Description

A groundbreaking coming of age story about a teenage girl who discovers she's intersex . . . and what happens when her secret is revealed to the entire school. Incredibly compelling and sensitively told, None of the Above is a thought-provoking social issues novel that explores what it means to be a boy, a girl, or something in between.

What if everything you knew about yourself changed in an instant?

When Kristin Lattimer is voted homecoming queen, it seems like another piece of her ideal life has fallen into place. She's a champion hurdler with a full scholarship to college and she's madly in love with her boyfriend. In fact, she's decided that she's ready to take things to the next level with him.

But Kristin's first time isn't the perfect moment she's planned—something is very wrong. A visit to the doctor reveals the truth: Kristin has Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome and is intersex, which means that though she outwardly looks like a girl, she has male chromosomes, not to mention boy "parts."

Dealing with her body is difficult enough, but when her diagnosis is leaked to the whole school, Kristin's entire identity is thrown into question in this powerful story of high school drama and self-discovery. As her world unravels, can she come to terms with her new self?

  • Teen Identity Struggles: When homecoming queen and champion hurdler Kristin Lattimer learns she is intersex, her entire world is turned upside down.
  • Friendship and Betrayal: After her secret is leaked to the entire school, she must navigate a minefield of gossip, bullying, and shattered friendships.
  • YA Contemporary Romance: Her perfect life—and perfect boyfriend—seem like a distant memory as she questions everything she thought she knew about love and herself.
  • LGBTQ+ Teen Fiction: A powerful and sensitively told story perfect for readers of John Green and Becky Albertalli that explores identity, gender, and what it means to be yourself.

About the author(s)

I. W. Gregorio is a practicing surgeon by day, masked avenging YA writer by night. After getting her MD, she did her residency at Stanford, where she met the intersex patient who inspired None of the Above, her debut novel. She is also a founding member of the We Need Diverse Books team. A recovering ice hockey player, she lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two children.

Reviews

“Like the beloved physician she is, I. W. Gregorio brings rare knowledge and acute empathy to the illumination of an anatomical difference—and to the teens who discover, in the nick of time, the saving grace of knowing and being one’s truest self. A book unlike any other.” - Beth Kephart, award-winning author of Going Over and Small Damages

“I couldn’t put this book down—it opened my mind in ways that few books have done before. If the numbers are right—that 1.7 percent of our population is intersex, this book is for all of us, for our neighbors and families and friends. My hope is that one day, no one will have to explain. None of the Above is the beginning of the road to that One Day.” - Jacqueline Woodson, award-winning author of Miracle's Boys and Hush

“None of the Above is a sensitive, beautifully written story, told with heart (break) and humor. Gregorio deftly explores the isolation of being ‘other’ in a highly relatable way. Bravo!” - Kristin Elizabeth Clark, author of FREAKBOY

“I couldn’t put this book down—it opened my mind in ways that few books have done before.” - Jacqueline Woodson, award-winning author of Brown Girl Dreaming

“Noble, daring and necessary—IW Gregorio’s groundbreaking debut is a bittersweet, painful and ultimately life-affirming voyage of identity.” - Elizabeth Wein, award-winning & NYT bestselling author of Code Name Verity

“Sensitive, informative and a valuable resource” - Kirkus Reviews

“None of the Above rises above most young adult fiction because it has potential to evoke significant change...[A] compelling and touching narrative.” - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

“[A] remarkable novel...Eye-opening and important.” - Booklist

“Engaging and well paced, with smart young characters…a useful introduction to…intersexuality.” - School Library Journal

“Kristin’s struggle with her identity is wrenching and authentically conveyed.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“[A] provocative and enlightening first novel...will strike a familiar chord with any reader who has felt estranged.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“None of the Above is a powerful story of discovering one’s true identity. This book will open hearts and change minds.” - Stephen Chbosky, bestselling author of The Perks of Being a Wallflower

More by I. W. Gregorio

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More Bullying

More Emotions & Feelings

More Religion & Faith

More Friendship

More Coming of Age

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More LGBTQ+

More Romance

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More LGBTQ+