Strong, supportive women accept these teens as they are, while their fathers struggle mightily. Gephart sympathetically contrasts the physical awkwardness, uncertainty, and longings of these two outsiders during a few tightly-plotted months, building to a crescendo of revelation. Their friendship develops slowly as Dunkin, desperate for acceptance, gets swept up by an intolerant basketball-playing crowd. Meanwhile, mercurial newcomer Norbert hates his name but loves the nickname Lily gives him, Dunkin, which alludes to his favorite haunt and keeps deep secrets, even from himself. Determined, gentle, and self-aware Tim was 'born with boy parts' but identifies as a girl, preferring the name Lily already 'out' to her family and best friend Dare, Lily is both excited and terrified about reactions to a more public transformation. With humor and great sensitivity, Gephart (Death by Toilet Paper) juxtaposes the efforts of two eighth-graders one struggling with gender dysphoria, one with mental illness to establish new identities for themselves. One summer morning, Lily Jo McGrother meets Dunkin Dorfman, and their lives forever change. This would be hard enough, but the fact that he is also hiding from a painful secret makes it even worse. Especially when you’re in the eighth grade.ĭunkin Dorfman, birth name Norbert Dorfman, is dealing with bipolar disorder and has just moved from the New Jersey town he’s called home for the past thirteen years. But being a girl is not so easy when you look like a boy. Lily Jo McGrother, born Timothy McGrother, is a girl. Their powerful journey, perfect for fans of Wonder, will shred your heart, then stitch it back together with kindness, humor, bravery, and love.

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST KIDS BOOKS OF THE YEAR by NPR įor readers who enjoyed Wonder and Counting by 7's, award-winning author Donna Gephart crafts a compelling story about two remarkable young people: Lily, a transgender girl, and Dunkin, a boy dealing with bipolar disorder.

Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart