Previously exclusive to Target, Dotson is a lower middle grade (ages 8–12, grades 3–7) memoir about a young transgender boy, Grayson, now 12 years old, and what it’s like growing up transgender.

There are very few first-person accounts, written for kids, by kids, about growing up transgender—Dotson is unique and will appeal to families with queer/trans kids and families who want to learn more about what it’s like to be transgender.

According to the Human Rights Campaign, supportive, gender-affirming behavior from caregivers/other adults greatly improves mental health and well-being for trans/queer youth; transgender youth are at the greatest risk of suicide (compared to their non-transgender peers) as a result of rejection, bullying, etc.

Dotson is a portmanteau of “daughter” plus “son,” and is taken from a real conversation with the author and his mother: “I know I’m supposed to be your daughter, but I feel more like your son. I guess I’m your… Dot-son.”

Grayson Lee White lives in the Midwest with his family; this is his first book.

Illustrator Stephanie Roth Sisson is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator who lives in Florida; recent works include Spring After Spring: How Rachel Carson Inspired the Environmental Movement (2018, as author/illustrator, sold over 7k) and Star Stuff: Carl Sagan and the Mysterious of the Cosmos (2014, as author/illustrator, sold over 28k).

Full-color illustrations are scattered throughout, including spreads at the beginning of each chapter.

The trade edition of Dotson will have a brand-new cover.

Includes a glossary of terms and helpful resources for transgender kids and their families.

Book guide TK

Lexile 780L; F&P Text Level Y.