I loved this book, surprisingly. I was a little hesitant going into it (not because of an lgbtq+ main character, but for other reasons). I've been in a very high-fantasy mood this past month and generally the only middle grade I gravitate to currently are action-packed ones like Percy Jackson or Fablehaven. So it was amazing for me to open up this book and be hooked on the first page.

Liv was such an amazing character. I loved him. I loved his personality and the way he went about standing up for what he wanted. The different number of trials and tribulations that he goes through in this book really struck a chord in me. I think that this book is so important, especially for young adults and children. I have been a huge supporter of the lgbtq+ community for as long as I can remember, but this book opened my eyes even more to what some members of this community go through on a daily basis.

Liv is made fun of for having two moms. Nobody knows he's transgender (except his dog), but he still gets made fun of for having a hairstyle different from the girls in the school and for wanting to wear pants. Operation Pants Project begins. Liv wants to change the dress code, and maybe make some new friends and change his life as well.

I think that this book is such an important one for people of all ages to read. Mostly, I think that this book will really help younger teenagers who are struggling with discovering who they are or not knowing what they're feelings. Maybe this book can show them that they are not the only ones who feel a certain way. Maybe they can find a kindred spirit in Liv.

I loved Liv. I loved his motivations. Most of all, I loved this book.

a transgender b0y
no school skirt uniform please
new friend helps protest



a transgender boy
no skirts please
new friend helps protest

Wonderful, wonderful story about being true to yourself and finding acceptance in middle school.

A sweet middle school/elementary story of a person coming out as transgender and her two lesbian moms.

This was an inclusive beginners read surrounding a trans person’s coming out story. I enjoyed reading with my kids and they liked it a lot too.

It’s a great day to read about a revolution! ❤️

Clarke, Cat. The Pants Project. Sourcebooks Jaberwocky, 2016.

A delightful middle grade novel in the vein of Gracefully Grayson with the upbeat hopefulness of Better Nate Than Ever.

Liv is not excited about starting middle school. He hasn't told his moms yet, but Liv has figured out that he's transgender, and his school has a strict dress code which will require him to wear a skirt since everyone thinks he's a girl. Not only that, but he loses his best friend to the popular crowd within the first week of school. Liv takes matters into his own hands and decides to challenge the school's dress code, and along the way he finds allies in unexpected places.

This story was completely adorable, from the small details of Liv's Italian heritage to the superhero comic pages his friend Jacob draws. I am so glad to see that there are more middle grade books featuring transgender characters, especially FTM (female to male) characters. This book is smart and funny and good, and even though the ending wraps up in a Disney-esque fashion, I want my middle grade readers to see some "happily ever after" endings. I love Liv, and I'm so glad his moms are supportive of him being true to himself. Strongly recommended

Recommended for: middle grade readers
Red Flags: minor bullying - Liv is referred to as "it" on occasion and called a freak, usually in reference to his two moms and not related to his being trans*
Overall Rating: 5/5 stars

Read-Alikes: [b:The Other Boy|28371999|The Other Boy|M.G. Hennessey|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1457115294s/28371999.jpg|48451903], [b:Gracefully Grayson|20873172|Gracefully Grayson|Ami Polonsky|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1413143765s/20873172.jpg|40211796], [b:George|24612624|George|Alex Gino|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1423358952s/24612624.jpg|44165520], [b:I Am Jazz|18763344|I Am Jazz|Jessica Herthel|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1392585999s/18763344.jpg|26661115]

I read this in one day it was so good! I loved the diverse cast of unique characters, the struggle to find out what it means to be a good person, and finding ways to learn how to accept yourself and your family. Truly a treasure!!