Hi everyone, this week’s review post is quite special to me. It’s a book that I found quite recently and one I didn’t expect to have an impact on me until I finished it. LGBTQI themes are more prevalent now in MG fiction and this one is a shining example of an exemplary title that touches on a myriad of such issues. Shall we delve further and find out more…
Title: Ana on the edge
Author: A.J. Sass
Genre: Fiction – contemporary
Publication details: Little, Brown & Co; NY, 2020
ISBN: 9780316458610 (Hardcover)
What this book is about: Twelve-year-old Ana-Marie Jin, the reigning US Juvenile figure skating champion, is not a frilly dress kind of kid. When Ana learns of the princess themed program for the next season, doubt forms fast but Ana focuses on training and putting together a stellar routine worthy of national success. However, Ana meets Hayden, a transgender boy new to the rink, and thoughts about the princess program and gender identity begin to take center stage. When Hayden mistakes Ana for a boy, Ana doesn’t correct him. She finds comfort in this boyish identity when he’s around. With a major competition practically around the corner, the tweens find their friendship developing. Ana needs to decide whether telling everyone the truth is worth risking years of hard work and sacrifice.
My review: An engaging and captivating story of self-discovery, friendship and ice skating. I loved, loved the characters of Ana, her BFF Tamar, Hayden and even the adults!! Although the descriptions of the figure skating references were quite technical, I enjoyed learning them. Years of watching ice skating finally paid off and I found I could imagine it in my head!! The main element I found fascinating was how Sass tackled Ana’s emotions and confusion on her identity as ‘non-binary’. I loved how the realisation or Ana’s discovery of her true identity intertwined with the storyline of the skating competitions. A really well crafted read with an awesome representation of diverse characters and inclusion of LGBTQI themes and issues!! Good for all ages!!
My rating: 5 ⭐
Miss Mahee's Library of Reads 