SYMPTOMS OF BEING HUMAN

Riley Cavanaugh, who is starting at a new school, is navigating the complex notion of identifying as both a boy and a girl in a conservative town. Narrator Tom Phelan deftly conveys all the emotion and angst in Riley's journey. New friends help Riley cope with daily judgments and harassment by peers as a mostly supportive online community arises from Riley's anonymous blog posts about being a gender-fluid teen. Pressure mounts as family expectations, especially Riley's father's re-election, add to the anxiety of being exposed as the anonymous blogger. Phelan's ability to deliver an authentic voice for a teen who is exploring non-binary gender identity while coping with the fear of being outed lends truth to this powerful story of self-discovery. E.A.B. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2016]