Publication Date: September 2, 2025
Rating:
Goodreads Synopsis:
For fans of Kacen Callender, Lin Thompson, and Kyle Lukoff, comes a middle grade novel set in 1973 about a child who feels more boy than girl and is frustrated that people act blind to that when—aside for her stupid hair and clothes—it should be obvious!Shy fourth grader Jess Jezowski turns the tables on her mom when she’s given yet another girly baby doll for Christmas. This time, instead of ignoring or destroying it, she transforms it into the boy she’s always wanted to be—a brave, funny little guy named Mickey. Making him talk, Jess finally lets the boy in her express himself.But when Mickey evolves to become something more like an alter ego whose voice drowns out her own and the secret of him escapes the safety of her family, Jess realizes Mickey’s too limited and doesn’t allow the boy part of her a big enough presence in the world. She must find a way to blend him into her—so she can be that side of herself anywhere, around anyone.Jess tries to wean herself from the crutch of Mickey’s loud, comical persona, and to get her family to forget about him, but she struggles to do both. What will it take for her to stop hiding behind Mickey and get people to see her for who she truly is? Based on the author’s experience growing up on Michigan’s rural Leelanau Peninsula in the ’70s, North of Tomboy includes artwork throughout.
Review:
North of Tomboy is a moving coming-of-age story about nine-year-old Jess, a child growing up in the 1970s who feels out of place in the body and role others expect of her. Gender norms were especially rigid during that time, and Jess struggles to express her frustration at being forced to dress and act “like a girl” without having the words to explain her feelings to her parents.
When she receives yet another doll for Christmas, Jess transforms it into a boy named Mickey and becomes her bold, funny alter ego who finally allows her to express the part of herself that feels most true. Through Mickey, she gains a sense of voice and agency, even as she struggles with how to bring that self into the world openly.
This book is contemporary middle grade, though the 1970s setting underscores just how difficult it was to exist outside traditional expectations. It can be a challenging and sometimes frustrating read, as Jess cannot fully articulate who she is, and the family dynamics may be difficult or even triggering for some readers. Still, the story is impactful and meaningful, showing the power of self-expression and the complicated journey of identity.
Overall, North of Tomboy is a thoughtful and emotional exploration of what it means to grow up feeling different, taking the old idea of “tomboy” and revealing the deeper truths behind it. Young readers who connect with stories of identity, resilience, and self-discovery will likely find it powerful and validating.
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