Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Who Am I Today?

Everyone asks that question at some point, but for some book characters, it's a more pressing concern. We've collected here books for teens about gender swapping and body switching—your life may feel simple by comparison.


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Cover art for GENDER BLENDER
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 28, 2006

"As is traditional in body-switching stories, Tom and Emma's incredible experience allows them to become friends again, a cheerful ending to a message-driven but enjoyable read. (Fiction. 10-13)"
A trampoline collision and a magic arrowhead cause sixth-graders Tom Witherspoon and Emma Baker to switch bodies for four long days in which they discover and learn to sympathize with gender differences. Read full book review >
Cover art for AIRHEAD
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2008

"Although it relies on a somewhat far-fetched premise, the text's abundant references to current pop culture and Em's witty character keep this read both grounded and fun. (Fiction. YA)"
Unlike her starry-eyed sister, down-to-earth Em Watts isn't thrilled to be at Stark Megastore's star-studded opening, especially since her best friend and secret crush, Christopher, can't stop drooling over teen modeling sensation and Stark representative, Nikki Howard. Read full book review >
Cover art for CYCLER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 26, 2008

"Jill and Jack's story, touched with intrigue, humor and fascinating questions, ends with a conclusion both satisfactory and open-ended. (Fantasy. 14-16)"
Jill has truly terrible PMS: Every month, for four days, she turns into a boy. Read full book review >
Cover art for SWITCH
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2008

"Claire's quick-paced narration comes laced with bolts of sarcasm; the realistic problems blend successfully into a suspenseful, mystical story that will attract fans of both chick-lit and the supernatural. (Fantasy. YA)"
It usually happens to 15-year-old Claire when there's a thunderstorm, and only with someone born under the same moon. Read full book review >
Cover art for SKINNED
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 9, 2008

"Futuristically blurring the boundaries of life and death, this text intimately tackles tough ethical topics, including faith, identity, suicide and genetic engineering, through blunt dialogue and realistic characters. (Fiction. YA)"
Beautiful, talented, wealthy and above all headstrong, 17-year-old Lia Kahn knows who she is and what she wants, until she is severely injured in a car accident that destroys her body but spares her mind. Read full book review >
Cover art for EON
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 1, 2008

"Nonetheless, this adventure, filled with intrigue, friendships, combat and magical allies, is a winner. (Fantasy. 12-14)"
Eon knows his chance of becoming the Rat Dragoneye is almost nonexistent. Read full book review >