Fiction about boys who like dressing up as girls (but not vice versa!). Mostly for younger readers, these books tend to be gentler, humorous, introductions to the concepts of gender, acceptance and identity.
Boy2Girl by Terence Blacker
- Ages 12-15
A serious story dressed up with humour, Boy2Girl follows the adventure of new boy Sam, who is dared by his cousin to attend his new school as a girl. Only he turns out to be really good at it. Sam's stunt becomes a long term thing with all kinds of consequences on the people around him (and Sam himself). Throw in a violent father that he desperately wants to avoid, and a narration that switches through every character
but Sam, and this ends up being a fun ride through gender expectations and growing up.
The Boy in the Dress by David Walliams
- Ages 9-12
- Illustrated by Quentin Blake
Dennis has a miserable home life, a secret love of fashion and a major part in the school football team. When his friend Lisa discovers his love of fashion, she convinces him to head to school in a dress, which leads to hijinks as "Denise". Unfortunately, he ends up in a lot of trouble! A humorous, sensible story with a happy ending.
Crossing Lines by Paul Volponi
Adonis is a school jock, and popular, and gets caught up in harrassing the lipstick wearing new kid - until it goes too far, and he has to decide where he stands.A great book for straight kids struggling with acceptance, a good look at bullying, but not one that GLBTQIA kids will identify with much.
The Death-Defying Pepper Roux by Geraldine McCaughrean
Set in early 1900s France, this is a madcap adventure of a young boy who decides to run away and become someone else in a series of wild adventures, rather than wait around for his prophesised death at age 14. He is accompanied by his 'guardian' cross dressing steward. Surreal, whimsical, and serious by turns, this story might be a bit complicated for the average teenager, but is a fantastic book for older readers and adults.
Johnny has a troubled teenage life, a drinking problem, and a fixation on the lead singer of Blondie. When he goes to live with his uncle, Johnny explores his identity, with the help of his girlfriend, and celebrates his transvestism. A powerful novel that covers a lot of issues, from bullying, drinking, suicide and family, as well as love and crossdressing. Unlike the other stories available, this book has an older protagonist who is quite clearly straight, dodging the ambiguousness of younger people's sexualities.
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