Lambda Literary Award Winner! “Pen is an inspiration to anyone who’s struggled to be understood, and a vital addition to the growing world of genderqueer protagonists.” —New York Times Book Review

All Pen wants is to be the kind of girl she’s always been. So why does everyone have a problem with it?

They think the way she looks and acts means she’s trying to be a boy—that she should quit trying to be something she’s not. If she dresses like a girl, and does what her folks want, it will show respect. If she takes orders and does what her friend Colby wants, it will show her loyalty.

But respect and loyalty, Pen discovers, are empty words. Old-world parents, disintegrating friendships, and strong feelings for other girls drive Pen to see the truth—that in order to be who she truly wants to be, she’ll have to man up.

M. E. Girard’s Girl Mans Up is perfect for fans of Meredith Russo, Becky Albertalli, Alex Sanchez, and Jaye Robin Brown!

Entertainment Weekly Best YA Book of 2016 * Children’s Book Council Books Best Book of 2016 * Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Coming-of-Age Novel of 2016 and Best Teen Book of 2016 with Unforgettable Protagonists * Publishers Weekly Fall 2016 Flying Starts * William C. Morris YA Debut Award Finalist

• A Gender Non-Conforming Heroine: Pen isn't trying to be a boy; she's just trying to be herself. But in a world that wants to put her in a box, she'll have to fight for the right to be who she's always been.
• F/F Romance for Teens: After years of acting as a wingman for her best friend, Pen meets Blake, a fellow gamer who sees her-and likes her-for exactly who she is.
• Complex Family Dynamics: At home, Pen clashes with her traditional Portuguese parents, who don't understand why their daughter won't just be the "princesa" they always wanted.
• Finding Yourself: Perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Alex Sanchez, this is an unforgettable story about the courage it takes to stop pleasing everyone else and finally live your own truth.

“Girard explores questions of family, friendship, loyalty, and identity through the voice of Pen Oliveira, a 16-year old girl ... [She] forcefully conveys the fear Pen lives with, having experienced frequent mockery and bullying, and her courage in aspiring to a safe, loving community for herself and her friends.”