The story is narrated by 9-year-old Jess Jezowski who strongly believes she’s more like a boy than the girl everyone expects her to be. This includes three siblings, her parents, and other girls at school. Set in Michigan, the first chapter begins Christmas eve, 1972 and the end of the book brings us to October 1, 1973.

Jess hates the dresses her mother makes her wear and isn’t happy having long hair. She stays quiet until receiving a Christmas gift- A toy doll. Jess cuts the doll’s hair off and name’s him Mickey. Using a voice for Mickey when talking to the family, Jess can finally express the way she feels about her true identity. Mickey is expressive and funny, but is this toy doll really going to help or will she have to find her own voice?

Empathy for Jess rings true in every one of the 58 chapters. You’ll understand her confused feelings. She doesn’t resolve everything, which is perfectly portrayed for a 4th-5th grader either at that time or today. It takes time to figure our who you are.

NORTH OF TOMBOY is a bit long for this type of novel, but reading it with a parent or adult would add even more benefit to the experience.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: 9/2/25. PAGES: 376

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: NORTH OF TOMBOY by Julie A. Swanson

1. The time period with Watergate and the Vietnam War going on gives readers a eye opening look at life in the early 1970s.
2. So true to the way boys and girls treated each other. You did boy sports and activities only if you were a boy. Girls were expected to be girls. A great portrayal of that time.
3. The illustrations that begin many of the chapters have some insights of their own. They don’t detract from the story telling but many made me smile.
4. Jess and her family are Catholic and the story demonstrates how impactful the faith has on decision making. Jess is always concerned about the way she acts and feels.
5. True to form as the story is based on the author’s own feelings growing up during this time in Michigan.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julie Swanson grew up in Michigan’s “Little Finger,” the Leelanau Peninsula, where many of her stories are set, but has lived in Wisconsin, Iowa, New Hampshire, California, and Virginia. For the past twenty-five years she’s lived in Charlottesville, VA. Julie writes middle grade and young adult novels and enjoys sports, the outdoors, “making things” (almost any type of art or craft, woodworking), reading, writing, eating, planting trees, and spending time with family. (Julie’s Author Website)

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