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The Passing Playbook by Isaac Fitzsimons is a story that is both uplifting and hard-hitting at the same time. As a fan of any book about sports, I was excited for this one, and I appreciated the way it exposes the transphobia that exists within this realm, and within many others. The main character is also strong, and there are many nuanced discussions of identity throughout the book. This is an important read, and an empathetic one, that I am sure many will enjoy.
Title: The Passing PlaybookAuthor: Isaac Fitzsimons
Publisher: Dial Books
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: June 1, 2021
Rating:
Love, Simon meets Friday Night Lights in this feelgood LGBTQ+ romance about a trans teen torn between standing up for his rights and staying stealth.
'A sharply observant and vividly drawn debut. I loved every minute I spent in this story' - Becky Albertalli
Fifteen-year-old Spencer Harris is a proud nerd, an awesome big brother and a Messi-in-training. He's also transgender. After transitioning at his old school leads to a year of bullying, Spencer gets a fresh start at Oakley, the most liberal private school in Ohio.
At Oakley, Spencer seems to have it all: more accepting classmates, a decent shot at a starting position on the boy's soccer team, great new friends, and maybe even something more than friendship with one of his teammates. The problem is, no one at Oakley knows Spencer is trans - he's passing.
So when a discriminatory law forces Spencer's coach to bench him after he discovers the 'F' on Spencer's birth certificate, Spencer has to make a choice: cheer his team on from the sidelines or publicly fight for his right to play, even if it means coming out to everyone - including the guy he's falling for.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
The Passing Playbook by Isaac Fitzsimons
After being bullied at his old school, Spencer transfers to a private school, where no one knows he’s transgender. He gets recruited for the soccer team, makes some new friends, and everything seems to be going smoothly, but, later on, Spencer’s coach discovers that his birth certificate is marked “female.” Spencer has a decision to make–should he stay silent and remain on the bench, or should he fight for his right to play, even if it means coming out?
❀ Strong Main Character
Spencer is such a strong main character, and I was really rooting for him. I admired the way he isn’t afraid to speak out and stand up for what is right, even though it is difficult, and he inspires others to speak out, as well. He is also a realistic character, and each of his actions feel true to his age–something that is really important to me. I also enjoyed Justice’s character, the captain of the soccer team. He faces his own struggles with being gay in a religious household, but he remains kind, and I loved reading about his relationship with Spencer.
❀ Important themes
This book has some very important themes, and they are each handled with sensitivity. Spencer and Justice are both at different stages in terms of their identity, with the former passing as a cis boy and living with an accepting family, compared to Justice, who needs to conceal his identity to stay safe. This highlights a certain privilege that comes with passing, but more importantly, the book never presents one as more valid than the other. I also appreciated how the story does not focus on educating readers about being trans, but still discusses important issues that trans people continue to face.
❀ A Powerful Story
The Passing Playbook by Isaac Fitzsimons is a powerful story about standing up for what is right. I enjoyed the sports aspects, and the main character is realistic. While this book is not overwhelmingly heavy, I enjoyed the nuanced discussions of identity and the sensitivity with which each character is written. Those looking for a read that is both uplifting and contains more serious themes will enjoy this one.
About Isaac Fitzsimons
Isaac Fitzsimons is a lifetime dabbler in the arts. His background includes performing sketch comedy in college, learning how to play three songs on the banjo, and, of course, writing. He currently lives outside Washington, DC, and does research for an arts advocacy nonprofit in the city.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.
We love books about sports! We’re adding this book to our TBR.
I hope that you guys love it, too! 🙂
This book is right with current headlines! I love that you said it is handled with sensitivity.
Deanna @ A Novel Glimpse recently posted…Review: It Happened One Summer (Tessa Bailey)
It sure is!
It’s weird, I hate sports in real life but I don’t mind them in books. It sounds like a really good read!
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…ARC Review: Neon Gods by Katee Robert
You and me both, Stephanie! lol 😉
I’m glad to hear you liked this one. I do love books about soccer. And Spencer sounds fantastic.
-Lauren
It is a really enjoyable read! 🙂
Oh wow..this sounds really good! Such an important subject that I am so glad is discussed in today’s conversation. Thanks for sharing this book rec!
It is an important read, for sure! 🙂
Wow, what a timely novel!
i’m so excited you enjoyed this one because it’s one of my most anticipated! lovely review! 💘
this sounds very relevant and well-handled