Davis,
Tanita S. 2012. HAPPY FAMILIES. New York, NY: Random House, Inc. ISBN
9780375869662 [Suggested Grade Levels 7-12]
REVIEW
Trangender individuals are often forgotten in discussions of
LGBT issues. Happy Families is the story of a daughter and son coming to grips
with a transgender father. Davis
approaches this hot button topic in a classroom friendly manner.
Ysabel and Justin are twins in their sophomore year of high
school. At the beginning of the story
Justin is thriving academically, and Ysabel’s art is getting a great deal of
attention. This all quickly dissolves
when their father chooses to come out as transgender.
Chapter narration alternates between Justin and Ysabel. Each twin handles the feelings of betrayal,
anger, confusion, then eventually understanding, and forgiveness
differently. Davis carefully navigates
through the difficult issues presented in the book with tenderness.
There is no judgment as the twins express their
understandable emotions. Then when they
come to accept and appreciate their father’s new life, it feels natural without
being overly didactic. Many teenagers
seek literature that explores such issues, but this novel works just as well
for those who seek an engaging story about family dynamics.
CONNECTIONS
LGBT issues are in the forefront of our media and political
discussions. Teens should have the
opportunity to find such issues relatable.
LGBT literature provides that opportunity and can lead the way to
thoughtful and respectful discussions.
RELATED
BOOKS
Other books about transgender and LGBT issues:
Wittlinger, Ellen. PARROTFISH.
Woodson, Jacqueline.
FROM THE NOTEBOOKS OF MELANIN SUN.
By
Emily Fultz
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