Welcome to St. Hell: My Trans Teen Misadventure
Lewis Hancox
Autobiography
Biography
Graphic Novel
* * * * Stars (Great!)
Lewis Hancox looks back on (visits) his younger self, Lois, who felt awkward and wrong in her body until she realized that she was actually he/him, Lewis. This follows his story into young adulthood (through middle and high school and a bit beyond) with all of the usual teen angst PLUS a really rocky journey of self-discovery. Lewis’ folks weren’t awful, but his dad was not a big part of his life and his mum, although loving and accepting, was hoping that his feelings about himself were just a passing fancy. Lewis found information and validation from others who had gone through what he was experiencing and committed/steeled himself to/for the rather grueling process of transitioning – there were a lot of hoops to jump through before he could undergo surgery and he had to travel and save money for therapy, procedures, and hormones. But everything felt right to him once he knew. His older, more experienced self, is very kind and gentle with younger Lois and his friends and family who also had to make some mental readjustments along the way. An important transgender story from across the pond. For older teens/adults.
Reviewed by YA Librarian
