Comments (16)

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Feb 25, 2022HPLTeenReviewers rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
The book “Girl Mans Up” by M. E. Girard was fantastic! It was a fast and easy read. The book was such a raw, real story about gender identity told through the eyes of a young Canadian lesbian. I really enjoyed reading this novel as I was…
Mar 24, 2021
5/5 Girl Mans Up is young adult, coming of age story about a 16 year old girl named Pen who struggles with others’ expectations of who she needs to be. Ever since Pen was old enough to make her own decisions about her appearance, she…
Apr 02, 2020Arthur_of_Camelot rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
The main reason I took off stars is there's a lot of misogyny and "not like other girls" going on. I think Pen goes through a decent amount of character growth and leaves that behind in the end, but I rate based on how much I enjoy books,…
Sep 23, 2019ryner rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
This book gets points for portraying teens behaving like real teens. Whether they are making tough choices, dealing with conflict, interacting with friends/frenemies, or simply doing stupid things and grappling with uncertainty -- it all…
Sep 13, 2019STPL_JessH rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I LOVED this book. I love that Pen's struggle is with how she is perceived, not who she is. Other people are the problem, not Pen. That is so unlike much of queer experience that involves internalized shame. Girard makes Pen's struggle…
Jul 19, 2019
This book is full of good stuff about figuring out sexuality and gender expression, but has its faults. Pen, the protagonist, struggles with something incredibly common for girls regardless of their sexuality--internalized misogyny. All…
Nov 29, 2018susanlovesbooks rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
I listened to this book as a Downloadable Audio book and I absolutely loved the way the characters were portrayed by the reader. There is so much going on in this book. It is a compelling story of growing up, deciding what's right for…
Nov 09, 2018VaughanPLMichael rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this novel. I appreciated (Read: Loved) the fact that Pen and Blake worked from the beginning and their relationship was earned. They never had that 'miscommunication leads to a falling out in the…
Jul 03, 2018cristitrevino rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
This book addresses identity in a way that many academic pieces of literature address, but in a much more accessible way. Having read classic LGBT literature, this was a refreshing take on thoughts, feelings, and ideas that can at times be…
Feb 20, 2018nazaninslife rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
If you want a book that is funny and enjoyable say no more. When I started reading this book I couldn't put it down for a second!
Oct 03, 2017TEENREVIEWCREW rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
In M-E Girard’s novel Girl Mans Up , the main character’s, Pen’s, life is displayed in a very outdated point of view. Pen is openly queer, and that is what everyone does not understand, the novel follows her and her problems and how she…
Aug 03, 2017TEENREVIEWCREW rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Girl Mans Up is one of the best books that I have ever read. The authentic and important story of a butch lesbian is an eye-opener and something that could really open doors to discussion about this topic. Exploration of gender identity is…
Apr 13, 2017Th3L1brar1an rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Friendship, gender norms, teenage pregnancy, sexual assault, and bullying are just some of the issues tackled in this rivetting coming-of age story. I wish this book had been around when I was in high school.
Mar 13, 2017KyCCL rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Frenemies, love, teen pregnancy, teenage angst - the hardships, challenges, and joys of young adulthood are all here in this book, and we see them through the eyes of main character Pen, a teenager who doesn't fit the usual boy/girl…
Jan 17, 2017Lirael rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
A great view of those of us who don't fit into particular "boxes" of identity. What do you do if you don't fit what society thinks a girl should be but you definitely don't want to be like a boy either?
Dec 29, 2016
One of those amazing reads that you want to finish all in one go. "Girl Mans Up" is an engrossing and realistic read about the importance of real friendship, loyalty, family, and being true to yourself. A fantastic pick for anyone who has…