The Ship We Built

I’m not even totally sure what it means to be a boy, so don’t ask me. But haven’t you ever said something about yourself and it’s like you can feel your heart beating for the first time in your life? It’s like that.

Sometimes I have trouble filling out tests when the name part feels like a test too. When I write letters, I love that you have to read all of my thoughts and stories before I say any name at all. You have to make it to the very end to know.

Rowan has too many secrets to write down in the pages of a diary. And if he did, he wouldn't want anyone he knows to read them. He understands who he is and what he likes, but it's not safe for others to find out. Now the kids at school say Rowan's too different to spend time with. He's not the "right kind" of girl, and he's not the "right kind" of boy. His mom ignores him. And at night, his dad hurts him in ways he's not ready to talk about yet.

But Rowan discovers another way to share his secrets- letters. Letters he attaches to balloons and releases into the universe, hoping someone new will read them and understand. But when he befriends a classmate who knows what it's like to be lonely and scared, even at home, Rowan realizes that there might already be a person he can trust right by his side.

Product Info

Publisher: ‎ Puffin; 1st edition
Date: 17 August 2021
Language: ‎ English
Paperback: ‎ 288 pages
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0525554851
Reading age: ‎ 10
Full Description

Tender and wise, about the bravery it takes to stand up for yourself-even to those you love-and the power of finding someone who treasures you for everything you are.

Sometimes I have trouble filling out tests when the name part feels like a test too. When I write letters, I love that you have to read all of my thoughts and stories before I say any name at all. You have to make it to the very end to know.

Rowan has too many secrets to write down in the pages of a diary. And if he did, he wouldn't want anyone he knows to read them. He understands who he is and what he likes, but it's not safe for others to find out. Now the kids at school say Rowan's too different to spend time with. He's not the "right kind" of girl, and he's not the "right kind" of boy. His mom ignores him. And at night, his dad hurts him in ways he's not ready to talk about yet.

But Rowan discovers another way to share his secrets- letters. Letters he attaches to balloons and releases into the universe, hoping someone new will read them and understand. But when he befriends a classmate who knows what it's like to be lonely and scared, even at home, Rowan realizes that there might already be a person he can trust right by his side.

"Incredibly good; by turns raw, sweet, horrifying, tender, and hopeful."-Laurie Halse Anderson, NYT bestselling and award-winning author of Speak and SHOUT Content Warnings

Transphobia
Bullying
Sexual assault
Child abuse
Alcoholism
Deadnaming
Emotional abuse
Dysphoria
Addiction