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

To find herself, she’ll have to stand up to everyone she’s ever tried to please. But what happens when loyalty and respect are no longer enough?

A Powerful Story of Gender Identity: Pen has always been a tomboy, but as she gets older, the pressure from her family and friends to be a "real girl" becomes a battle for her very soul.
Gamer Girl Romance: When Pen meets Blake, a fellow gamer with righteous hair and a badass attitude, she starts to feel things she’s never felt before—and not just because Blake is also an Xbox girl.
A Test of Loyalty: Pen has always been Colby’s loyal wingman, but when his expectations cross a line, their lifelong friendship shatters in a way that can never be repaired.
Family Expectations: With old-world Portuguese parents who believe she’s a "punk druggy" for wearing her brother’s clothes, Pen’s fight for authenticity begins at home.