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Between Perfect and Real

By Ray Stoeve
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3.97 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 2,875 ratings, 632 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Between Perfect and Real by Ray Stoeve is a touching tale that navigates the journey of Dean Foster, a high school student who plays a female lead in the school play while grappling with his gender identity. As Dean comes to terms with being transgender, the story explores themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the courage it takes to live authentically. The narrative is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, making it a compelling read for children and adults alike.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$1799
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate stories about self-discovery and identity, especially those featuring LGBTQ themes. It beautifully explores the journey of a trans boy navigating high school life, including challenges both personal and societal. This touching narrative brings authenticity and insight, making it resonate with anyone interested in diverse and inclusive young adult literature.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Between Perfect and Real

After being cast as Romeo in the school play, Dean realizes he wants everyone to see him as he really is, a male, and not just play one on the stage, despite the risk of losing everything.

A moving YA debut about a trans boy finding his voice-and himself

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Dean Foster knows he's a trans guy. He's watched enough YouTube videos and done enough questioning to be sure. But everyone at his high school thinks he's a lesbian—including his girlfriend, Zoe, and his theatre director, who just cast him as a "nontraditional" Romeo.

He wonders if maybe it would be easier to wait until college to come out. But as he plays Romeo every day in rehearsals, Dean realises he wants everyone to see him as he really is now—not just on the stage, but everywhere in his life.

Dean knows what he needs to do. Can playing a role help Dean be his true self?

Between Perfect and Real by Ray Stoeve explores the journey of self-discovery and the courage it takes to live authentically.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Ray Stoeve's Between Perfect and Real has been praised for its heartfelt depiction of a trans teenager's journey. It's described as both powerful and comforting, offering guidance, hope, and support for trans and nonbinary young readers. Reviewers highlight its authentic portrayal of friendship, community, and the high school theatre experience, addressing identity complexities and the courage involved in self-discovery. The narrative is noted for its honest, emotional exploration of coming out, resonating as a vital read for those exploring their gender identity.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781419746024

Publisher: Abrams

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 31 March 2022

Country: United States

Imprint: Amulet Paperbacks

Audience: Teenage

DIMENSIONS

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 210.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 320

Collections

Children's Books Children's Fiction Children’s, Teenage and Educational LGBTQ+ Romance Ray Stoeve Young Adult

About the Author

Ray Stoeve is the author of the young adult novel Between Perfect and Real, which was a 2021 Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. They also contributed to the young adult anthology Take The Mic: Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance. They received a 2016–2017 Made at Hugo House Fellowship and created the YA/MG Trans and Nonbinary Voices Masterlist, a database that tracks all books in those age categories written by trans authors about trans characters. When they’re not writing, they can be found gardening, making art in other mediums, or hiking their beloved Pacific Northwest.

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