Lucy, Uncensored

Gr 10 Up–Sisters Mel and Teghan Hammond offer a relevant, page-turning novel with authentic representation of navigating life as a transgender teen. High school senior Lucy has been on HRT for two years, presenting as Lucy publicly for one year. She is excited to apply for her local university’s drama program not only because of her passion for theater but also for a new start where no one knows her deadname. When Lucy realizes the local university might not be enough of an escape, she looks up LGBTQIA+ friendly colleges only to find the name of a women’s college with no evidence they have accepted a transgender woman. This novel portrays an honest depiction of Lucy’s anxiety and difficulties she faces around her transition while providing great joy and levity through her relationship with her best friend Callie and the adventure of a road trip. The plot offers many examples of feelings and situations cisgender folks may not realize are difficult: changing one’s license, not having bathroom access, censorship, and deciding when to disclose one’s identity while dating. Other characters in the book are bisexual, gay, nonbinary, and transgender. Characters drink alcohol at college parties and smoke marijuana.