Zenobia July

By: Lisa Bunker

Narrated by: Taylor Meskimen

The critically acclaimed author of Felix Yz crafts a bold, heartfelt story about a trans girl solving a cyber mystery and coming into her own.

Zenobia July is starting a new life. She used to live in Arizona with her father; now she's in Maine with her aunts. She used to spend most of her time behind a computer screen, improving her impressive coding and hacking skills; now she's coming out of her shell and discovering a community of friends at Monarch Middle School. People used to tell her she was a boy; now she's able to live openly as the girl she always knew she was.

When someone anonymously posts hateful memes on her school's website, Zenobia knows she's the one with the abilities to solve the mystery, all while wrestling with the challenges of a new school, a new family, and coming to grips with presenting her true gender for the first time. Timely and touching, Zenobia July is, at its heart, a story about finding home.

Critic reviews

★ “Bunker’s portrayal of a trans middle school student grappling with typical tween insecurities while being supported by her family and friends is a welcome and much-needed addition to a limited middle grade canon.” — School Library Journal, starred review

“Will be sure to intrigue and entertain young readers from all walks of life.” — Booklist

“A fun read that manages to feel solidly traditional while breaking new ground.” — Kirkus Reviews

amaz-ing

that was one if the best books iv read in my years of reading book

Superb, tender story

I really loved this timely book about a transgender middle school girl, who’s fragile, frightened and easily upset, as kids are. But her inner toughness to be who she is, and the help of her supportive family and friends help her cope. The characters are vividly drawn; the listener feels a strong connection to all of them. This book is aimed at tweens, I guess, but adults will love it, and be changed by it as well. The narration is spot on as well.

superlative

this is the the only trans book ive been able to read without anzietty and plenty of tears before giving up.
zenobia and Arli seem real sorta.
Ive lost everybody from my past life save two and my mother just died. so its down to my daughter. Transitioning is a hard hard choice with real and tragic consequences, believe me I know. the lastv11 yrs have been the hardest. But lisa Bunker wrote a book that gives me hope and Hope my friends is everything in the dark of night. so dont give up