The Pants Project
- Subject
- LGBTQ+
- Age
- 9-12 years
- Format
- Trade Paperback
- Pages
- 272
- Publisher
- Sourcebooks Young Readers
- Size
- 13.7 cm × 20.8 cm
- ISBN
- 9781728215525
Being true to yourself shouldn't mean fighting your school's dress code. But for Liv, it's a battle worth starting—and one he doesn't plan on losing.
Funny, fierce, and full of heart, The Pants Project is a standout middle-grade novel about identity, bravery, and belonging. Liv may not be the world's most obvious superhero, but when the system says "girls only wear skirts," he knows it's time to launch a mission: Operation Pants Project.
Perfect for fans of Melissa by Alex Gino and Gracefully Grayson, this story empowers kids to speak up, push boundaries, and celebrate who they are—one pair of pants at a time.
Liv isn't asking to change the world. He's just asking to wear pants. But when you're standing up for who you are, even the smallest fight can feel revolutionary.
A must-read for ages 9–13 and a powerful resource for discussions on gender identity, bullying, school policy, and growing up brave.
A 2018 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People selectionAn Amelia Bloomer Project nomineeA 2020 Pacific Northwest Young Readers Choice Awards nomineeData provided by BiblioShare.
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What reviewers said
"From the start, readers are drawn into the story by 11-year-old Liv's believable, humor-tinged narration: ‘Little brothers can always be counted on to reach peak levels of annoying at exactly the wrong moment. It must be part of their job description.’ Throughout, Liv's voice is convincing and a pleasure to read…Liv's two moms add further dimension to a tale that unabashedly affirms the importance of accepting and celebrating differences."
"Written in first-person, with both the angst and the humor of a brand-new middle-schooler, The Pants Project is a story for young transgender readers looking to find themselves reflected in contemporary literature. But it’s also a story for all middle grade readers, inviting discussions about acceptance, compassion, and ways in which we all struggle with the same roller coaster of emotions that comes with finding our true selves."
"A wonderfully sweet middle grade story with a satisfying ending… The hopeful tone makes it easier for readers to grapple with the serious issues discussed, and the happy-ever-after ending will not fail to satisfy. Give to fans of Tim Federle’s Better Nate Than Ever and Alex Gino’s George."
"Clarke artfully twists together LGBTQ concerns and disability issues with self-esteem, respect, and compassion. This book is a current day Beverly Cleary or Judy Blume, delving into issues faced by kids, like bullying and tolerance, but with an issue experienced by many kids today."
"Strong-willed, introspective Liv is a likable and relatable protagonist; in many ways he’s like most tweens, navigating friendships, his own identity, and his relationships at home. Supported by his two moms, Liv tries various methods of protest (wearing pants under the skirt, organizing a petition); he doesn’t get any traction, however, until he makes some new friends, and they join the cause… this is a touching novel on a timely subject."
