every word of this was perfect. i loved all of it. (and not every author is a good narrator, but agnes' voice here is also perfect in every way.)

this is not the trans story that is most often out there. this is sasha masha figuring out their identity, which parts of alex to take and which to leave behind, and who they are when they take a new name, and all that means. it is community helping you through hard times, and showing you that you aren't alone, and that you have a history (the hall of ancestors was fantastic) and a context. that you fit in the larger scheme and that you aren't the first to exist but that you are unique. the friendships (with mabel and with andre) are beautiful and necessary to self understanding. the parental relationships were drawn so nicely and positively but not in a way that is unrealistic.

i love the messaging here and the story itself and how we aren't shown what happens after sasha masha starts considering a trans identity. that this story ends where most would start. it's beautiful and perfect in literally every possible way. ( )

This is about a teen boy who doesn't feel right. Something is off. It's the process of figuring it out. I haven't read a lot of trans stories. The ones I remember most they were about always feeling like they should have been a girl. Sasha Masha is about figuring it out. He doesn't really know how he feels. It's an ongoing process. I like how this shows that everyone is different. ( )

Novel about a teenager who is discovering their gender identity. Alex, who is portrayed in an introspective tone, tries to discover their genuine self. Growing up in Baltimore, Alex struggles with heteronormative expectations, striving to feel like a "real boy" in the eyes of his peers and family. Then, a photograph sent from Alex's long-distance best friend awakens dormant personal truths involving Alex's suppressed identity. The journey spans awkward moments at home, school friendships, an affirming social club for queer youth, and reflective moments alone. Parents and friends are lightly characterized, their voices imbuing their personalities with energy as Alex travels unfamiliar terrain.