Beautiful Music for Ugly Children
Kirsten Cronn-Mills
2012, 271 pages
Young Adult Fiction
Gabe Williams has been obsessed with music for as long as he can remember. Mentored by his music-loving neighbor, Gabe DJs a one-hour midnight show (called Beautiful Music for Ugly Children) every Friday at a community radio station. Gabe’s skills on air even inspire a fan base calling themselves the Ugly Children Brigade, who complete odd, harmless tasks around town after each week’s show.
Gabe’s radio persona develops soon after he comes out to his family and best friend as trans, and his radio show follows the ups and downs of his internal struggle with accepting and developing his new life. Beautiful Music for Ugly Children dips its toes into the world of gender transition, cyber-bullying, violence against trans people and sexuality, but felt a bit sugar-coated. Gabe’s love of music is fascinating and fun, and the book is well-paced and easy to read. Overall, a satisfying story, and one that could be enjoyed by adults and teens.
Cheri HardyConcord Public Library
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