Homebody: A Graphic Memoir of Gender Identity Exploration-A Yalsa Excellence in Nonfiction Finalist

YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award Finalist

In their comics debut, Theo Parish masterfully weaves an intimate and defiantly hopeful memoir about the journey one nonbinary person takes to find a home within themself. Combining traditional comics with organic journal-like interludes, Theo takes us through their experiences with the hundred arbitrary and unspoken gender binary rules of high school, from harrowing haircuts and finally the right haircut to the intersection of gender identity and sexuality--and through tiny everyday moments that all led up to Theo finding the term "nonbinary," which finally struck a chord.

"Have you ever had one of those moments when all of a sudden things become clear...like someone just turned on a light?"

A whole spectrum of people will be drawn to Theo's storytelling, from trans or questioning teens and adults, to folks who devoured Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe or The Fire Never Goes Out by ND Stevenson, to any person looking to dive a little deeper into the way gender can shape identity. Throughout the book, Theo's crystal-clear voice reminds the reader that it's okay not to know, it's okay to change your mind, and it's okay to take your time finding your way home.

"We are all just trying to find a place to call our own. We are all deserving of comfort and safety, a place to call home."

Author: Theo Parish
Publisher: Harperalley
Published: 04/23/2024
Pages: 224
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.42lbs
Size: 9.12h x 6.47w x 0.89d
ISBN: 9780063319592

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3.8
Point Value: 1
Interest Level: Middle Grade Plus
Quiz #/Name: 552647 / Homebody

Award: Yalsa Award for Excellence in Non-Fiction for Young Adults - Finalist

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 01/29/2024
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 03/01/2024
Kirkus Reviews 03/01/2024
Booklist 04/15/2024 pg. 36
School Library Journal 05/01/2024 pg. 91

About the Author
Parish, Theo: -

Theo Parish is a cartoonist currently living in "the fine city" of Norwich, England, with their three cats. Driven by a passion for creating the kinds of stories they longed to see as a kid, Theo's work is inspired by their love of fantasy and their experiences moving through the world as a queer and neurodivergent person. When not making comics, they can usually be found playing tabletop RPGs, building pillow forts, or making friends with the neighborhood cats. Their debut graphic novel, Homebody, was a finalist for the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults.