Birthday A Novel — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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Content themes
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
“Lovers who surmount the odds have always been intense emotional fodder, but rarely have we seen a story like Birthday...true and raw, haunting and undeniable.” —The New York Times Book Review
Two best friends. A shared birthday. Six years...
ERIC: There was the day we were born. There was the minute Morgan and I decided we were best friends for life. The years where we stuck by each other’s side—as Morgan’s mom died, as he moved across town, as I joined the football team, as my parents started fighting. But sometimes I worry that Morgan and I won’t be best friends forever. That there’ll be a day, a minute, a second, where it all falls apart and there’s no turning back the clock.
MORGAN: I know that every birthday should feel like a new beginning, but I’m trapped in this mixed-up body, in this wrong life, in Nowheresville, Tennessee, on repeat. With a dad who cares about his football team more than me, a mom I miss more than anything, and a best friend who can never know my biggest secret. Maybe one day I’ll be ready to become the person I am inside. To become her. To tell the world. To tell Eric. But when?
Six years of birthdays reveal Eric and Morgan’s destiny as they come together, drift apart, fall in love, and discover who they’re meant to be—and if they’re meant to be together. From the award-winning author of If I Was Your Girl, Meredith Russo, comes a heart-wrenching and universal story of identity, first love, and fate.
“Beautifully written, Birthday is an altogether singular contribution to the gradually growing body of transgender literature and, indeed, to mainstream literature, as well.” —ALA Booklist, starred review
Frequently asked questions
Is Birthday A Novel appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The narrative includes elements of bullying and harassment that Morgan faces, which can be interpreted as a form of violence, though it is not graphic. The emotional impact of these experiences is emphasized throughout the story. No scary or horror elements detected in the search results.
Does Birthday A Novel have violence?
The narrative includes elements of bullying and harassment that Morgan faces, which can be interpreted as a form of violence, though it is not graphic. The emotional impact of these experiences is emphasized throughout the story.
Does Birthday A Novel have scary content?
No scary or horror elements detected in the search results.
Does Birthday A Novel have religious themes?
No religious content or themes detected in the search results.
Does Birthday A Novel have racial/cultural content?
No race or racism themes detected in the search results.
Does Birthday A Novel have profanity?
No profanity or strong language detected in the search results.
Does Birthday A Novel have climate change?
No climate themes detected in the search results.
Does Birthday A Novel have sexual identity?
The book addresses themes of teen love and sexuality, particularly in the context of Morgan's journey as a transgender girl. It explores the complexities of relationships and identity during adolescence.
Does Birthday A Novel have gender roles?
The book tackles themes of gender identity and challenges traditional gender roles through the experiences of Morgan, a transgender girl. It promotes understanding and acceptance of diverse gender identities.
Does Birthday A Novel have lgbtq+ themes?
The book features a transgender girl, Morgan, and a cisgender boy, Eric, as central characters, exploring themes of gender identity and sexuality. The narrative captures their experiences and emotional journeys over several years, highlighting the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in a small town.
