This is such an informative graphic novel and it is done SO WELL. It’s funny, it’s hopeful, it’s full of useful information. A great resource for anyone who’s considered binding or who loves someone who does.

Such a great and approachable resource for queer readers! The illustrations were charming and the information was current/diverse.

An important book for all libraries to have. This book is relevant to people who bind (specifically trans and nonbinary people) but it's full of such useful information I feel like everyone should own it.

Breathe by Maia Kobabe and Sarah Peitzmeier is a beautifully put together guide to binding. It covers the physical as well as emotional and social aspects of binding while showcasing different voices from the community. I love the care and tenderness behind this collection. For a community that is so vilified and commented on, trans people prove time and time again how loving and joyous they are in how they treat each other, the wider queer community, and everyone they come into contact with.

Another absolute must-read from Maia Kobabe! This book was very informative, and will be an important resource for teens and adults.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

[ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review]

A great and informative book about binding for teens and maybe also adults who have never had access to something like this before. There is a great mix of information and personal stories in this. I would have loved even more personal stories because hearing from real people about what has and hasn’t worked for them ends up being more informative sometimes than just listing facts and information.

But overall, this is a great resource not just for trans and nonbinary people who would use this to be instructive, but for cis allies to be informed.

Such a great resource for those that want an accessible introduction to safe binding practices. Its full of different perspectives, wonderful graphics, and important information about safe and unsafe binding practices.

such an important book -- should be in every library. the art is perfect, you can't go wrong with maia (gender queer is still the BEST). a great resource for people looking to bind safely, or curious about binding. a lot of great info in here!!!

Breathe is part memoir, part informational text on binding. I think this is an incredibly important topic and text for teens, those with body dysmorphia, those thinking about binding, and those who care for someone who binds. I was surprised that the beginning was a memoir because for some reason I thought it was an entirely informational text but I think this is a great choice because it really sets the stage for us to understand why the author chooses to bind and why others might as well. It also helps us understand the pitfalls of binding, like I could leave it on just a little longer. The author articulately and engagingly describes the experience of binding, the complications, the stereotypes, the thoughts and feelings. Much like Kobabe's other memoir, while I think this is an incredibly important text, I do worry about censorship with this title. I think it is an important and needed addition to any public library. School librarians and classroom teachers with libraries will want to include it in their collection with support from policies and ideally administrators. Best suited for high school and beyond, it is a well-written, thoughtful, and important text for teens.

A very quick read with a lot of helpful info and heart.

Thank you to NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | Dutton Books for Young Readers for providing me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review is of the published version.

"Breathe" by Maia Kobabe and Dr. Sarah Peitzmeier is a profoundly moving graphic memoir that combines personal narrative with expert insights to explore themes of gender identity and mental health. The book’s honest, heartfelt storytelling and engaging illustrations offer both an intimate look at the author’s journey and valuable information on navigating complex issues. Its blend of personal and educational elements makes it an impactful and enlightening read.

Loved this. We are so lucky to be in a world where resources like this exist. Younger me would have been so grateful to have this book and current me is thrilled knowing that the youth of today have access to these kinds of books.

The slim (64-page) volume begins with an explanation about the research and interviews that underpin the stories that follow. While details have been changed, the stories included are personal and realistic, giving the reader insight into how others view their bodies and gender and why they bind.

The second half of the book is “Tips and Tools for Healthy Binding,” including a set of exercises to expand lungs and stretch chest muscles. There are also prompts for self-inspection and reflection, to think about what someone wants from binding and how it makes them feel, as well as ideas about other methods of gender affirmation.

This is the kind of health topic where it really helps being able to see what the individuals are describing, so a graphic novel is a terrific choice. It’s also more approachable. The whole book is colored in shades of ocean blue, an unusual choice, particularly when used for skin tones, but overall calming, with a sense of depth.

Breathe is a straightforward, easy-to-read guide that focuses on practical basics. Those already aware of the topic will find information to back up what they already know, while those new to the idea may find it a life-saver.

I know so many people looking forward to this book. I will absolutely be selling it. More books like this need to exist – so many queer and trans folks need access to exactly this information, and I’m just pleased as punch that it exists.

One of my favorite reads this year! As someone who binds semi-regularly, this is a book I would have loved to have read at the beginning of my journey. I started binding due to cosplay, and I found that I felt more like myself and better in my body when binding. I don't identify as trans or nonbinary exactly, but I definitely experience dysphoria regarding some gendered parts of my body, including my chest.

This book is a perfect introduction to binding. It's short, informative, and includes first-hand personal stories. Most importantly, it talks about ways to bind healthily (NOT with Ace bandages! Don't wear binders for too long! Not all binders are created equal!). I worry that many queer youth may get their first binders from Amazon and purchase one that wasn't created with the wearer's health in mind. I love that the book name checks a few places where readers can buy quality binders (GC2B shoutout!) as part of the information it provides.

An important book to have in all public library teen collections!!!

A great combination of hard facts and the true stories of real trans folks and their experiences with Binding. The stories shared can help both Cis and trans folks understand some of the emotions, thoughts and physical realities that necessitate and stem from binding. As a Cisgender reader, reading the featured stories and the journeys taken by the included folks to reach a place of healthy binding- of understanding how to bind safely and incorporate (or not) safer binding practices into their lives highlighted the reality of this practice. The stories told- and the long-term effects dealt with by the folks written of within the pages- pared with the fantastic resources at the end of the book encourage reflection of trans folks to examine their own binding practices for safety and longevity. Highly Recommended!

This is such an important book, for safety as well as for visibility, and approaches the topic of chest binding with care. Having an approachable resource like this is necessary and I'm so glad this is out there.

Easy 5 stars! super important and gave me so much new knowledge on the topic! the stories were diverse in gender, age and experience with binding and how to safely do so. the end was awesome where it provided tips and tools. Toolbox for gender affirming strategies?! I love that so much. The handouts were amazing, not only will this be helpful for those interested in binding, it is perfect for family member's and those who work closely with those binding to provide support and information. this will be a lifesaving book for many & glad people now have access to it 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🫶🏻

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. More books like these please!

This book was extremely educational and brought up a lot of things many people might not understand in regards to breast binding.

This was such a fantastic read! I loved the visuals, combined with the factual information and the powerful stories shared. this book was extremely educational in a very intesting and amazing way!