This is an informative non-fiction comic/graphic novel and was a delightful quick read. It is full of personal accounts of what it means to be trans-masculine and to use binders as tools to achieve gender euphoria. While the initial data comes from a small sample of queers, this is presented less as a scientific write-up and more as a glimpse into the daily lives of the variety of people presented.

For a non-binary person like myself, it is not only informative but it is also inspiring. I enjoyed how many different body types were included, and that the authors left much of the verbiage as if the person telling the story was speaking normally. I received this as a digital advanced reader copy and cannot wait to see what it looks like all colored in and fully edited.

4.5 stars overall. A delightful, quick read. I significantly enjoyed the message from this short, informative graphic novel. I felt that very important, validating information was conveyed in a safe way for people of all ages to engage with and understand.

Breathe is an informational, creative non-fiction graphic novel based on academic research. The study, and the novel, focus on the practices of individuals who use a binder as a method of gender affirmation and expression. The majority of individuals who use binders are transmasculine folks, though there is representation across all body types, gender identities, and ages. Breathe discusses common approaches to binding, then proceeds to highlight the risks associated with certain practices and the safety steps that should be taken to alleviate those risks.

As this is an early version, there were a few grammatical errors throughout that will be fixed before the actual release. Additionally, I am excited to see what color can add to the graphics. The art is already beautiful and expressive, so I look forward to seeing this be taken to the next level as the graphics are finalized.

I learned a lot, I felt seen and validated as a non-binary person who sometimes binds, and I feel that I could share this as a resource across different social groups, age groups, and identities.

This is a great work for those who want to get familiar with binding. We see the stories of several queer people, of different genders and ages, about how they came to binding. The story of C touched me deeply because of how relatable it was to me.
I believe we need to talk more often about how to use binding safely and how being trans doesn't always mean being in pain.
I especially liked the tips on how to relieve/reduce or even avoid pain in various parts of the body. And the questions at the end made me think for a while

This was such a beautiful and personal graphic novel, with some really important info for queers and questioning folks all around. So looking forward to the fully illustrated version once it comes out.

I thought this was a great way to introduce binding to those who are looking to use binding to help with their gender expression. From the stories that were shared, it is clear that this is a needed resource to help prevent injury and harm from improper binding. I am a firm believer that being able to see yourself and struggles in books is vital and Breathe does such a good job of sharing so many different stories.

Having this book in graphic novel form also makes this incredibly approachable, which is important.

A lovely, digestible for Queer people of all ages in how to take the proper measures when it comes to Chest Binding. We see 5 stories of different queer people and their journeys when it comes to healthy binding. I loved the self reflection portion in the end that invites the reader to write about their own journey, as well as checking their emotions while binding.

This was perfect.

As a non-binary person I was so happy to receive this arc. I’ve spent a lot of time researching healthy ways to bind so seeing this book made me so happy.

I really enjoyed getting different perspectives from other trans individuals who do bind. I think it’s important to talk about ways that we can bind in a healthy way and the damage that can be done if we bind improperly (ie. with ace badages). It touches on a lot of really important measures to make sure you are keeping your body/lungs healthy while binding and the importance of taking breaks.

I also adored the illustrations, it makes the book feel more approachable especially with such an important topic.

Thank you to Penguin Teen for the gifted eARC

I was super happy to get this arc, I have heard of binding from someone from my old job and never knew all what went into it. Then this book gives some many different perspectives of people from all different walks of life and even different ages. The illustrations were a nice touch as well. It is such great information because you want someone to be who they are but also doing it safely. If my daughter grows up and wants to do it, I would rather her come to me so we can get her the best rather then doing it behind my back and causing harm to herself. Thank you so much for this eye opening book.

**Thank you to Penguin Teen for the ARC of this title. This in no way affected my review of this**

I was mostly interested in this title from a librarian perspective. This is a timely topic and one of interest to the general community. I am not trans or nonbinary, so I've never felt a need to bind, but I understood that some people did to feel like their most authentic self and to feel better in their bodies. I had never really stopped to think about the side effects beyond knowing ACE bandages were a bad idea. This graphic novel is short but very informative, giving exercises to help prevent some of the side effects and tips (ex. take a break at least one day a week or wear a sports bra during exercise so you can breathe properly while playing). I think this will be a helpful resource for the community and the art is well done.