I really enjoyed taking a trip down memory lane with Lewis; revisiting MySpace, MSN, CD Walkmans, quadvods and Tammy Girl (I used to love that shop!). But Hancox's graphic novel is not just about his own story of growing up and becoming who he was always meant to be, it's also a lifeline for younger readers who may feel confused about their own identities, or who are sure of their identities but feel unsure of where to get support. This book is awesome, easy to read, sweet and sad and even funny at times. I loved following Lewis' journey and highly recommend this book.

Thank goodness Lewis confided in his art teacher and was able to find the information he needed to recognise that there wasn't anything abnormal about how he felt, and that there were support options available for him. Thank you to Scholastic for sending me a copy of 𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗧 𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗟 by Lewis Hancox - a fantastic graphic novel that is due for release on June 2nd 🏳️‍⚧️As someone who is cisgender and never thought twice about being in the wrong body or not identifying with my gender assigned at birth, reading books like this has helped me understand what it's like to be a transgender person. It has helped me more fully accept and understand the people in my life who are. The third volume in the poignant and sweet Heartstopper series, featuring beautiful two-color artwork!

Not all trans or LGBTQIA+ kids have support from their biological family, but families come in all shapes and sizes, whether biological or chosen. One of two gender books is titled Welcome to St Hell: My Trans Teen Misadventure, by Lewis Hancox, a memoir of a girl transitioning to a boy, narrated through illustrations. ‘My imaginary willy’I selected this on a whim and so I went in with no expectations. I feel that it was very good. I like the parts where the adult author would converse with those around them who remember what they were like as a teen.

Even if you don't plan to do the challenge, it's fun to look at their suggestions.... though I'm baffled by number 11. Why anyone would want or even think of reading a cookbook cover to cover is beyond me. As you might be able to guess by the cover, he inserts current-Lewis into a candid narrative about his teen life, including his coming out process, and realizing he was trans. We are heartbroken to think of teenage girls, whether lesbian or straight, having self-harm and body hatred promoted to them in the name of inclusion,” she added. This book is easy to read even though it's about the author's conflicted childhood. He had a supportive, if not perfect, family, and at least two very close female friends. But his life, especially the teen years, were full of inner discomfort about his gender. He tried to be a tomboy sometimes and to be just a girl other times. Neither of those worked, as he is a guy.

The support shown him by his parents and grandparents is very touching and affirming to witness. Overall the book has a cheery, optimistic tone. Hancox is very generous and empathetic as he details his friends and family's journeys to getting on board with his being trans. Waterstones has announced its 2023 Children’s Book Prize shortlists, including works by Angharad Walker and Lee Newbery.