Publishers Weekly
04/10/2023
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.)
From the Publisher
A vibrant battle cry for rainbow kids” — Kirkus Reviews
“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
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
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
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
“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
Kirkus Reviews
2023-03-14
Twelve-year-old Joy fights harsh opposition to her cheerleading in this collaboration between trans child activist Shappley and middle-grade author Bunker.
When her best friend, Max, introduces Joy to cheer, she falls in love with the sport. The two get together with another girl, Steph, calling themselves the Sparkle Squad. They plan to practice their cheer routines before tryouts when seventh grade starts. All three girls do make the team, and despite their heavy workload and high academic expectations, Joy loves it—until someone outs her as transgender and she’s banned from the team in accordance with a Texas law limiting participation based on sex assigned at birth. Joy is also required to use the school nurse’s bathroom, and Steph turns hostile. But Max stands by her side, kicking Steph out of the Sparkle Squad, and they’re joined by a mix of supportive cheer team members and kids who feel excluded. When a bill threatening families with trans kids is put before the Texas Senate, Joy, inspired by watching real-world activist Shappley’s Senate testimony, decides the Sparkle Squad is ready to cheer in support of trans rights. Joy is a fundamentally resilient character with an unconditionally supportive mom and the enviable quality of resilience, bouncing back after each obstacle and defeat. Her attitude and proactive nature keep the narrative upbeat while never undermining the serious nature of the issues raised. Main characters read White. Final art not seen.
A vibrant battle cry for rainbow kids. (advice for activists, song list) (Fiction. 8-12)
