NORTH OF TOMBOY

In Swanson’s middle-grade novel, a young girl in 1970s Michigan harbors a quiet desire to be a boy.

Nine-year-old Jess Jezowski, living with a family of six, strives to be the “easiest” child for her mother. She learns in her Catholic church that asking for forgiveness washes away sins, and that if she sins too often, she may forget a few of them. Jess feels she has a boy inside her who’s itching to get out, but her mother practically forces her to wear dresses (at least sometimes) and keep her hair long. Jess rarely complains, but she’d much rather be out playing sports and speaking her mind, like the boys who seemingly get away with everything. When she gets a doll for Christmas, she cuts its hair, names it Mickey, and gives it a voice, creating a male alter ego that’s somehow both liberating and another way to hide her true self. Jess is determined to show everyone who sees her as a “meek and mild” girl that she’s audacious, just like Mickey. This story, based on Swanson’s own childhood experiences, hits on a number of topical concerns. Jess, like many kids, feels obligated to suppress her true self. She watches society designate females as the weaker gender; women athletes aren’t taken seriously, and “man enough” is an expression of strength. Jess’ life is rife with problems—she, her mother, and her siblings must endure the vicissitudes of her father, whose mood can easily swing into anger and unsettle the entire household. The narrative, which spans less than a year, vividly depicts its setting and era, evoking a snowy winter and a blisteringly hot summer as President Nixon and the ongoing Watergate scandal dominate the news. Simple black-and-white illustrations often preface the chapters and range from boldly depicted images to rough sketches.

An adolescent’s struggle with identity makes for a smart, fascinating read.