(2) YA In Johnston's alternate history, the British Empire is still vast and strong with a multiracial populace that values equality. Eighteen-year-old Crown Princess Victoria-Margaret travels to Canada, where she befriends Helena and her beau, August. Readers follow their alternating perspectives as the relatable characters navigate society balls, secrets, and unconventional romance (involving an intersex person). Johnston's world-building is a unique mix of Victorian customs and advanced technology, while also thoughtfully addressing timely topics.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2018

(4) YA Fifteen-year-old Alex, who is intersex, has been raised as a boy but wants to identify as female, which unhinges her self-absorbed mother. There's a lot packed into this Australian import: challenging family dynamics, bullying, gender identity, and sexuality. The narrative doesn't explore anything in depth and character development is uneven, but the novel offers an unusual perspective on society's influence on identity.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn