GENRE: Diverse, SEL, Lyrical
WORDS: 308
Query:
Dear Judges, Agents, and Editors,
Thank you for participating in PBParty and for your interest in my manuscript!
Though he used to be Flora, Theo finally feels like himself with his new name, but not everyone around him is ready for the change. With some friends and family, he finds himself feeling between – between his old name and his new one; between others’ anger and sadness; between his own desire to make people happy and his need to be himself. Will he be able to step out in front and stand up for who he is?
BETWEEN is a 308-word lyrical picture book about a trans character, written to help children ages 4–8 understand why people might want to change their names. With the simple but profound text and self-advocacy message of Big by Vashti Harrison and the self-acceptance theme of Jack (Not Jackie) by Erica Silverman, BETWEEN helps expand the conversation about trans youth and the importance of names to personal identity.
I am a proud mother of a trans son who was brave enough to advocate for himself and change his name. Hearing his “dead” name feels like a jump scare. I see how painful it can be for him. I wrote BETWEEN to illustrate how deadnaming can affect a child. I hope that any kid in this position, after reading my story, will feel empowered to speak up about who they are. I hope adults will be inspired to try harder when a change like this isn’t easy, because no child should have to be someone they aren’t.
I am a high school English and creative writing teacher and an active member of SCBWI, 12 X 12, The Manuscript Academy, The Courage to Create, Inked Voices, and Rate Your Story. I am also the Youth Writing Director of Emerald Coast Writers and run their annual youth writing contest. Last year, I won third place in the “50 Precious Words” contest and was named as an honorable mention in the “PB Rising Stars” mentorship program.
I have additional picture book manuscripts, should you be interested. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Excerpt:
For a long time, my name was Flora.
But it wasn’t my right name.
Now, my name is Theo.
Now, I feel like me.
But sometimes I am just…
Between.
At home, I am Theo. My laugh is loud. I stretch up, up, up to the sun. I am free.
At school, I am Flora. My voice is quiet. I shrink down, down, down in my seat. I am trapped.
What inspired you to write this story & what do you have in common with it:
I am a proud mother of a trans son who was brave enough to advocate for himself and change his name. Hearing his “dead” name feels like a jump scare. I see how painful it can be for him. I wrote BETWEEN to illustrate how deadnaming can affect a child. I hope that any kid in this position, after reading my story, will feel empowered to speak up about who they are. I hope adults will be inspired to try harder when a change like this isn’t easy, because no child should have to be someone they aren’t.
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