Author: Donna Gephart
Publisher & Date: Yearling, 1 May 2018
Page Count: 352 pages
ISBN: 978-0553536775
Age/Reading Level: 10-13/Grades 5-8
Representation: LGBTQIA+, mental illness
Other Information:
Book Information
Lily Jo McGrother, born Timothy McGrother, is a girl. But being a girl is not so easy when you look like a boy. Especially when you’re in the eighth grade.
Dunkin Dorfman, birth name Norbert Dorfman, is dealing with bipolar disorder and has just moved from the New Jersey town he’s called home for the past thirteen years. This would be hard enough, but the fact that he is also hiding from a painful secret makes it even worse.
One summer morning, Lily Jo McGrother meets Dunkin Dorfman, and their lives forever change.
Challenges & Bans
This book is frequently challenged for its portrayal of LGBTQIA+ themes, “sexual content”, issues of bullying, rebellion against authority, a character refusing to take medication, depictions of drug use, and instances of self-harm.
Specific Challenges*:
Awards & Accolades
California Young Reader Medal, Southern Book Award, American Library Association’s Reluctant Reader Award, Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best Books, Illinois Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award (nominee), Connecticut Nutmeg Children’s Book Award (nominee)
Best Book of the Year lists named to: NPR, New York Public Library, Chicago Public Library
