f2m: The Boy Within

School-leaver Skye plays guitar in her all-female Chronic Cramps band. Making her name in the competitive punk/indie scene is easier than FTM (female to male) transitioning: from Skye to Finn, from girl to man. Uncovering genetic mysteries about family heritage tear the family apart. Trans gender identity is more than injections and surgery, it’s about acceptance. Going public, Finn sings FTM lyrics on TV. With a little help from bemused mates and family who don’t want to lose a daughter, but who love their teenager, Finn is transitioning.

f2m has appeal to teen readers (both boys and girls) through its:

* Compassionate, candid and funny 'coming of age' via punk music and family history genetic clues
* Accessible facts in story format on a little-understood medical situation. FTM means female to male. MTF means male to female
* International first; female to male gender transition discussed in YA fiction
* NOT autobiographical, but co-writer Ryan has experienced the medical sequence of gender reassignment from female to male, which is less common than MTF
* Insight into genetic inheritances.
* Song lyrics inserts and other teen friendly formatting such as e-mails, chat group advice etc
* Hazel has known 34-year-old Ryan since he was an 11-year-old girl. This is Ryan’s first book and Hazel’s 200th.