Just Happy to Be Here
α’αααΈααααα βααΆααα‘ααααα
In this YA standalone perfect for fans of Tobly McSmith and Meredith Russo, the first out trans girl at an all-girls school must choose between keeping her head down or blazing a trail.
Tara just wants to be treated like any other girl at Ainsley Academy.
That is, judged on her meritsβnot on her transness. But thereβs no road map for being the first trans girl at an all-girls school. And when she tries to join the Sibyls, an old-fashioned Ainsley sisterhood complete with code names and special privileges, sheβs thrust into the center of a larger argument about what girlhood means and whether the club should exist at all.
Being the figurehead of a movement isnβt something Taraβs interested in. Sheβd rather read old speeches and hang out with the Sibyls who are on her sideβespecially Felicity, a new friend she thinks could turn into something more. Then the clubβs sponsor, a famous alumna, attacks her in the media and turns the selection process into a spectacle.
Taraβs always found comfort in the power of other peoplesβ words. But when it comes time to fight for herself, will she be able to find her own voice?
α’αααΈβα’ααααα·αααα
Naomi Kanakia has written three young adult novels. She also has some forthcoming books for adults, and her essays, short stories, and poetry have appeared all over the place. She grew up in Washington, DC, and she currently lives in San Francisco with her wife and daughter.
