If I Was Your Girl

Amanda is the protagonist of the novel. She was Andrew at birth, but ever since she was little, she’s secretly identified as a girl. Living a secret makes her feel disconnected from her true self, but whenever she tries to tell anyone about who she really is, she’s reprimanded or treated violently. Thus, she keeps her identity a secret, until the pressure builds and results in her attempted suicide.

Amanda loves to read graphic novels like Sandman, drawing, and playing video games. These imaginative activities used to help her escape her reality when she wasn’t able to reveal her identity, but after her transition, these hobbies represent freedom for Amanda.

Russo, by detailing Amanda’s inner thoughts and emotions, reveals common difficulties for trans teens through a character with whom her readers can empathize. Amanda develops over the course of the novel from a reserved teen who plans to lie low at her new school to the homecoming queen with a close group of friends who accept her for who she is, even knowing where she came from.