Friday Memes: Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky

Book Beginnings is hosted by Rose City Reader and Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice.

Gracefully Grayson by  Ami Polonsky. 243 p. Disney-Hyperion, November, 2014. 9781423185277. 

Publisher synopsis: What if who you are on the outside doesn't match who you are on the inside?

Grayson Sender has been holding onto a secret for what seems like forever: "he" is a girl on the inside, stuck in the wrong gender's body. The weight of this secret is crushing, but sharing it would mean facing ridicule, scorn, rejection, or worse. Despite the risks, Grayson's true self itches to break free. Will new strength from an unexpected friendship and a caring teacher's wisdom be enough to help Grayson step into the spotlight she was born to inhabit?

Debut author Ami Polonsky's moving, beautifully-written novel about identity, self-esteem, and friendship shines with the strength of a young person's spirit and the enduring power of acceptance.

First Line(s): If you draw a triangle with a circle resting on the top point, nobody will be able to tell that it's a girl in a dress. To add hair, draw kind of a semicircle on top. If you do this, you'll be safe, because it looks like you're just doodling shapes. 

Page 56: On Monday morning I sit in Humanities, organizing my notebooks and folders and watching everyone file in. I keep thinking about Grandma Alice's coffin being lowered into the dark hole. I'm looking for Amelia, and finally, just as the bell is about to ring, she walks in with Lila. I wave to her, but she doesn't see me. The two of them are too busy talking and smiling at each other, and, as they come closer, I notice that they're wearing almost identical outfits. 

This book came out last November to decent reviews but not as much press as the recently released, George, which I highlighted in a Friday Memes post here and a review, here. Both books are worthy additions to any school or public library.