A go-to book for every young trans.

It touched all the important subjects that raise questions, it gave tips on clothing and stuff that helps with passing. It explained the terminology. The personal stories added a nice realness, variety and comfort to it all.

What I loved most about the book was that it constantly teaches you that any way to be is okay. No one cant tell you you're not trans enough or don't apply to some standards. I would recommend it to anyone with body-image issues. I felt better in my skin after that cause it didn't exclude anyone so any reader can somewhat relate. Its also important to mention that not only is it okay to be yourself but this book taught me that its also feel like some parts don't feel yours. For example I've always had a problem with my voice. It doesn't sound feminine enough to me. And I've thought that I just have to learn to love it and accept it as a part of me. But no. This book helped me realize that I don't have to. I can be mad at it. I have the right to feel like it isn't part of me. And I have the right to change it to make it sound more like me.

But is it for the good parts in the book. It was kind of too general and has new information only to very young trans or to people who are very new to this world. Also the information in this book might age quickly due to it having a lot of web links and organisations in it.

As the first part of the book was aimed for trans in young ages just finding the courage to read/speak about it it felt out of place to me that almost 50% of the books end was about being a media spoke person for trans. How to be, how to act and what to say. This was unnecessary in this particular book with that kind of target readers. It is an important subject though and could've just been a totally separate book.

"TV shows and films focus solely on the fact that people are trans. Their entire storyline centers around the fact of people being trans and there isn't any other depth to them."
This quote is so important cause its a common problem in many books and movies when it comes to minorities. I hope to live in a day where we are all just people.

4* Written in a non-heavy way, but with all the essentials & sound practical advice.

I'm not a teen and I'm not trans, but I was certainly interested more about learning about trans people and non-binary people, and this book, aimed at teens, made it easy to understand.

I can't begin to imagine what it must be like to be trans, but this book feels full of support, perhaps because it's written by people who've 'walked the walk and can talk the talk'. It features anecdotes from trans teens, both sad and happy, and with what felt like total honesty and without making things seem either too easy or too insurmountable. It also has plenty of information about sources of help and support, and pros and cons for considering how to go about commencing one's transition, whether this be physical or not.

It was an enlightening read, especially as I was already familiar with Fox and Owl Fisher.

ARC courtesy of Jessica Kingsley Publishers and NetGalley, for my reading pleasure.

The best aspect of this book is way the authors continually assert that there's no one way to be transgender/non-conforming and that gender stereotyping is over - 'You Be You' is the best possible message anyone could be promoting in my opinion.

The next best thing is the inclusion of illustrations by the lovely Sophie Labelle, who's 'Assigned Male' books/comic strips I have admired for some time.

Some good advice is given, rather repetitive but that could be a good thing in pushing home a point and ensuring that book can be picked up and dipped into as well as read beginning to end.

Criticisms include:

A huge amount of this book is devoted to media work and activism - stating that at some point *every* transgender person will be approached to do media work of some description and stressing how documenting your journey on some form of social media is so helpful to others.

Well yes, maybe, but there must be plenty of transgender people (of all ages) out there who are just wanting to quietly live their own lives.

The section on self-care reads rather like obvious filler too.

There is no definitions or description of terms and how they differ from each other.

This book could be useful for teens who have already done some research and have a good idea how they identify - but equally, most of what's included here is then probably already known by that point too. The most useful things in that case are the personal stories from other youths, contact details for various organisations and the aforementioned stress upon not feeling pressurised to some conform and be a certain way to fit in.

*3.5 stars*

If you've read a lot of articles and/or books on being trans or the trans experience, you won't find Trans Teen Survival Guide to be particularly groundbreaking, but I personally enjoyed it.

Disclosure: I'm not trans, but I do make it a point to educate myself thoroughly on trans issues.

Now, I'm not sure exactly why it's marketed to teens other than the fact that it's a more basic-ish guide to being trans. It's a very welcoming, easy-to-read book, and other than some pandering-ish "teenager" language, I think it would appeal to almost anyone. There are chapters on coming out, clothing, dating, sex, pronouns, and lots of other things that are useful (but again, not anything you can't find easily online).

My favorite part of the book were the personal anecdotes. I wish there were more stories from trans teens as those were the sections that really spoke to me. I think having lots of personal stories and, perhaps, pictures would enhanced the book even more.

Overall, I think this is a good book to have in your arsenal, especially if you are new to being/accepting that you are trans or you want to learn about the trans experience.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

This was more of a personal autobiography in my opinion than an actual 'survival guide book'.
The different interviews and viewpoints across the book were fascinating but it didn't hit the right tone for me; as a member of the lgbtqia community. But i think it was another hit and miss one looking at other reviews as well.

This is great book that should really part of any collection. Solidly written, and it has fantastic illustrations. Definitely will recommend in the future.

Thanks, NetGalley, for giving me the opportunity to read this book. Trans Teen Survival Guide would be a great addition to any library’s collection. I feel that the information that is inside could be helpful to a lot of people, especially teens who are questioning their identity. I feel that I’ve learned a lot of information that I wasn’t even fully aware of and it has made me very conscious of my actions and how they could be perceived by others.

I received an advanced reader copy of this title from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
First and foremost, I am a cisgender person and therefore cannot speak on the book's accuracy, impact or resourcefulness as a whole based from any sort of experience whatsoever. I will do my best to comment on my thoughts on this book as a person who recognizes I am not the book's title demographic and may not perceive it the same way as others might.
That being said, I loved this book! I found this very informative, while at the same time being very entertaining. The voice of the novel provides a lighthearted narration while at the same time provides a serious and informative voice when the need arises. I especially appreciated the diversity present in the book, it is an informative book for trans individuals, but does not cater to one division of trans folk and is inclusive to many an identity within the trans umbrella identity, such as non-binary individuals. It was wonderful to see those identifying that way being recognized.
I also very much loved the illustrations littered throughout the book. Some illustrations are imaginative and fun to look at, while others serve as comics putting different social situations into perspective in regards to aiding the narrator's point of elaboration. Such illustrations in place throughout the book add to the book's lighthearted atmosphere.
I liked the various segments spread throughout from other people sharing their experiences and advice, I think it adds a strong contribution to the experience reading the book, with so many different people having contributed, it adds a sense of community and I think will benefit many trans individuals, that there are more than authors sharing their experiences within the book. Along with this, I really loved the advice given in regards to social media platforms and the media at large, I felt that to be beneficial and was an important addition to this informative book that one might not usually think to include, but can prove to be extremely helpful.
I really appreciated all of the resources included throughout the book (and there were many). I think this goes without saying, but this book can and will certainly be a great resource for trans individuals, and individuals like myself seeking to educate themselves. This book had so many phrases and information I didn't know! The fact that I learned so much reading added to my overall enjoyment and satisfaction for this book, and my faith that this book can do great things and be extremely informative in regards to blooming trans, questioning and allied individuals.

Very informative, yet perfectly accessible look into the many factors affecting the trans community. Full of insight, options and resources. Most balanced, thorough and readable book of this kind that I have read yet.

I’m not a trans person and as such my knowledge and experience is limited to trans friends, and blogs and other books. As a librarian, I read and review books that I would like to have included by my library service, and I was looking to educate myself further too. My opinion – and it is only opinion unbacked by personal experience of being trans or having a trans partner – is that it would be a helpful starting place for those questioning their gender. It’s written in an engaging way, structured in such a way that you can go from cover to cover or dip in and out on issues that interest you. It includes accounts from trans people which show a wide breadth of experience. It also doesn’t sugar coat everything nor does it attempt to paint the issues it discusses with shade. To me it seems a well informed and friendly book looking at everything from coming out to dysphoria to the biological side of being trans. I’m sure there are more in depth and complicated books on the subject but this certainly seems to be a good starting place. I will be adding it to the library shelves.

So total honesty from the start, I’ve been in a relationship with a transwomen for quite some time so I thought this might be an interesting read. Now when reading Trans Teen Survival Guide there where some chapters that were excellent and others that I didn’t sit well with me but overall I think the book is a great starting point for trans or questioning teens.

The format of the book allows you to read it chapter by chapter or to dip in and out depending on what you want to gain. Throughout the book cute comics have been included, they are funny and relatable but it would have been great to have the book in a slightly different format, possibility separating the tips from the general text making sure important parts aren’t lost in the bulk of everything else.

Three chapters of the book really stood out for me first was the chapter discussing the medical side of being trans, personally, as adults we’ve found this side of things the most challenging to navigate. To read frank and honest information was refreshing, but the only slight negative was some of the slur terms included. The dysphoria chapter is also so important, giving some understanding to the feeling that trans/questioning teenagers may be having.

Next up the clothing section was great for trans men with so many areas covered including binding but while the book cover packing it really missed out tucking which is disappointing as it is just as important to transwomen as packing is to transmen!

The book contains the real voice of trans people, showing their experiences in different areas from how they revealed they are trans to their family to how they handle different situations. The voice of the other trans people might make you feel less alone as there are other people out there who have been what you may be going through.

Now to the parts I really didn’t like, first the media chapter. The authors have quite clearly been stung by the media or know someone who has, but the chapter is so unnecessary in a book that might be the first a trans person has picked up. It seems to be trying to scare people, yes there are some rubbish journalist but in reality unless your aim is to be a well know trans person (Vlogging or being very vocal on twitter about trans rights (while there is nothing wrong with that it’s not what happens right at the start of your journey!!)) the media doesn’t care!

Another chapter that felt lacking was the self-care section, it was just standard. The same self-care you would see anywhere or that is obvious so seems pointless. One self-care that should have been prioritized it personal self-care, we understand that trans people may not like their body but it is still important to take care of your hygiene and your body, if trans people do decide to have hormones or surgery they need to keep their strength up and healthy.

Every school and college library should contain a copy of this book to allow their transgender or questioning teens to gain a greater understanding, plus teachers and parents would certainly benefit from the information!

This book is an invaluable and very necessary resource for trans teenagers- and those questioning their gender- that should be readily available in every school and library. The authors set out to write the book they wished they had access to as teenagers. As trans non-binary people themselves, as well as campaigners for trans rights, they know their subject very well. They also feature quotes and advice from other trans young people. In the book they talk a lot about the importance of support from the trans community and they provide exactly this in the book. The friendly, encouraging tone makes it very accessible and although they deal with some difficult issues, the book remains upbeat and optimistic.

The authors make it clear that there is no one way to be trans and that the most important thing is to be free to be who you are. They encourage their readers to seek out accepting and validating friends, the support of the trans community and to practise self care. There is practical advice about things such as how to change your legal name, as well as advice on emotional wellbeing such as hobbies, taking care of your mental health and eating well. The book features some great cartoon strips and illustrations, including some from Sophie Labelle, who creates Assigned Male comics.

I would also recommend this book to older readers who have recently started questioning their gender or realised they are trans; most of the book would be relevant with the exception of a few sections such as those on puberty blockers. It is also a great resource for friends, family and teachers of trans teenagers or trans people of any age. The authors answer a lot of questions expertly and without judgement, so cis friends, family and allies can educate themselves without demanding that their trans friend takes on the task of explaining everything to them. The chapter on dysphoria stood out to me particularly; it was a concept I was familiar with from things I've read and conversations I'd had with friends, but I never realised how awful and debilitating it can be. Finally, there is also an appendix for parents and carers of pre-teen trans kids with advice on how best to support and affirm children who come out as trans at a young age.