Bookshelf Best: Jamie by L.D. Lapinski – An Uplifting Story of Identity, Friendship and Finding Your Voice
- teachingfromtext
- Jun 13
- 2 min read
If you’re searching for an inclusive, empowering read that speaks directly to the challenges of growing up and finding your place in the world, Jamie by L.D. Lapinski is a Bookshelf Best you won’t want to miss. Perfect for readers aged 10+, this heartfelt story is especially powerful for children navigating the transition from primary to secondary school.
What’s It About?
Jamie follows the journey of a non-binary child who has always felt safe and accepted at primary school alongside their two best friends, Ash and Daisy. But with the move to secondary school on the horizon, everything begins to change.
Ash will attend the boys’ school. Daisy is headed to the girls’ school.But Jamie? Jamie doesn’t feel like they belong in either.
Caught between two worlds and under pressure to conform, Jamie faces an impossible choice—until the three friends decide to stand together, speak out, and challenge a system that doesn’t leave room for everyone.
Why Jamie Is a Bookshelf Best
🌈 Celebrates Identity: With a non-binary protagonist, this story opens up important conversations about gender identity, self-expression, and acceptance.
👫 Friendship at the Core: Jamie, Ash, and Daisy’s bond reminds readers how vital friendship is when navigating life’s biggest changes.
🏫 Supports School Transitions: Ideal for children preparing for or experiencing the primary-to-secondary school transition, this book tackles worries and questions with sensitivity.
❤️ Warmth, Empathy & Humour: Despite its serious themes, Jamie is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, emotional warmth, and hopeful energy.
📚 Inclusive Middle-Grade Fiction: A must-have for parents, teachers, and librarians looking to diversify their bookshelves with LGBTQ+ children’s literature.
A Must-Read for Schools and Families
Whether you're an educator seeking inclusive stories for your classroom, a parent supporting a child through school changes, or simply a book-lover who values emotional depth and social awareness, Jamie by L.D. Lapinski is a standout.
This book empowers young readers to speak up, stand proud, and embrace who they are—no matter the boxes the world tries to put them in.
📚 Add Jamie to your bookshelf today—a compassionate, courageous story that every young reader deserves to discover.
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