Gephart, D. (2016). Lily and Dunkin. NY:
Delacorte Press.
Lily
and Dunkin are two 8th grade boys going through issues of gender identity,
mental illness, self-esteem, family acceptance, bullying, friendship, and
grief. Lily is born a boy named Timothy McGrother (Lily Jo
McGrother) who prefers to wear dresses and take hormone blockers, but still in
the closet. Dunkin Dorfman (Norbert Dorfman) has bipolar disorder, hears a
voice that speaks to him, and has been prescribed medication that he refuses to
swallow. They both go to the same school and become friends. But Tim has a
secret that he hasn't told Dunkin. When they both attempt to save Bob the tree
that was to be cut down, Tim is called Lily by his mother and Dunkin asks why.
It is then that the truth comes out about Tim being a transgender. To
Tim's surprise, Dunkin accepts him for who he really is, a friend.
This is an emotional, sorrowful, compassionate, straightforward and powerful story that positively addresses issues in today's society and that can help young adults relate to similar situations they might be facing in their lives. The author tackles some serious and heavy issues of gender identity and bipolar disorder that yet two friends manage to overcome. Even though they are revealed they continue a strong bond of friendship. This would be a good book for ages 13 and up. Other books written by this author include, How to Survive Middle School and Death by Toilet Paper.
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