Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart

Summary
     Lily and Dunkin tells the story of Timothy McGrother and Norbert Dorfman.  Timothy was born a boy but feels that he is a girl, and decides to be called Lilly Jo McGrother; while Norbert, decides that he prefers to be called Dunkin.  The story starts off with their chance encounter and newfound friendship.  The book explores the struggles that Lily faces as a transgender eight graders; and how her family decides to deal with this issue.  We learn that her sister and mother have come to terms with Lily being transgender; but her father is resistant to this new notion; with an intensity that is quite disquieting.  With Dunkin, we are introduced to his family’s secret of his father’s bipolar disorder; and they’re ever moving of towns to live.  Their chance encounter one summer morning will forever change their lives.  

Commentary on Strengths

     Lily and Dunkin is a novel written by Donna Gephart.  The book is a young adult, realistic fiction novel that is perfect for people in Middle Grade.  The book deals with both mental health issues as well as GLBT issues.  The author does a phenomenal job tackling two hot button issues within the same book.  The story deals with a young man feeling that he is not his true self and thus identifies as Lily and with Norbert who is dealing with his family’s history of having a bi-polar disorder and just seeks to fit in.  The story delves into the topic of acceptance, forgiveness, heartbreak and ultimately tragedy.   Donna Gephart is able to balance both issues where one does not take the limelight away from the other.  This is also a great book for those that transgender in that they can see themselves through Lily.  

Readers also enjoyed Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes, Maybe a Fox by Kathi Appelt, Ruby on the Outside by Nora Raleigh Baskin, The Seventh Wish by Kate Messner, and The Truth About Twinkie Pie by Kat Yeh

Additional books written by Donna Gephart are How to Survive Middle School; Death by Toilet Paper; Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen; The Greatest Story Ever Bowled; and As if being 12 3/4 Isn't Bad Enough, My Mother is Running for President!

Teachers can find ideas of incorporating Lily and Dunkin in their lesson plans by visiting the following website: https://images.randomhouse.com/promo_image/9780553536744_2936.pdf

Gephart, D. (2016). Lily and Dunkin. New York: Delacorte Press.

Book Trailer