What did I think of this book? I didn't think anything. Grayson’s family was also realistic as they dealt with their fears and concerns. Nevertheless, I liked this story a lot and found Grayson to be a very sympathetic and dynamic character. The experimentation with clothing, hair and jewelry heavy-handedly presented outdated feminine ideals with no attempt to dismantle gender stereotypes. I would have liked to see a deeper exploration of Grayson’s desire to be a girl. My only gripe with this story was that it lacked complexity. While Grayson has the support of a progressive teacher and the play’s cast members, there is still fear and prejudice to contend with. Auditioning for the female lead in the school play allows Grayson the opportunity for self-expression outside of established gender norms. Grayson struggles with loneliness and isolation and eventually makes a new friend. Grayson is now living in the home of an aunt, uncle, and older cousin, all of whom show love, but not the support or understanding Grayson needs. Grayson’s parents were aware of that secret and respectful of their child’s uniqueness, but they were killed in a car accident when Grayson was little. This is a sensitive and delicately written portrayal of Grayson Sender, a 12-year-old who is harboring a deep secret. I am not going to summarize the plot here, since there is really none to speak of. Surprisingly, the book was difficult to put down and I got through it in no time at all. Then I came across a friend's review and grabbed it from the library. This book caught my eye, but I was going to give it a pass, thinking it was more suitable for much younger readers. I'm grateful this book exists - not just for transgender youth, but for all young readers who are searching for their own identity and their own voice in the face of societal pressures.
His struggle and his bravery are portrayed with great love and insight. I have taught Grayson in my own classroom. When the school play comes around, The Myth of Persephone, Grayson tries out for the lead female role of Persephone, causing a storm of reaction that will affect everyone in his life. He wishes more than anything that he could be who he really is on the outside as well as the inside. Secretly, he imagines his over-sized shirts are dresses and his workout pants are long skirts. When he looks in the mirror, his reflection does not match what he feels inside. He hasn't eaten in the lunchroom with his peers since second grade. Grayson is a sixth grader who has always felt different and alone. It's been a long time since a book has made me teary-eyed, but Gracefully Grayson had me sniffling at the end.
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