Ana on the Edge

Name: Ana on the Edge
Brand: Hachette Audio
Availability: InStock
Author: A. J. Sass
ISBN: 9781549186349

Author: A. J. Sass

Narrator: Sagan Chen

Unabridged: 7 hr 6 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers

Published: 10/20/2020

Categories: Children's Fiction, Sports Stories, Children's Lifestyles, Children's Social Themes

Synopsis

Perfect for fans of George and Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World: a heartfelt coming of age story about a nonbinary character navigating a binary world. Twelve-year-old Ana-Marie Jin, the reigning US Juvenile figure skating champion, is not a frilly dress kind of kid. So, when Ana learns that next season's program will be princess themed, doubt forms fast. Still, Ana tries to focus on training and putting together a stellar routine worthy of national success.

Once Ana meets Hayden, a transgender boy new to the rink, thoughts about the princess program and gender identity begin to take center stage. And when Hayden mistakes Ana for a boy, Ana doesn't correct him and finds comfort in this boyish identity when he's around. As their friendship develops, Ana realizes that it's tricky juggling two different identities on one slippery sheet of ice. And with a major competition approaching, Ana must decide whether telling everyone the truth is worth risking years of hard work and sacrifice.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Anniek on October 17, 2020

I keep repeating myself but there's truly nothing more validating than seeing yourself in a middlegrade novel. I will never not find this so special. It will never not leave me as an emotional mess. I've been looking forward to this book for so long and it was exactly what I hoped for. I really saw m......more

Goodreads review by Claude's on June 25, 2022

That was an excellent middle-grade/intermediate LBGTQIA+ novel. It never felt 'educational' as Ana explored her gender identity. When she learned about gender identity and what this might mean for her it felt natural and gentle, but also incredibly meaningful. The family and friendship connections w......more

Goodreads review by Adri on December 07, 2020

4.5 Stars CWs: Misgendering, misnaming, allusions to transphobia and bullying, and contains multiple coming out scenes Rep: Ana is non-binary, Chinese-American (with possibly some Hawaiian heritage as well), and Jewish I'm so glad this book exists. It's overwhelming to think about how this stor......more

Goodreads review by Nev on May 24, 2021

Ana on the Edge is a really sweet Middle Grade book about a twelve-year-old figure skater figuring out that she’s nonbinary. I thought that having the story set against the very binary world of figure skating made for a lot of interesting parallels. In addition to the commentary about gender it also......more

Goodreads review by Shannon on February 11, 2022

This was such a FANTASTIC middle grade story about a 12 year old non-binary figure skater trying to figure out what identity feels most comfortable and how to best communicate this to her friends and family. Highly recommended for fans of George by Alex Gino or Obie is man enough by Schuyler Bailar.......more

Quotes

Praise for Ana on the Edge:
"Heartfelt, nuanced and engaging, Ana on the Edge is both an insider's look at the world of competitive figure skating and a sensitive exploration of the protagonist's nonbinary identity. Highly recommended."
—Barbara Dee, award-winning author of Maybe He Just Likes You and My Life in the Fish Tank

"A lovely, necessary story of self-discovery and friendship."—Ashley Herring Blake, author of Stonewall Honor book Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World

"Ana on the Edge is a poignant exploration of the importance of being seen for who you are. Ana will glide into your heart and open your mind to the richness of the full gender spectrum."—Ami Polonsky, award-winning author of Gracefully Grayson and Spin With Me

"Sass's gorgeous debut fills a much needed void on LGBTQ+ middle grade shelves."—Nicole Melleby, award-winning author of Hurricane Season

* "Sass masterfully balances Ana's passion for competitive figure skating with her journey to coming out. ...sensitive and realistic."—Booklist, starred review