Gephart, D. (2016). Lily and Dunkin. New York, NY: Random House.
Summary
Timothy McGrother and Norbert Dorfman are getting ready to start the 8th grade. Tough for any child. Nortbert just moved to the town so he will be new. And Timothy plans to show up as Lily so in essence she will be a new student as well. Timothy or Lily is transgender and Norbet has bipolor. Both of which is going to make it hard to get through middle school But is the catalyst for them to become friends. Both characters are outcasts and begin to go through life together as friends.But things change with Dunkin becomes part of the basketball team and gets accepted into a new social group that Lily isn't. Their friendship eventually brings them back together and they understand that acceptance starts with them.
Commentary
One controversial topic in a book for teen readers is normal. But two? That is rare. This book has a transgener character and another one who is bipolar. Both of these issues are hot in our society right now. There is debate on gender conformity and how others must come to terms with it and society's role in helping with mental illness. The books takes an honest look at how these characters begin their journey as the "go public" with their issues. It not only effects them, their family must come to terms with what is happening to them. Some members are supportive and others are slow to accept it. Students in middle and high school should not be shielded from these topics. Books like this are needed in circulation readers can understand people who have have similar issues. They must see that they are normal people who deserve to be respected. Lily and Dunkin is a book that can lead the way to conversation so that could happen.
Connections
Interview with Donna Gephart
Connections to the text
YA realistic fiction to should be true to issues affection our youth today. And in 2017, gender identify is relevant. More and more children are identifying with a sex other than the one they were assigned at birth. Their voice deserves to be heard as well as any other minority.
Mental illness is also a topic that is afflicting children more and more. Book are written to help certain populations feel less alone in the world. Dunkin's story would help those living with bipolar disorder.
Interview with Donna Gephart
Connections to the text
YA realistic fiction to should be true to issues affection our youth today. And in 2017, gender identify is relevant. More and more children are identifying with a sex other than the one they were assigned at birth. Their voice deserves to be heard as well as any other minority.
Mental illness is also a topic that is afflicting children more and more. Book are written to help certain populations feel less alone in the world. Dunkin's story would help those living with bipolar disorder.
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