B in the World

By Sharon Mentyka

B and his friends Rudy and Grace are super excited to be starting second grade. But when they find out that Ms. Hitchings will be their new teacher, everything changes. Then, to make things worse, Mia, the meanest, bossiest girl that New Horizons School has ever known, arrives. When B and Mia both decide they want to try out for the leading part in the spring play, B wonders how he’ll ever survive the year.

"B in the World" is a chapter book for children ages 5 and up and the people who love them, and tells the story of a gender non-conforming boy and the challenges he faces. Many children, especially once they start school, struggle with being somehow perceived as "different" — either because of how they like to dress, or how they look, or simply because of what they like to do. Some of the challenges B faces in this story are gender-connected, some are just kid-related. The book takes an open-hearted, kids-eyed view of what it means to be different and celebrates children for who they are meant to be, not how others want to label them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sharon Mentyka
• Release date: Jun 17, 2015
• ISBN: 9780986329319

Sharon Mentyka

Sharon Mentyka is a graduate of the MFA program of the Whidbey Writers Workshop and she has had stories and essays published in various literary magazines for both children and adults, including Columbia Kids, a publication of the Washington State History Museum, Soundings Review, and Cricket magazine. B in the World, an illustrated chapter book for children ages four to seven about a gender nonconforming child, was published in 2014.

Book preview

Reviews for B in the World

[salsabrarian · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

B (for Blaine) likes to wear pink, bakes lemon cupcakes, sometimes wants to dress like his sister, and he plans to audition for the part of the Mermaid in the school play. B's interest in traditionally feminine things isn't treated with a heavy hand. It's more a story about a boy who has all kinds of interests, some of which other people have a challenge accepting. This could have come off preachy but overall it is pleasantly understated and positive.

[jennybeast · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Gentle, thoughtful, book about a gender fluid child and the trials and tribulations of a second grade experience gone badly wrong. Love the support B gets at home and from his friends. Love the message of kindness.

I am wondering at the fact that of the 3 books I have read with a trans/gender fluid child in them has a denouement that centers on the school play, and wanting to act the part of a female character. I see why a school play is a perfect vehicle/ space for kids to experiment with clothing and with trying on identity, however, it is striking that all of the books have the same plot. George, Gracefully Grayson, now this one -- perhaps it is the only place in an elementary school for a person born male to triumph in a public female role. Something to consider.