A Journey of Self-Discovery: Review of Ollie in Between by Megan D. DeVos
As a book blogger who thrived in stories of identity and belonging, Ollie in Between by Megan D. DeVos immediately captured my attention and heart. The struggle of fitting in, especially during the awkward and transformative years of early adolescence, resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt caught in between societal expectations and personal truths. This book vividly portrays the challenges faced by Ollie, a soon-to-be thirteen-year-old navigating the turbulent waters of puberty, gender identity, and friendship.
At the core of Ollie in Between is a heartfelt exploration of Ollie’s journey to understanding their gender expression. DeVos crafts a character who feels misplaced in the rigid boxes society often dictates: neither masculine enough for the neighborhood boys’ hockey team nor feminine enough for their boy-crazy best friend, Cal. This poignant juxtaposition drives home the complexities of identity in an emotional way. Ollie’s struggles to find "where they fit in" are depicted with sensitivity and realism that often had me reflecting back on my own experiences growing up.
The pacing of the narrative felt just right; it allows readers to sit with Ollie’s feelings of confusion, fear, and moments of clarity. DeVos employs genuine dialogue and relatable situations, whether it’s Ollie’s panic during a shopping trip for bras or their heartbreaking internal monologues about what it means to embrace womanhood. One standout moment for me was when Ollie interviews women for a school essay, leading to revelations about femininity that challenge conventional norms. It’s moments like this that I appreciate, as they provoke thought and inspire discussions around gender expectations.
The writing style is engaging, combining warmth with raw honesty. DeVos captures the essence of adolescence beautifully, showcasing the challenges of friendship as Ollie grapples with the fear of social exclusion while trying to seek connection. The insights shared by Ollie’s sister, Lila, were particularly memorable. Lila’s reflections on femininity and societal pressures brought depth to the story, affirming that embracing one’s true self is critical, no matter the noise from the outside world.
I personally connected deeply with the concept of not fitting a mold molded by others. As a nonbinary trans masc person myself, I found solace in Ollie’s journeys of self-exploration. I often wished for such authentic representations when I was younger, and I wholeheartedly believe that books like this can change lives.
Ollie in Between is not just a coming-of-age story; it’s an affirmation that there is no singular narrative to gender, and that understanding oneself is a fundamental journey. I would highly recommend this book to middle-grade readers, educators, and anyone looking to understand the fluid nature of gender identity better. It’s a powerful reminder that we all deserve acceptance, understanding, and the freedom to be our true selves—even when we feel lost in between.
In conclusion, this book left me with a warmth in my heart and hope for younger readers to see themselves represented. I thank Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for providing an e-arc of this book and acknowledge NetGalley for its wonderful review platform. This isn’t just Ollie’s story; it’s a collective experience that we can all share.