Joy, to the World - by Kai Shappley & Lisa Bunker (Hardcover)

About the Book

Joy, a twelve-year-old transgender girl, fights for her right to cheer in Texas.

Book Synopsis

A young Dumplin' meets Melissa in this joyful and energetic middle grade novel about a twelve-year-old girl living her life to the fullest, celebrating her love for sports and fighting for her right to cheer.

Joy, a twelve-year-old trans girl, just moved to Texas with her mother and older brother. Her family has accepted Joy as the girl she is early in her transition, with little fuss, leaving Joy to explore her love of sports, competition, teamwork, school spirit, and worship.

But when she is told she's off the cheerleading team, Joy wants to fight for her right to cheer. As her battle with the school board picks up momentum, Joy attracts support from kids all around the country . . . she even gets the attention of her hero, trans activist Kai Shappley.

Inspired by Kai's own life, Joy, to the World is a timely story of living life to the fullest, celebrating and centering trans joy, courage, and resilience.

Review Quotes

It's said that "readers are leaders," but we must remember that writers are as well. Kai and Lisa are leading us all to love more as we listen and learn to the voices and lived experiences of trans students. May we all learn to be ourselves, tell our stories, and fight for others. Read this book, y'all! - Jed Dearybury Educator, Author, Illustrator
At a time when media and society focus sharply on dividing us, this story reminds us of a universal truth: we are all more alike than we are different. "Joy, to the World" is a page-turner for audiences of all ages and is sure to inspire every reader to fight for their own rights and the rights of their friends. - Chris Mosier Trailblazing Transgender Athlete
"Both heart warming and heart wrenching, this book truly captures a glimpse into the powers of Ms Kai Shappley. If the Dolly Parton references didn't hook you, this story of Joy will. A love letter to all who choose to read it, I am excited to share this book with the world at large!" - Malia Baker
This is an inspiring story about Joy, of course, but really about the power of being your true authentic self, and the beauty that lies within fighting for yourself and for others. I would encourage every kid and their parents to dive into this beautiful book. - Megan Rapinoe Athlete Activist
"Shappley and Bunker gently immerse readers in the reality of trans kids' lives, first showcasing the absolute joy it can be for someone to be able to simply be themselves. The authors never talk down to readers, using language and concept that will appeal directly to their target audience...This affirming read emphasizes the importance of advocating for trans kids, establishing healthy boundaries, and prioritizing the joy of self-expression." - Booklist
Young transgender activist Shappley's hopeful debut, written in collaboration with Bunker (Zenobia July), offers a down-to-earth telling about a trans girl whose passion for cheer launches her life in an unexpected direction. After moving from Minnesota to Texas, where "cheer is like the official sport," 12-year-old Joy Simmons confides in her journal that becoming a flyer is "my destiny." Joy initially worries that her single mother will say no to cheer due to the family's stretched finances, but after her mom agrees, Joy's practice pays off: she makes the middle school team with her best friends. But everything comes crashing down when Joy is kicked off the team due to an exclusionary state law that says athletes must compete "on the team that aligns with their sex assigned at birth." Joy is subsequently required to use the nurse's bathroom and harassed at school. As the family navigates increasingly hostile school board meetings and Joy is inspired to speak publicly against an anti-trans bill being considered by the Texas Senate, they connect with unexpected allies. Interspersed with journal entries, Joy's plainspoken first-person perspective accessibly reports on the very real threats trans children face daily alongside the resilient character's faith and personal feelings. Protagonists are white. Ages 8-12. Agents: (for Shappley) Laura Thede and Alicia Beekman, DDO Artists Agency; (for Bunker) Jim McCarthy, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. (May.) - Publishers Weekly
"A vibrant battle cry for rainbow kids" - Kirkus Reviews