The Other Boy

A beautifully heartfelt story about one boy’s journey toward acceptance. A book that Jill Soloway, the award-winning creator of Transparent, called “a terrific read for all ages” and Ami Polonsky, author of Gracefully Grayson, called “an emotionally complex and achingly real read.”

Twelve-year-old Shane Woods is just a regular boy. He loves pitching for his baseball team, working on his graphic novel, and hanging out with his best friend, Josh.

But Shane is keeping something private, something that might make a difference to his friends and teammates, even Josh. And when a classmate threatens to reveal his secret, Shane’s whole world comes crashing down.

It will take a lot of courage for Shane to ignore the hate and show the world that he’s still the same boy he was before. And in the end, those who stand beside him may surprise everyone, including Shane.

What happens when being true to yourself means risking everything?

• Transgender Protagonist: Shane is just a regular kid who loves baseball and his best friend, Josh. He’s also a transgender boy, and when a bully threatens to reveal his past, he has to find the courage to stand up for his identity.
• Middle School Friendship: An honest look at the bonds between best friends. When Shane’s secret comes out, will his friendship with Josh be strong enough to survive the rumors and the hate?
• Standing Up for Yourself: More than just a book about bullying, this is a story about finding your voice, ignoring the hate, and showing the world who you truly are, even when it’s scary.
• A Heartfelt Family Story: Shane’s mom is his biggest supporter, but his dad struggles to understand. This emotional read explores the journey a family takes toward unconditional love and acceptance.