B in the World

by Sharon Mentyka, Stephen Schlott (Illustrator)

Seven-year-old B Browning doesn't know why sometimes he feels like wearing overalls and a flannel shirt and other days wakes up wishing he could dress like his sister Patti-Anne. He knows it bothers and confuses people, even the people who love him, but it feels just right to B. But when B and Mia, the bossiest kid at New Horizons School, both decide to try out for the part of the Mermaid in the Spring play, B wonders how he'll ever survive the year.

Genres: LGBT

96 pages, Paperback

First published December 22, 2014

About the author

I’m a children's writer, teacher and designer and my love is writing for middle-grade children. My books include:
• CHASING AT THE SURFACE, middle grade novel that won the 2016 National Outdoor Book Award in the Children's category
• THINK SMART, BE FEARLESS: A BIOGRAPHY OF BILL GATES
• THE HEART OF THE STORM: A BIOGRAPHY OF SUE BIRD
• B IN THE WORLD, chapter book selected by Seattle Schools for inclusion in their K-5 Gender Kit.

My stories grow from small kernels of truth that explore common themes: fairness (or unfairness), transitions and helping the less powerful find their voice.

I invite you to visit my website at SharonMentyka.com for more information and follow my blog where I offer book reviews, interviews with other authors, and general impressions on the world of writing for children and young adults.

Reviews

[Lois Brandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was worried that B in the World would be didactic or heavy handed. It is neither. This is a beautifully written early chapter book about a second grade boy who likes to bake cupcakes and occasionally dress in bright colors -- even, when she lets him, his big sister's clothes. The characterization and plot are natural and realistic. These are second graders who are dealing with a rough transition from first grade. The parents' reaction to B is nuanced. This is a good book to read with your children and talk about kindness, friendship, and acceptance. Disclaimer: I know the author and was a Kickstarter contributor for B in the World.

[Jennybeast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gentle, thoughtful, book about a gender fluid child and the trials and tribulations of a second grade experience gone badly wrong. Love the support B gets at home and from his friends. Love the message of kindness.

I am wondering at the fact that of the 3 books I have read with a trans/gender fluid child in them has a denouement that centers on the school play, and wanting to act the part of a female character. I see why a school play is a perfect vehicle/ space for kids to experiment with clothing and with trying on identity, however, it is striking that all of the books have the same plot. George, Gracefully Grayson, now this one -- perhaps it is the only place in an elementary school for a person born male to triumph in a public female role. Something to consider.

[Casey Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is surprisingly decent for being self-published. The trans rep is super, of course, though I was a little uncomfortable with the friend announcing to the teacher that B likes pink, etc. Loss of agency there. The evil teacher who hates gender expression, singing, and candy, is too much, but that's what editors are for.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

B is seven years old and starting the second grade, that moment in life where he begins to learn how he fits into his community and discover his own true self. With B, the reader gets to experience this journey in many touching and beautiful ways, from coping with a teacher who brings out the worst in her students to standing up for his friends to learning to get along even with those who are mean and cruel. I feel this book is so important I've donated a copy to my elementary school. Share, share, share B's story.

[Salsabrarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

B (for Blaine) likes to wear pink, bakes lemon cupcakes, sometimes wants to dress like his sister, and he plans to audition for the part of the Mermaid in the school play. B's interest in traditionally feminine things isn't treated with a heavy hand. It's more a story about a boy who has all kinds of interests, some of which other people have a challenge accepting. This could have come off preachy but overall it is pleasantly understated and positive.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last night Jeffrey Tambor won a Golden Globe for his performance in Transparent, a series about a retired poly-sci professor who finally opens up to his family about always identifying as a woman. Today I read B in the World, a chapter book about a child who is different and how that should be OK. The time feels right for both. I should say, it's about time! For both.