The Ship We Built

Praise

Kirkus Reviews Best Books
Rainbow Book List
Michigan Most Notable Books
Autostraddle Best Queer Books
BookPal OWL Shortlist

“A remarkable novel about what it’s like to come of age and find yourself. . . . The perfect lifeboat for anyone adrift in the sea of becoming.”—Celeste Lecesne, co-founder of the Trevor Project and founder of the Future Perfect Project

“Lovely, timely, and necessary for both children and adults.”—LA Review of Books

“In this middle grade novel with tremendous crossover appeal, Bean tackles topics of abuse and grief. The story validates the pain facing young people questioning their identity and struggling with trauma, and also offers paths to healing. No matter where you are in your journey—of identity or of sorrow—Rowan will meet you there with his letters and friendship.”—Chicago Review of Books

* ”Vividly and sensitively captures the struggle of being a child who just can’t fit in and doesn’t understand why. It is an authentic portrayal of childhood pain without an ounce of condescension. . . . While the book tackles big issues, primarily addressing being trans and queer and surviving incest as well as touching on parental incarceration, anyone who has ever been a sad or confused child will be able to see a little bit of themselves in Rowan and Sofie. . . . Everyone should read this remarkable, affecting novel.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* “This heartfelt, emotionally raw narrative delicately and respectfully covers incredibly complex issues (homophobia, substance abuse, sexual abuse, racism) that many young people around the world face, compounded by Rowan’s status as a trans boy. Bean’s debut novel for young readers is as difficult as it is hopeful, beautifully captured through a 10-year-old voice. A remarkable and memorable book!”—Booklist, starred review

“A tender story . . . Queer and trans author Bean brings tremendous sensitivity to the tale of a young child exploring their identity and experiencing abuse. . . . A strong addition to any library collection.”—School Library Journal