Jamie; L.D. Lapinski

When the world won’t change for you, you have to change the world.

Eleven-year-old, non-binary Jamie Rambeau loves hanging out with their best friends Daisy and Ash. In year six now, the three have been together since forever and that’s the way it was always supposed to be. And everything would have been great had the local secondary schools - one for boys and one for girls - not threatened to tear the friends apart. To make matters worse, everyone has neglected to think about where Jamie will go.

Feeling forgotten about, Jamie and their friends take matters into their own hands. They shout for change from the school corridors, in the halls of the council building and from the rooftops. But will their cries for change and recognition be heard…

Written with empathy and understanding, the irrepressible L.D. Lapinski waves the non-binary flag from the rooftops, literally, in a hopeful, inspiring and empowering story of finding your voice, protesting for change and ensuring that everyone has a place where they feel safe and recognised. Often heartbreaking, always inspiring, forever important, this ground-breaking story is a must read for anyone who has felt like they don’t belong. Children need to be seen in books and LGBTQ+ and non-binary children will feel seen and understood here. This is more than just that though, it is a chance for everyone to read a story that tells them about what it is like in the shoes of a child who has different experiences to their own and to believe what it is like even when it doesn’t match their own life.

‘Sometimes to be heard, to get your point across, you have to break the rules.’ Jamie and friends are a brilliant trio who in the face of opposition and deaf ears find the strength and courage to overcome heartbreaks and worries and find themselves fighting for a cause that is much bigger than just themselves. Told through an authentic voice and filled with non-binary joy, this passionate rallying cry to be recognised and having pride in who you are deserves to be, and needs to be, read by everyone. Jamie is a brilliant starting point for conversations about non-binary rights and how society as a whole needs to do better. The non-binary views of educators, parents and those in official office are all explored and are great discussion points, as are the need to use more inclusive language and the importance of gender neutral facilities. Not preachy in the slightest, issues are simply presented and shown why they matter and then readers are left to ask themselves how things can be more inclusive for all.

This is such an educational read and I loved the amount of information that comes across in the story; the Stonewall Riots and the first Pride marches have been symbolic in advocating for change in the LGBTQ+ community. Jamie’s guide to words which features between chapters is an excellent collection of LGBTQ+ terms and definitions which brilliantly serve to increase understanding - this is so valuable in explaining language that may be unfamiliar to many. 

Like I felt when I first read George by Alex Gino, this is a book that the world needs. I’m so glad that Jamie’s story has been told by the fabulous L. D. Lapinski who understands the experiences of being non-binary and perfectly delivers a story that only they could.

One for every home, library and classroom. Thank you L.D.

Recommended for 10+.

With huge thanks to Hachette for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.