The Beautiful Something Else

By Ash Van Otterloo

Sparrow must confront their true identity while navigating a world of change and uncertainty.

4.5/5 Goodreads · 433 ratings

288 pages

$17.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Sparrow Malone, caught between a crumbling family and a new life with Aunt Mags, discovers they don't fit into the binary world. As they explore forbidden paths and embrace their true self, Sparrow faces the challenge of revealing their identity to family and friends. Will this revelation bring freedom or upheaval?

From the publisher

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.

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