The Art of Being Normal

Story

David has always been an outsider. Leo is trying to be invisible. Both have secrets. When Leo stands up for David in a fight they become friends. When their secrets start to leak out they discover that they have more in common than they think.

Why we chose it

This was the story chosen by our Young Producers for their immersive space in The Enchanted Library. They chose it because, in their own words, ‘it promotes body confidence, diversity, inclusion and explores things important to teens.’

Where it came from

While working as an administrator at the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS), the NHS service for under-eighteens struggling with their gender identity, Lisa was inspired to write a story from the point of view of a transgender teenager. Identity is a major theme in the book. Family is another. This is a story for anyone who has ever grappled with where they fit in.

Where it went next

The novel won a number of awards in 2016 and 2017 including the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and the Oxon Book Award. It was shortlisted for the YA Book Prize.

Associated stories

Lisa Williamson’s other novels are All About Mia and Paper Avalanche.

In the museum

Find the Young Producer's The Art of Being Normal space in The Enchanted Library