Thursday, October 22, 2020

Were I Not a Girl by Lisa Robinson and Lauren Simkin Berke - OPTIONAL

Were I Not a Girl: The Inspiring and True Story of Dr. James Barry by Lisa Robinson, illustrated by Lauren Simkin Berke
. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Schwartz & Wade (Random House), 2020. $18. 9781984849052 


BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Until she was about 16, Margaret lived a fairly typical life of a middle class Irish girl in the 1700’s. At some point she decides she will take control of her life and is reborn as James Barry. James obtains a medical degree and joins the army. James kept his secret for about 50 years – living as a man until she died. 

 There have been books before about women who disguised themselves as men to fight in wars and such. This is the first book that frames that disguise as an expression of a transgender person. It done very well, most of the discussion of transgender coming in the back matter. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

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