is so unnecessary in a book that might be the first a trans person has picked up. It seems to be trying to scare people, yes there are some rubbish journalist but in reality unless your aim is to be a well know trans person (Vlogging or being very vocal on twitter about trans rights (while there is nothing wrong with that it’s not what happens right at the start of your journey!!)) the media doesn’t care!

Another chapter that felt lacking was the self-care section, it was just standard. The same self-care you would see anywhere or that is obvious so seems pointless. One self-care that should have been prioritized it personal self-care, we understand that trans people may not like their body but it is still important to take care of your hygiene and your body, if trans people do decide to have hormones or surgery they need to keep their strength up and healthy.

Every school and college library should contain a copy of this book to allow their transgender or questioning teens to gain a greater understanding, plus teachers and parents would certainly benefit from the information!

I’m not a trans person and as such my knowledge and experience is limited to trans friends, and blogs and other books. As a librarian, I read and review books that I would like to have included by my library service, and I was looking to educate myself further too. My opinion – and it is only opinion unbacked by personal experience of being trans or having a trans partner – is that it would be a helpful starting place for those questioning their gender. It’s written in an engaging way, structured in such a way that you can go from cover to cover or dip in and out on issues that interest you. It includes accounts from trans people which show a wide breadth of experience. It also doesn’t sugar coat everything nor does it attempt to paint the issues it discusses with shade. To me it seems a well informed and friendly book looking at everything from coming out to dysphoria to the biological side of being trans. I’m sure there are more in depth and complicated books on the subject but this certainly seems to be a good starting place. I will be adding it to the library shelves.

Very informative, yet perfectly accessible look into the many factors affecting the trans community. Full of insight, options and resources. Most balanced, thorough and readable book of this kind that I have read yet.

I received an advanced reader copy of this title from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
First and foremost, I am a cisgender person and therefore cannot speak on the book's accuracy, impact or resourcefulness as a whole based from any sort of experience whatsoever. I will do my best to comment on my thoughts on this book as a person who recognizes I am not the book's title demographic and may not perceive it the same way as others might.
That being said, I loved this book! I found this very informative, while at the same time being very entertaining. The voice of the novel provides a lighthearted narration while at the same time provides a serious and informative voice when the need arises. I especially appreciated the diversity present in the book, it is an informative book for trans individuals, but does not cater to one division of trans folk and is inclusive to many an identity within the trans umbrella identity, such as non-binary individuals. It was wonderful to see those identifying that way being recognized.
I also very much loved the illustrations littered throughout the book. Some illustrations are imaginative and fun to look at, while others serve as comics putting different social situations into perspective in regards to aiding the narrator's point of elaboration. Such illustrations in place throughout the book add to the book's lighthearted atmosphere.
I liked the various segments spread throughout from other people sharing their experiences and advice, I think it adds a strong contribution to the experience reading the book, with so many different people having contributed, it adds a sense of community and I think will benefit many trans individuals, that there are more than authors sharing their experiences within the book. Along with this, I really loved the advice given in regards to social media platforms and the media at large, I felt that to be beneficial and was an important addition to this informative book that one might not usually think to include, but can prove to be extremely helpful.
I really appreciated all of the resources included throughout the book (and there were many). I think this goes without saying, but this book can and will certainly be a great resource for trans individuals, and individuals like myself seeking to educate themselves. This book had so many phrases and information I didn't know! The fact that I learned so much reading added to my overall enjoyment and satisfaction for this book, and my faith that this book can do great things and be extremely informative in regards to blooming trans, questioning and allied individuals.

Thanks, NetGalley, for giving me the opportunity to read this book. Trans Teen Survival Guide would be a great addition to any library’s collection. I feel that the information that is inside could be helpful to a lot of people, especially teens who are questioning their identity. I feel that I’ve learned a lot of information that I wasn’t even fully aware of and it has made me very conscious of my actions and how they could be perceived by others.

This is great book that should really part of any collection. Solidly written, and it has fantastic illustrations. Definitely will recommend in the future.

This was more of a personal autobiography in my opinion than an actual 'survival guide book'.
The different interviews and viewpoints across the book were fascinating but it didn't hit the right tone for me; as a member of the lgbtqia community. But i think it was another hit and miss one looking at other reviews as well.

*3.5 stars*

If you've read a lot of articles and/or books on being trans or the trans experience, you won't find Trans Teen Survival Guide to be particularly groundbreaking, but I personally enjoyed it.

Disclosure: I'm not trans, but I do make it a point to educate myself thoroughly on trans issues.

Now, I'm not sure exactly why it's marketed to teens other than the fact that it's a more basic-ish guide to being trans. It's a very welcoming, easy-to-read book, and other than some pandering-ish "teenager" language, I think it would appeal to almost anyone. There are chapters on coming out, clothing, dating, sex, pronouns, and lots of other things that are useful (but again, not anything you can't find easily online).

My favorite part of the book were the personal anecdotes. I wish there were more stories from trans teens as those were the sections that really spoke to me. I think having lots of personal stories and, perhaps, pictures would enhanced the book even more.

Overall, I think this is a good book to have in your arsenal, especially if you are new to being/accepting that you are trans or you want to learn about the trans experience.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

4* Written in a non-heavy way, but with all the essentials & sound practical advice.

I'm not a teen and I'm not trans, but I was certainly interested more about learning about trans people and non-binary people, and this book, aimed at teens, made it easy to understand.

I can't begin to imagine what it must be like to be trans, but this book feels full of support, perhaps because it's written by people who've 'walked the walk and can talk the talk'. It features anecdotes from trans teens, both sad and happy, and with what felt like total honesty and without making things seem either too easy or too insurmountable. It also has plenty of information about sources of help and support, and pros and cons for considering how to go about commencing one's transition, whether this be physical or not.

It was an enlightening read, especially as I was already familiar with Fox and Owl Fisher.

ARC courtesy of Jessica Kingsley Publishers and NetGalley, for my reading pleasure.

The best aspect of this book is way the authors continually assert that there's no one way to be transgender/non-conforming and that gender stereotyping is over - 'You Be You' is the best possible message anyone could be promoting in my opinion.

The next best thing is the inclusion of illustrations by the lovely Sophie Labelle, who's 'Assigned Male' books/comic strips I have admired for some time.

Some good advice is given, rather repetitive but that could be a good thing in pushing home a point and ensuring that book can be picked up and dipped into as well as read beginning to end.

Criticisms include:

A huge amount of this book is devoted to media work and activism - stating that at some point *every* transgender person will be approached to do media work of some description and stressing how documenting your journey on some form of social media is so helpful to others.

Well yes, maybe, but there must be plenty of transgender people (of all ages) out there who are just wanting to quietly live their own lives.

The section on self-care reads rather like obvious filler too.

There is no definitions or description of terms and how they differ from each other.

This book could be useful for teens who have already done some research and have a good idea how they identify - but equally, most of what's included here is then probably already known by that point too. The most useful things in that case are the personal stories from other youths, contact details for various organisations and the aforementioned stress upon not feeling pressurised to some conform and be a certain way to fit in.

A go-to book for every young trans.

It touched all the important subjects that raise questions, it gave tips on clothing and stuff that helps with passing. It explained the terminology. The personal stories added a nice realness, variety and comfort to it all.

What I loved most about the book was that it constantly teaches you that any way to be is okay. No one cant tell you you're not trans enough or don't apply to some standards. I would recommend it to anyone with body-image issues. I felt better in my skin after that cause it didn't exclude anyone so any reader can somewhat relate. Its also important to mention that not only is it okay to be yourself but this book taught me that its also feel like some parts don't feel yours. For example I've always had a problem with my voice. It doesn't sound feminine enough to me. And I've thought that I just have to learn to love it and accept it as a part of me. But no. This book helped me realize that I don't have to. I can be mad at it. I have the right to feel like it isn't part of me. And I have the right to change it to make it sound more like me.

But is it for the good parts in the book. It was kind of too general and has new information only to very young trans or to people who are very new to this world. Also the information in this book might age quickly due to it having a lot of web links and organisations in it.

As the first part of the book was aimed for trans in young ages just finding the courage to read/speak about it it felt out of place to me that almost 50% of the books end was about being a media spoke person for trans. How to be, how to act and what to say. This was unnecessary in this particular book with that kind of target readers. It is an important subject though and could've just been a totally separate book.

"TV shows and films focus solely on the fact that people are trans. Their entire storyline centers around the fact of people being trans and there isn't any other depth to them."
This quote is so important cause its a common problem in many books and movies when it comes to minorities. I hope to live in a day where we are all just people.

** I'm not trans, but as a future educator/ librarian I do make it a point to educate myself thoroughly on trans issues. I loved this book. I think its very educational, and could do a lot of help for someone struggling to understand or someone struggling with themselves. I loved the format and all the resources that were provided through out the book. I think this book is going to be very important and could save a few lives along the way.

What I liked most about the book was how the book has been presented, it has short chapters containing the relevant information on specific topics followed by people sharing their own personal stories relating to that specific topic. The friendly, encouraging tone makes it very accessible and although they deal with some difficult issues, the book manages to remains
upbeat and optimistic. It is made clear that there is no one way to be trans and that the most important thing is to be free to be who you are. Readers are encouraged to seek out accepting and authentic friends, the support of the trans community and to practise self-care. There is also practical advice about how to change your legal name, as well as advice on emotional wellbeing such as hobbies, taking care of your mental health and eating well.

The books constantly informs the reader that, no matter how they identify and express themselves, they are queer/trans, which is a really important thing. There has been a lot of "discussion" on social media by keyboard warriors in the past few years about how some people are supposedly not queer enough. This micromanaging and negativity is extremely hurtful to the LGBT+ community, and I am glad that they address this in the book. They also remind the reader that having surgery or not is a personal choice and doesn't affect the fact that they ARE trans.

I honestly think this book is extremely important and was presented brilliantly. There is plenty of resources listed and trans readers are reminded that it gets better, they will be alright, they matter, they are valid and they are enough. I think it's vital that we have more books like this exploring each and every aspect of the LGBT+ community.

I'm not trans but I like to be informed and be educated on important topics. I found this to be so informative and helpful to really be aware of the things trans youth go through and to know that everyone journey is different.

I haven't finished yet. I will. But I'm so annoyed at this point I had to respond. Firstly it's a bit patronising. I think that most people reading this book will be a sensible teen so why make statements like "genitals (yuck!)" I may have slightly misquoted bu this was the tone. Really?!
But worse than this the non fiction advice book for teens advises young, probably vulnerable people to seek out others on social media sites like Instagram, Facebook etc. Has the writer looked into what makes young people vulnerable? Because we're talking about a vulnerable teen who may not be able to talk to anyone around them, reaching out to strangers on the Internet for reassurance and acceptance. Doesn't this scream danger? There are so many authorised websites that offer support and shared experiences why wouldn't the writer research these and offer something safe, checked out and useful? I'm pretty annoyed that this isn't just an important opportunity missed but actually a risk to teens. Please please do some research and edit this.

Seriously helped the trans teen in my life and gave them practical tools to deal with all facets of their lives and the changes they were facing.

A fantastic insight into the reality of trans teen life. A brilliant book for ANYONE who is or has a trans person in their lives.

This is a book that is needed in many schools. Not only for those considering transitioning, but for those who want an insight into something they know nothing about.

I think this is a really important book to have in any school collection, but honestly I feel as though it could have been done better. It reads very dry and is aged by the dated pop culture references (Britney and Justin etc), There is a lot of good information here, and perhaps reading it cover to cover just isn't the way to go. Maybe it's more of a book to refer to as needed rather than to read all the way through. Edited to add: I am a non-binary trans person, so this is the perspective reflected in this review.

Very detailed and informative guide about being trans. Will definitely keep this on my kindle to re-read, and also recommend it to my friends.

I came into this book as someone who is not trans, but I always try and educate myself on topics and broaden my horizons, so to speak. Whilst I do agree that there are definitely plenty of articles and resources out there that have this same information, I feel like having it in a book form almost 'normalises' it and will help those who are going through this to feel more supported and understood. I feel like it's a really vital book and I haven't seen many like this. However, the only downside is if someone bought/borrowed this for themselves and genuinely wanted info from it, the massive title splayed across the page might be a giveaway when they're trying to hide what they're reading!

Thank you to Netgalley, the authors, and publisher for an advance copy of this book. **any quotes are subject to change prior to publication**

"We only have one life, and we have to live it for ourselves."

Sometimes I just title-grab books on Netgalley. When I saw this one, I grabbed it and honestly did not realize it was a non-fiction "self-help" book. I actually thought it was a quirky YA contemporary, so when I started reading the prologue I was like oh wow this is actually nothing that I thought I was getting myself into. BUT, I did really enjoy it.

Middle-class CIS white female over here, so life's been pretty easy for me with the exception of unwarranted cat-calls or groping, and misogyny in the workplace...and pretty much everywhere in life. I enjoy diverse books, particularly those that revolve around discovering your sexual identity, but this was my first time reading a non-fiction about sexual identity. It was an emotional experience. It was really an all-encompassing book that would be helpful to not only those trying to find their identity and voice in a world that suffocates, but also for those who are loved ones, friends, family, co-workers of a trans individual. There was a wealth of resources and multiple voices to make sure the reader knows they or their loved ones are not alone in this transition.

The only real criticism that I can give (and I don't even think that I would count it as criticism) is that it kind of reads like a Middle Grade textbook. So just be aware going into it, if you ARE well-versed in what it means to be trans that this may read a little below your liking.

*RECEIVED FROM NETGALLEY
This book was very informative which I did not mind but a lot of the info for the websites are from the UK. Regardless it is informative and it gives tips for clothes and also shares little stories from people regarding the topic. I just wish they had more information for the people living in the USA and not as much for the UK (or split it down the middle). Other stuff was basic knowledge so I kind of skipped that and read the stuff I did not know, like the surgeries and the differences.

This is such a significant topic right now. As a school librarian for teens and pre-teens who are finding themselves, it is incredibly important to create a safe space and a place of acceptance, no matter how they identify. This book helped me increase my knowledge and will be a helpful guide to students who are finding their way.

I got a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Please note: I'm not trans, so please take what I say about this book with a grain of salt and also go read some reviews of this book by trans people.  That said, I think this book is a really great recourse for both trans teens and their parents.  I really liked how the Fishers went through different issues that can come up and different questions trans teens can have in each chapter.  I loved the chapters on dysphoria and surgery the most because I felt like they had a lot of practical information.  I learned a great deal about dysphoria, which was really good for me as I've not researched the topic much.

I don't think this book is perfect. I wish that the authors had taken the time to talk about more pronouns, especially ones that aren't currently the norm like ze/hir or others like that. I did also feel like a couple chapters were a little repetitive, but maybe that was just the ARC I read. I also felt like the books information on binding seemed a little incomplete, but like I said I'm not trans so I would recommend looking to other reviews as well as mine.

Overall though I thought that this book could be a great recourse for trans teens and I gave it 4 stars on Goodreads.