Homebody (book) by Theo Parish
Bibliographic Information
Title: Homebody
Author: Theo Parish
Publisher: HarperAlley (an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers)
Copyright Date: April 23, 2024
ISBN: 978-0-06-331958-5
Page Count: 224
Genre
Graphic Novel, Memoir
Reading Level/Interest Level
Ages 13 - 18 (Kirkus Reviews)
Plot Summary
Theo takes the reader through their journey as they transition from the gender assigned at birth to the one they feel most comfortable with. Theo describes the process of feeling uncomfortable with how society views them and shares small snippets of life as a child, a teen, and a young adult. The process of the journey is filled with nervous emotions that turn into happy emotions upon self-discovery just as the journey also has moments when Theo feels at home in their body, only to be confused later on.
Author Background
Theo is a cartoonist currently living in England with their three cats. Their work is inspired by fantasy and their life as a non-binary, queer, and neurodivergent person. Outside of creating comics, they enjoy making pillow forts and befriending neighborhood cats. (HarperCollins Publishers, n.d.).
Critical Evaluation
I loved this book because I think many people may feel a sense of comfort in reading how one person’s journey to feel comfortable in their own body is in part applicable to almost anyone. Theo reads white, but there are many other diverse and differently abled characters portrayed in the story, and Theo is careful to share how their journey may not be someone else’s. The graphics are drawn in light shades of pink and purple and are wonderful to look at. I was rooting for Theo the whole time, and I think others will, too.
Creative Use for a Library Program
Theo shares a scene (page 136) where they and a friend paint flags on their cheeks, which meant sharing their identity with others in a visible way. Librarians could host a book club, and after the club, the teens could paint their respective choice of flags on their hands or face if desired.
Speed-Round Talk
Theo grows up uncomfortable with the identity that society has imposed on them. They think they have life figured out at one point, only to be mystified as they get older. Can they learn how to be comfortable in their body in a way that feels like home?
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation
This book is a memoir of a non-binary and queer young adult.
Theo is mindful of sharing how everyone’s journey is different, and repeatedly shares how they are trying to find themselves and their journey is different than someone else’s might be. There are no sex scenes or spiciness of any kind. This book may help others find peace in their journey.
Reason for Inclusion
This book is such a warm and great memoir of a transgender and non-binary person that can be shared with all young adults. Theo’s perspective can help anyone find their own definition of what it means to feel home inside of one’s body, and as an added bonus can help friends and family members become more open to the journey non-cis people may take. This book can help people learn to be more open.
Bonus Information
My 13 year old loved this book, too!
An short interview with Theo about how they made the book!
References
Bassi, T. [Art of tvb]. (2021, September 9). Stay warm cup of coffee GIF [GIF]. Giphy. https://giphy.com/gifs/fall-autumn-sweater-weather-TRjQoIqFFxA9nDjNEb
HarperCollins Publishers. (n.d.). Theo Parish. https://www.harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/theo-parish-85050
HarperCollins Publishers. (n.d.). Theo Parish [photograph]. https://www.harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/theo-parish-85050
Kirkus Reviews. (2024, February 3). Homebody: An accessible, affirming story that models how anyone—cis or trans—can take steps toward self-knowledge and gender freedom. Kirkus Reviews. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/theo-parish/homebody-parish/
Pan Macmillan. (2024, May 5). How I made a graphic novel | Homebody by Theo Parish [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njMX7jteiVU
Parish, T. (2024, April 23). Homebody. HarperAlley.
*Book Cover Image is property of publisher, HarperCollins; taken from Amazon