Parrotfish by Ellen Wittlinger

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41nDPbJeBxL._SX330_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

Bibliographic Information:

Parrotfish by Ellen Wittlinger

ISBN: 978-1-4424-0621-6

2007 Simon and Schuster New York, NY

Plot Summary:

This novel follows teen Grady as he comes out as trans and leaves his life as Angela behind. His family and friends struggle with the adjustment and Grady gains new friends, Sebastian and Kita, who help him transition to a new life in his male identity.

Grady’s family is hugely involved in decorating their house for Christmas and his coming out coincides with the time of year that they all celebrate. As the family gathers, Grady’s mom struggles and becomes ill. 

Grady’s friend Eve eventually comes around and rekindles their friendship. Even attending the school dance in a group together.

When things balance out, Grady finds his life richer. He may even have found his first love.

Critical Evaluation:

Parrotfish is an emotional first person telling of a teen’s experience coming out as trans. The story shows how isolating the transition can be, as well as how freeing it is to recognize what you feel in front of others.

The feeling of isolation is common among teens and a common theme in Young Adult literature. The uniqueness of Grady’s situation of coming out as a trans male is just a new aspect of the isolation theme.

Grady narrates the story from inside his head. He concocts dialogues throughout in his imagination and the dialogues that he imagines always belittle his experience.

Whether the dialogue Grady imagines is close to reality or not, they show how he feels. No one really cares how Grady feels, he thinks. No one can relate to his feelings. He is alone.

This novel also delves into the theme of unconditional acceptance in family. Grady has gone from being a beloved daughter, to the lesbian daughter, to the transgendered son, yet his family remains. Their traditions continue and Grady is welcome in them.

Reader’s Annotation:

Grady used to be Angela. He's not anymore.

Author Information:

Ellen Wittlinger is a Printz Honor Award and Lambda Literary Award winning author. Ellen studied art at Millikin University and received her MFA from the Iowa Writer’s Workshop at the University of Iowa. She currently lives in Massachusetts.

Genre(s):

LGBTQ, Realistic Fiction

Curriculum Ties:

Sexuality

Booktalk Ideas: This book ties in with an ongoing theme of sexuality and identity.

Reading level: Grade 6+

Interest age: 12+

Challenge Issues: 

Challenge issues surround topics of sexuality and transgender issues. Challenge Defense File

Why I chose this book:

This book is critically acclaimed and shows a portrait of transgender lives. Ellen Wittlinger has won Printz Honors for her writing, so the ALA recognizes her prowess in writing for young adults.