The Horn Book Guide

OLDER FICTION

Russo, Meredith

Birthday

321 pp. | Flatiron | May, 2019 | Trade ISBN 978-1-250-12983-3 $18.99 | Ebook ISBN 978-1-250-12984-0

(2) YA This dual-point-of-view novel visits friends Morgan and Eric on their shared birthday each year from ages thirteen to eighteen. Morgan is transgender, secretly so (and male-presenting) for much of the book. Eric's father objects to the friendship, which eventually takes on romantic elements--and related strain. Russo doesn't shy away from heavy subjects, including abuse and suicide, but also shows how a difficult situation can reach a mostly happy ending.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2019