Ana on the edge

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Ana on the edge

Title:

Ana on the edge

Personal Author:

Sass, A. J., author.

ISBN:

9780316458610

Edition:

First edition.

Physical Description:

380 pages ; 21 cm.

Abstract:

"Twelve-year-old figure skater Ana strives to win competitions while learning about gender identity--Ana's own and that of a new friend--and how to navigate the best path forward"-- Provided by publisher.

Subject Term:

Ice skating -- Fiction.

Gender identity -- Fiction.

Family life -- Fiction.

Friendship -- Fiction.

Electronic Access:

Language:

English

Available:*

Library	Material Type	Shelf Number	Location
Searching... Hillview Branch	Book	J SASS	Searching... Unknown
Searching... Nichols Branch	Book	J SASS	Searching... Unknown

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Summary

Perfect for fans of Melissa and Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World, this heartfelt coming of age story introduces a nonbinary athlete 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.

Author Notes

A. J. Sass (he/they) is the author of Ana on the Edge , an ALA 2021 Rainbow Book List Top 10 title, and Ellen Outside the Lines . He grew up in the Midwest, came of age in the South, and now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his husband and two cats who act like dogs. He invites you to visit him online at sassinsf.com.

Reviews (2)

Publisher's Weekly Review

Debut novelist Sass tackles the subject of gender identity in this #OwnVoices novel set in the world of competitive figure skating. Ana-Marie Jin, a biracial (Chinese/white) 12-year-old figure skater, faces new challenges after winning Juvenile Nationals. Moving up to the intermediate level means that, instead of skating in hometown San Francisco with best friend Tamar, Ana will work with a coach and a famous choreographer in nearby Oakland. Never a fan of dresses or skirts, Ana balks when the choreographer assigns a princess-themed routine ("the graceful edges, the dainty arm movements"). What feels more comfortable is when transgender skater Hayden, whom Ana is teaching in exchange for free ice time, sees Ana as a boy. Ana's bourgeoning understanding of gender within a traditionally binary sport, and fear that people won't accept or understand a different pronoun, offers a mirror and window for readers. Nonbinary figure skater Sass renders scenes on and off the ice with vivid descriptions, and writes nuanced, layered portrayals of characters including Ana's devoted working-class mother, inspirational coach, and friend Hayden, who knows exactly who he is. Ages 8--12. Agent: Jordan Hamessley, New Leaf Literary. (Oct.)

Booklist Review

Twelve-year-old Ana Jin, U.S. figure skating champion, thinks it'll be a "bite of bao" to perform well enough to skip regionals and qualify for sectionals. It will save her mom money and buy Ana time to figure out why skating to a princess-themed program is causing her distress--and why she's so intrigued by her new transgender friend, Hayden, who mistakes her for a boy when they meet. Ana doesn't correct him, and soon she's going by "A" and using he/him pronouns with Hayden's family. As Ana struggles to be honest about herself with the people closest to her, including her mom--whose relationship with Ana is the star of this book--Sass masterfully balances Ana's passion for competitive figure skating with her journey to coming out. This is a sensitive and realistic portrayal of the barriers faced by nonbinary kids, such as encountering gendered language and educating loved ones, and Ana's story is made more effective by her diverse LGBTQ+ community, plus non-LGBTQ+ allies who make sure they're using the correct language for her. Ana ultimately decides on she/her pronouns, while acknowledging that she's still learning about herself, and as she skates her way to a program that feels just right for who she is, she realizes that being truly seen by the people you love most is as freeing as being on the ice.