Girlmode

Starred review from July 22, 2024
Phoebe Zito—a geeky white transgender girl with no friends, a neglectful mother, and a father who’s trying his best (“My dad’s a good guy”)—has just moved to L.A. for a “fresh start.” At her new school, she befriends fellow geek Ben Wheelock, portrayed with pale skin and brown hair, but is soon swept up by a
popular crew led by Japanese American Mackenzie Ishikawa, who shows Phoebe “how to be a girl.” But even as her social life expands, Phoebe’s romantic endeavors are fraught with transmisogyny, homophobia, and classic toxic bro behavior. And when it seems that Mackenzie is trying
to turn Phoebe into someone she’s not, Phoebe feels like she’s back at square one trying to figure out who she is in a world that seems against her. Organic dialogue by Visaggio (The Ojja-Wojja) and poppy animated art by Ganucheau (Lemon Bird) combine for a must-read that portrays
one teenage girl’s struggles to find—and stand up for—herself. An emphasis on
the various forms transmisogyny can take is balanced by depictions of young people making amends for their actions. Ages 14–up.

Starred review from September 1, 2024
New girl Phoebe Zito finds herself torn between cliques, boys, and different ways to be a girl. Phoebe, a transgender 16-year-old, has just moved to California from the East Coast. She initially befriends nerdy outcast Ben Wheelock, but soon queen bee Mackenzie Ishikawa notices Phoebe and takes her on as a friend--and a project, partly out of her (subconsciously transphobic) desire to teach her how to be a girl. (Fans of the 1995 version ofClueless will instantly recognize the inspiration--starting with the book's cover.) In addition to a makeover, Mackenzie offers an introduction to feminism that provides information that many readers need to hear. Phoebe starts dating, but heartthrob Ethan Rackley is a stickler for gender roles, while nice guy Ben seems a little too into her transness. Meanwhile, Mackenzie is cast as Audrey inLittle Shop of Horrors and comes to relate to the character's struggle to survive. Despite some ups and downs, Mackenzie and Phoebe slowly learn how to be real friends to each other, come of age as young women, and deal with largely the same hurdles through the lenses of their cis and trans identities and experiences. This exploration of young womanhood will ring true to many who currently are or have been teen girls. The cute and colorful art features appealing character designs. Phoebe and Ben present white, Mackenzie is cued Japanese American, and Ethan reads Black. A positive and insightfully honest exploration of teen girlhood.(Graphic fiction. 13-18)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

October 15, 2024
Grades 9-12 Girlmode introduces Phoebe, who has moved across the country and in with her dad to get a fresh start at a new school. Her hope to go unnoticed is foiled when she realizes everyone knows she's ""the new trans kid."" Soon she's torn between the nerdy Ben, who shares her interests in sf and card games, and Mackenzie, the most popular girl in school who's determined to makeover Phoebe and show her how to win at being a girl. But appearances aren't all they seem: mean girls and hot guys can be incredibly insecure, while the loudest supporters may have ulterior motives. Every scene is gorgeously drawn with bright, poppy color depicting teens enjoying sunny California. Phoebe's evolving style is a constant indicator of her mood, confidence, and attitude toward others. Meanwhile, Phoebe struggles with navigating parties, dating, surfing, and a frustratingly absent mother, and soon she's overwhelmed by everyone's expectations. Readers will root for her to find her own voice and control her story. An earnest and honest journey through one girl's most eventful school year.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from November 1, 2024

Gr 8 Up-Phoebe's entry into her new high school and her new public identity as an out transgender girl bring with them social and romantic bumps. Along with her divorced and supportive father, Phoebe makes the move to California so she can take on high school on her own terms-and her dad would like Phoebe's absent movie star mom to at least take some interest in their child, even if it's unlikely. While Phoebe begins the school year worried about being accepted by her peers as a recently transitioned girl, what she winds up having to battle is her classmates and would-be friends wanting to turn her into the girl they each want her to be. This spot-on story adeptly captures the struggle of finding one's own identity while constantly being told by others what that identity should look and act like, whether one is cis or transgender. Visaggio's characters ring true to life with a wide range of personalities: boys with open and secret agendas, girls with values Phoebe has yet to embrace, and ever-evolving Phoebe herself. Ganucheau's artwork brings the world to life, particularly with Phoebe, who practically walks off the brightly colored panels with authenticity. VERDICT A standout graphic novel that belongs in every collection for artful storytelling, beautifully expressive imagery, and a heroine who is admirable and fully human.-Francisca Goldsmith

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