August is a trans boy who ran away from home to live with his aunt in NYC. The whole thing reads a little too convenient, but August does bring that up. He mentions that the only reason he was able to be his authentic self is because he had somewhere to go, which is (heartbreakingly) not the reality for many trans youth. There are some great conversations about transition, representation, and telling the truth instead of playing the stereotype.


I received an ARC from NetGalley.

I love Tobly McSmith and I was looking forward to another book filled with humor and love, and Act Cool definitely delivered! Such a fun story that fans of McSmith's first book will love!

This is an eyeopening book that I enjoyed reading. It was also educational as I learned more about the transgenders community.

August has been a professional actor for most of his sixteen years-- just not on the stage. Every day, he plays the role of a girl for his conservative parents. When he finds a brochure about conversion therapy in the mail, August knows he needs to make an exit, and finds a way to New York through his Aunt Lil and a prestigious performing arts high school. There's just one rule: his parents can't find out he's socially transitioning in the city. Act Cool is a tough but ultimately uplifting tale of trans resilience, showing readers a world beyond the confines of bigotry and redefining what makes a true family.