Man o' War
Readers rate it 4.8 (6 on Hardcover)
337 pages · Released May 31, 2022 · Penguin
Content report card
Man o' War parent’s guide: what’s inside
Violence
What it offers
Educational value
A note for parents
Man o' War is a thoughtfully written coming-of-age novel centering a trans Arab American teen's journey of self-discovery, transition, and first love. The book is emotionally honest about depression, isolation, and identity struggles, with affirming portrayals of queer community and family acceptance. While there is some coarse language, references to sexual activity, and depictions of emotional pain, the overall tone is hopeful and the narrative rewards authenticity, resilience, and self-compassion. This is a YA title best suited for mid-to-older teens ready to engage with mature themes of identity and mental health.
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From the publisher
A Stonewall Honor Book An achingly honest and frequently hilarious coming-of-age novel about an Arab American trans teen fighting to keep their head above water in a landlocked Midwestern town. Man o' wars are not jellyfish, and River McIntyre is not happy. River doesn't know why they're unhappy—though perhaps it has s... A Stonewall Honor Book An achingly honest and frequently hilarious coming-of-age novel about an Arab American trans teen fighting to keep their head above water in a landlocked Midwestern town. Man o' wars are not jellyfish, and River McIntyre is not happy. River doesn't know why they're unhappy—though perhaps it has something to do with the way they relate more to captive marine life at the local aquarium than to the people around them. That is, until they have a run-in with Indigo "Indy" Waits on the annual class field trip. Face-to-face with an affirmed queer person, River leaps out of the closet and into the shark tank. Literally. What follows is a wrenching journey of self-discovery that spans years and winds through layers of coming out, transition, and top surgery, promising a free life for River with so much more than happiness: A life that's full of trans joy and true love. “River is the most emotionally engaging character I've read in a long time, and this novel is a deep and comprehensive exploration of the journey transgender people trek through the confining world they're born into. Eye-opening, heartfelt, and real—with a massive payoff of true love.” —A.S. King, author of Dig, winner of the Michael L. Printz Award
Shelved under
- Young Adult Fiction
- Young Adult
- LGBTQ
- Stonewall Book Awards
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ISBN 9780593353707 · Penguin