Laverne Cox

by Erin Staley

In 2013, Orange Is the New Black began captivating audiences with its cast of female characters representing diverse strata of society. Perhaps no star on the show has inspired as much as Laverne Cox, who plays the black transgender inmate Sophia Burset. Cox's work, both as an actor and off-screen, has brought attention to the risks faced by vulnerable populations, particularly racial minority transgender individuals. This biography documents Cox's triumphant life and work as an activist, documenting her own growth from troubling times she recalls as a teenager to becoming the first openly transgender actor nominated for an Emmy.

112 pages, Library Binding

Published July 30, 2016

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book for elementary and middle school students. As a matter of fact, it should be included in the curriculum. The text explores Cox's role as an advocate of social justice for transgender people as well as documenting her professional career. It is a particularly good selection for young trans people. She describes herself not as a "role model" but as a "possibility model" (8). It is also a good text for adults who want or need a simple explanation of what "transgender" means. One of the best features of the text is its factual inserts that define terms, cite relevant information, and provides contact information for resources--such as the 800 number for the trans suicide prevention hotline. The suicide rate for white trans people is 38% and 56% for Native Americans. This is one title in a series by "The Rosen Publishing Group" that includes biographies of other notable trans people: Chaz Bono, Lana Wachowski, and Caitlyn Jenner.

[Amory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm very excited that Laverne Cox has a book written about her, and glad that the author is clearly well-versed in how to talk about LGBTQ+ issues. That being said, I do wish this was longer because this is pretty short, and probably better for a younger audience.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The prose may be a little simpler than it needs to be, but it meets the clear goal of having accessible information. That includes not only information about Cox's life and career, but also about transgender history, coming out, and resources.

I think it is a good contribution.

[Reading on Wheels · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 / 5 stars

It’s very much giving ‘foreign language class book’ in that it’s both surface level and easy to read. I love Laverne Cox, though, so obviously I had to read it

[Davida · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skimmed it. Not very interesting.