BookDragon Blog

Peyton Thomas’s auspicious YA debut, Both Sides Now, invites readers into the complicated transition year between parental reliance and university independence. Seniors Finch and Jonah are their Olympia, Wash., debate team headliners. Although they lose the state competition to their private school archnemeses, the pair still qualify for the National Championships. Finch, who narrates in the first person, hopes winning will get him into Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service.

Finch knows plenty about uphill battles. His dad’s an unemployed alcoholic in recovery and his mom’s journalist job is insecure. The two are constantly fighting because money is always tight – not only for college but also for Finch’s planned top surgery. Finch is trans, and although his parents are “mostly fine with their daughter becoming their son,” they’re nothing like Jonah’s affectionate, supportive family who love their gay son “so, so much.” Jonah is further blessed as the school’s drama star’s boyfriend of two years. Finch is grateful for his former-girlfriend-turned-bff, but lately she’s been making comments about Finch’s growing attachment to the unavailable Jonah. Finch thinks she’s overreacting but it’s possible he doth protest too much…

Thomas writes with effortless ease; his convincing characters have notably diverse traits and he’s clear that what they are doesn’t necessarily define who they are. Finch is white and while his trans experience is undeniable, he’s also a teen who is worried about school and money and who longs for love. Jonah, who is gay and Filipinx American, is trying to balance debate, coupledom, and college plans. Without eliding realistic challenges – LGBTQ-phobias, racism, classism – Thomas’s cast proves relatably refreshing.

Discover: Peyton Thomas’s compassionate debut keenly explores all the vulnerable transitions ahead for a high school senior debate champ.

Review: “Children’s & Young Adult,” Shelf Awareness, August 24, 2021

Readers: Young Adult

Published: 2021