Parrotfish

Wittlinger, Ellen. Parrotfish. ISBN-10 1416916229, ISBN-13 978416916222. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. 2007.

Summary
Angela Katz-McNair has just cut her hair, bought boys clothes and changed her name to Grady. The change to Grady—a guy—seemed very natural and comfortable to him, but Grady is now facing the criticism from his mom, his sister and his best friend. His solace in this world of critics comes from unlikely friends in the form of Sebastian who explains that this transgender change is normal especially in the parrotfish, Kita who might be Grady's first love, and his Dad who just keeps on loving him.

Critical Evaluation
Adolescence is a time for change. But deciding to change genders is less common, but in Parrotfish readers see Angela/Grady's feelings on his change. Readers may not be prepared for the idea of teens making a transgender decision, but will feel for Grady as he boldly defends himself for wanting to be more comfortable in his own skin.

Reader's Annotation
Angela has cut her hair, begun wearing boys' clothes and changed her name to Grady. He's ready for the change, but isn't prepared for other's reaction to him.

About the Author
Ellen Wittlinger was born in Illinois in 1948, and has lived and studied on both coasts as well as in the middle. With a Masters in Fine Arts from Iowa and two fellowship years in the Provincetown Fine Arts Work Center, Wittlinger has produced a book of poetry (Breakers, 1979) and been a playwright, a newspaper write and a children's librarian.

It was as a children's librarian, that Wittlinger started reading young adult books. And after reading them, she thought she could write them too. Her first novel, Lombardo's Law was published in 1993, and she's still writing with her fourteenth book being published in 2010.

Genre
GLBTQ
Friendship

Curriculum Ties
n/a

Booktalking Ideas
How would you respond to your friend if they decided they'd be happier with themselves if they were the opposite sex…

Awards
American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults

Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 15-19

Why I included this title...
I wouldn't have chosen this title myself, but am very glad to have read it as a requirement for this class.