If I Was Your Girl

by Meredith Russo
If I Was Your Girl cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Young Adult (YA)
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £7.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 9993
  • Added: 2026-01-05
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9781474924696
  • Publisher: Usborne Publishing Ltd
  • Published: 2016-06-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Amanda Hardy is the new girl at school, eager to make friends and fit in. However, she's holding back, especially from Grant, the guy she's falling for. Amanda has a secret: she used to be called Andrew at her old school. As her secret threatens to unravel, Amanda must navigate the complexities of identity, love, and self-acceptance. This poignant novel explores the challenges of being true to oneself and the power of love in its many forms. It's a story that resonates with anyone who has ever felt like they didn't quite fit in.

Reviews
Heartful of Books · A reader · 2016-12-05
heartwarming 4.50

This book is a standout and an important read that everyone should experience. It is both heartwarming and emotionally engaging.

The reviewer from Heartful of Books considers 'If I Was Your Girl' to be one of the best books of the year. They highlight the book's emotional depth and its ability to engage readers on a profound level. The story is praised for its heartwarming moments and its exploration of important themes related to identity and acceptance. The reviewer believes that this book is a must-read for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the trans experience and the challenges faced by trans individuals. The narrative is both compelling and moving, making it a significant addition to the literary landscape.

Quick quotes

    If I Was Your Girl has definitely made it onto my list of best books of the year.

    It's such an important read and I think everyone can get something out of it.

    The story is both heartwarming and emotionally engaging.

The Guardian · Lucy Mangan · 2016-06-19
important 4.00

This book highlights the challenges faced by trans females and the profound impact on their lives. The premise is both compelling and thought-provoking.

Lucy Mangan's review in The Guardian emphasizes the importance of 'If I Was Your Girl' in shedding light on the struggles of trans females. She praises the book's premise, noting its ability to evoke empathy and understanding. Mangan appreciates how the story delves into the complexities of identity and the societal issues that trans individuals face. The narrative is both heartwarming and harrowing, making it a significant read for anyone looking to gain insight into the trans experience.

Quick quotes

    This book really shows how bad it is for trans females and how their lives can be totally changed.

    The premise of the book was amazing.

    It's a story that needs to be told and heard.

Goodreads · A reader · 2016-05-03
challenging 3.00

This is a hard book to read due to its themes of outing, homophobia, and sexual assault. The story is emotionally challenging but important.

The Goodreads reviewer finds 'If I Was Your Girl' to be a difficult but necessary read. They highlight the book's exploration of tough subjects like homophobia, transphobia, and sexual assault, which make the narrative both challenging and impactful. The reviewer acknowledges the emotional weight of the story, noting that it is a crucial read for understanding the experiences of trans individuals. Despite its heaviness, the book is praised for its honesty and the way it brings these issues to light.

Quick quotes

    This is a hard book to read, because there's a lot of outing and homophobia/transphobia, as well as rape and sexual assault.

    One thing I really appreciated was the honesty and the way the story brought these issues to light.

    It's a story that everyone should read to understand the struggles of trans individuals.

Appears in Lists