Book Description
for Welcome to St. Hell by Lewis Hancox
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
This candid and humorous graphic novel memoir recounts the author’s experiences growing up in the early 2000s in a small town in the United Kingdom. Many of the memoir’s early episodes tackle familiar adolescent dramas of first crushes, fashion fiascos, friendships, and family struggles, through the additional layer and perspective of a young person deeply uncomfortable in their own body. Set in the nascent days of the internet, it’s not until later that Lois will discover the transgender community through YouTube via the encouragement of an art teacher. Narrated by his present self, Lewis pops up in panels with his old self, Lois, at various states of identity and transition, with reminders that his future self will be much happier. Additionally, the author interviews critical friends and family members about their memories of difficult moments and revelations, which are thoughtfully juxtaposed through the visual text. Described as the handbook he wished he would have had, Hancox’s memoir is compelling, funny, and full of hope. (Ages 11 and older)
CCBC Choices 2023. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2023. Used with permission.