The Beautiful Something Else

By: Ash Van Otterloo

Narrated by: Em Grosland

Full of humor and heartbreak, this story about a nonbinary character navigating a binary world is perfect for fans of Alex Gino and Kyle Lukoff.

It's exhausting trying to be the perfect daughter. Still, getting good grades without making any waves may be the only way to distract from the fact that Sparrow Malone's mother is on the verge of falling apart. Which means no getting upset. No being weird. No standing out for the wrong reasons.

But when Mom's attempts to cope spiral out of control, Sparrow is sent to live with Aunt Mags on a sprawling estate full of interesting, colorful new neighbors. And for the first time, trying to fit in doesn't feel right anymore. Even Sparrow's shadow has stopped following the rules.

As Shadow nudges Sparrow to try all the scary, exciting things Mom has always forbidden, Sparrow begins to realize something life-changing: They don't feel like a girl. Or a boy. And while this discovery is exciting, now Sparrow must decide whether to tell everyone-their new family and friends, not-so-secret crush, and, most importantly, their mom-the truth, especially if it means things change forever.

©2023 Ash Van Otterloo (P)2023 Scholastic Inc. All rights reserved. SCHOLASTIC, SCHOLASTIC AUDIOBOOKS, and associated logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Scholastic Inc.

I was in tears so many times

I am an adult, and I understand that this is middle grade fiction. Yet it surpasses that description. While the struggles I faced a child are nothing like the struggles that Sparrow faces in this book, I was taken back to that uncomfortable time and the need to have people to trust in. Now, as an adult, I understand even better why I need to be that person for the youth in my life.

But lest one think this is just some sort of object lesson, one must know it is also a captivating story. I typically listen to audiobooks only during my commute because I don't have time to just sit and read, but I found myself finding excuses to listen to this at every turn because I could not press pause.

This book is amazing, and I recommend it for your child. There is so much they will be able to relate to, even if their surroundings and situations are different. It will also help them understand others they may encounter. I recommend this for adults because it is a story that will sti k with you, making your soul feel a little bit richer.