Gracefully Grayson is such an amazing debut novel. I read A World Made of Glass by Ami Polonsky first and I highly recommend that book as well. She is definitely an auto-read author for me now. So let's get into this one. 

Grayson was adopted by his aunt and uncle when his parents died in a car crash when he was 4. He's never really felt at home in his body or with his cousins, but his aunt and uncle are caring and kind. Lately, Grayson has been feeling lonely in the sixth grade and when he sees a sign for play try outs, he decides to give it a go. After reading through the script, Grayson tries out for a female character. 

This story follows what happens to Grayson and what happens behind the scenes at school when a kid challenges the gender norms that the adults all hold dear. Without giving too much away, I want to say that I loved how supportive his uncle is, the nuance that the author shows with his aunt's reluctance, and the portrayal of a teacher just trying to do their best but being held to unfair standards by hateful parents. And throughout all of that, Polonsky tells us the tender story of a boy who wants to wear dresses and isn't sure what that means. 

By the end of the novel, there is tremendous and beautiful character growth for Grayson and for a few of the supporting characters as well. This is a story that I want to own for when my son is a bit older. It's clear that he is very cis, and I know this book will help him see what it's like for kids who don't feel that way and will be a conversation starter for building empathy. Sometimes a beautiful book is more than just that, sometimes it is also a force for empathy and greater good. Gracefully Grayson is one of those special books.