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

Starred review from November 16, 2015
It’s the first day at a new high school, and Riley is facing typical problems, such as deciding what to wear and where to sit at lunch, and a few less common ones, such as avoiding being heckled by classmates who object to Riley’s gender-nonconforming appearance. Gender-fluid Riley wakes up each morning in a different place on the male-female continuum. To be safe, Riley strives for neutrality, but that doesn’t necessarily feel right. As junior year starts, Riley makes an unlikely friend, develops a crush, and—encouraged by a therapist acquired after years of anxiety and secrecy led to a suicide attempt—starts a blog about being gender-fluid. Despite bullying that escalates into full-on assault, Riley gains the courage to come out with help from friends, a love interest, and a support group. Readers never learn Riley’s birth-assigned gender, but there’s no question that Riley is a smart, funny, sharp-eyed force. Debut author Garvin clearly wants to teach his readers about gender and gender fluidity, but the knowledge he imparts buoys this rewarding story, never weighing it down. Ages 14–up. Agent: Rachel Ekstrom, Irene Goodman Agency.

Starred review from July 1, 2016

Gr 9 Up-"The first thing you're going to want to know about me is: Am I a boy, or am I a girl?" Keep wondering: Riley Cavanaugh isn't answering. Riley is gender-fluid, information only Riley's psychiatrist is privy to while Riley's conservative congressman father and teacher mother remain clueless. Between medications and therapy, Riley is struggling to just live life. When Doctor Ann suggests Riley might choose an activity "to stop thinking about you so much," Riley reluctantly tries blogging-as Alix. A life-or-death incident involving a desperate teen takes the blog viral, drawing both support and attacks. Among the trolls is a possible schoolmate determined to viciously expose Riley. Debut author Garvin blends snark and poignancy, anguish and hope, deception and authenticity, in a timely narrative about contemporary teen life beyond binary norms. Casting a distinctly male voice, Tom Phelan, is not an obvious choice: Riley was designated female at birth and is not taking hormones and is therefore unlikely to sound like Phelan. How differently Riley presents on the silent page vs. audibly is intriguing to ponder. VERDICT A rule-breaking, gender-illuminating, pioneering audiobook every library should acquire. ["Recommended for any library that serves a teen population": SLJ 12/15 review of the Balzer ] Bray book.]-Terry Hong, Smithsonian BookDragon, Washington, DC

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