Parrotfish

Wittlinger, Ellen. Parrotfish. Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers: 2007. ISBN: 9781416916222.

Plot Summary:
Angela is a sophomore in high school and makes the brave decision to be true to herself. Angela has always felt like a boy on the inside and conflicted in situations where girls and boys are grouped separately, not sure which group to align with. Angela cuts her hair, begins dressing like a boy and changes her name to Grady. The change is freeing and wonderful for Grady on the inside. He feels like his true self is emerging. Unfortunately, even the people that love Grady are struggling with his decision and trying to adjust to this new idea. Add in the culture and insecurity of high school and Grady's life is very tumultuous. Making friends and losing friends can be a normal high school experience, but in Grady's case it is more difficult because of the way society views gender.

Critical Evaluation:
Grady is one of the bravest protagonists in teen literature. He teaches us how to be our authentic selves without apology. The reader is privy to Grady's insecurities and reasons for his decision. Having this background build a connection with his character not just in the light of being transgendered, but as a human being. The book also includes a lot of references to popular culture, giving the story a realistic tone. Intertwining the story with Christmas and the family's outgrowing of traditions is a great parallel. Change is an important part of life that we all deal with in different ways. The novel asks a great question, why does gender have to be viewed in only two perspectives? How would society be different if there were other choices. Teens are interested in their world and seeking to understand their place in it. Novels like this are great signposts along the way.

Reader's Annotation:
Are you brave enough to let the world see who you really are? Are you brave enough to know who you really are?

Information About the Author:
Ellen Wittlinger was born in 1948 and is the only child of parents who owned a small grocery store in Illinois. Wanting to experience new things, Ellen moved to Ashford, Oregon after graduating from college and lived there until being accepted at the Iowa Writer's Workshop. Working as a children's librarian introduced Ellen to young adult novels. Her first novel was published in 1993, Lombardo's Law. Ellen has also written poetry and several plays.

Genre:
Issue Novel/Sexual Identity

Curriculum Ties:
Transgendered persons
Culture of high school
Family life and traditions

Booktalking Ideas:
Are you brave enough to step outside of social norms to be yourself?
Would you support a friend who 'came out'?

Reading Level/Interest Age:
9th +

Challenge Issues:
Transgendered character
To be prepared for a book challenge you must read the book! And, encourage all involved in the process to read the book, not just the questionable passages.
Make sure the institution's procedure is followed, this is a protection for all.
ALA provides written guidelines it would be handy to have a hard copy available.

Why Book Included:
Required for class, but I really liked it and will recommend it.