Jamie is an important book that celebrates acceptance and being yourself.
Jamie is happy in their primary school, but the move to secondary comes with an unexpected challenge. Their town has two secondary schools - one for girls and one for boys. Jamie, who is non-binary, is neither, so where are they expected to go? And why has no one else even given it a second thought?
Lots of children are apprehensive about the change from primary to secondary school and young readers will really relate to Jamie and their friend's worries, even if their own circumstances are different. While Jamie feels like the world is forcing them to be something they're not, Ash is worried about making new friends and Daisy about leaving her old friends behind. Balancing their own dilemma with their friends' worries is tricky for Jamie at first, and they worry about seeming selfish.
Jamie shows that one person can make a difference, as well as the importance of both small and big progress for enacting change - whether that's getting a local school to rethink their admissions policy, or a change to government forms.
It is a story with a wonderful friendship at its heart - one that can withstand daring rooftop adventures, plan brilliant campaigns and even survive the scariest separation it has ever faced. I also loved Jamie's brother, Olly, who brightened every page he appeared on.
Jamie is an important and timely middle grade with a great story, a fantastic protagonist and a lot of non-binary pride.
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