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In this dazzlingly illustrated graphic novel memoir, debut creator Parish presents an earnest portrayal of their experience growing up as a nonbinary transgender person. From navigating gender expectations regarding their hair and clothing choices to everyday social interactions with family and classmates as a teen, this steadily paced work breaks down Parish’s recollections of the time it took for them to grow from the person others perceived them as to the one they know they were meant to be. Cleanly lined illustrations in a muted color palette reinforce Parish’s remembrances by giving the novel a hazy quality. Sometimes pensive, often affirming interludes by adult Parish, incorporated throughout, imbue the narrative with a meandering lilt that aligns with how the creator describes their journey in opening pages—a scenic route that’s reflective of the fact that “for most people, gender is a fixed point on a map... most are lucky enough to be born at the correct destination. For some of us, our starting point is unfamiliar.” This deeply relatable exploration of finding oneself and of giving oneself grace when the journey takes longer than expected is ideal for fans of Maia Kobabe’s Gender Queer. Ages 14–up. Agent: Lydia Silver, Darley Anderson Literary. (Apr.) ■