Gracefully Grayson

by Ami Polonsky

What if who you are on the outside doesn't match who you are on the inside? Grayson Sender has been holding onto a secret for what seems like forever: he is a girl on the inside, stuck in the wrong gender s body. The weight of this secret is crushing, but sharing it would mean facing ridicule, scorn, rejection, or worse. Despite the risks, Grayson s true self itches to break free. Will new strength from an unexpected friendship and a caring teacher s wisdom be enough to help Grayson step into the spotlight she was born to inhabit?

Hiding the truth about his awareness that he is a girl trapped inside a male body, Grayson finds new strength to embrace his true identity from an unexpected friendship and a supportive teacher.

• ISBN10: 1484723651
• ISBN13: 9781484723654
• Publish Date: 16 June 2016 (first published 4 December 2014)
• Publish Status: Transferred
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Hyperion
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 250
• Language: English

Reviews

[wcs53]

This was an enjoyable read, probably aimed at 10-14 year olds, about a young person trying to answer the question of 'What if who you are on the outside doesn't match who you are on the inside?' The main character, Grayson, is a sixth-grader who is on a journey of discovery. There are bumps along the way, especially when Grayson lands the main female part in the school play. Grayson experiences some ridicule, but also support, some from unexpected places. Ami Polonsky has written a very poignant and uplifting book, which is worth the read. the characters are real and she doesn't avoid the issues.

[Sam@WLABB]

This was a very touching story of self discovery. When Grayson yearned for the outside to match the inside, it really tugged out my heartstrings. I rooted for Grayson to be able to be able to be who Grayson wanted to be, and I was so happy to see some awesome people lend support, but also disappointed is some other people who should have been on Grayson's side. This was a beautiful story, which was sometimes difficult for me to read, but I thought Polonsky really did a wonderful job showing the bravery it takes to be true to yourself in the face of adversity. Grayson was knocked back during his journey several times, but he mustered the courage to preserve. A very moving story.

[lovelybookshelf]

You can't help but gain enormous insight and compassion through reading this novel. Polonsky handled this story, especially given its younger target audience, so very, very well. More of my thoughts on this title, as well as a response to those who "weren't convinced" by Grayson, can be found on my blog at A Lovely Bookshelf on the Wall.