#MMGM review: Both Can Be True by Jules Machias

 

 

Publisher's Blurb (Goodreads):
Two kids join forces to save a dog . . . but wind up saving each other.

Ash is no stranger to feeling like an outcast. For someone who cycles through genders, it’s a daily struggle to feel in control of how people perceive you. Some days Ash is undoubtedly girl, but other times, 100 percent guy. Daniel lacks control too—of his emotions. He’s been told he’s overly sensitive more times than he can count. He can’t help the way he is, and he sure wishes someone would accept him for it.

So when Daniel’s big heart leads him to rescue a dog that’s about to be euthanized, he’s relieved to find Ash willing to help. The two bond over their four-legged secret. When they start catching feelings for each other, however, things go from cute to complicated. Daniel thinks Ash is all girl . . . what happens when he finds out there’s more to Ash’s story?

With so much on the line—truth, identity, acceptance, and the life of an adorable pup named Chewbarka—will Ash and Daniel forever feel at war with themselves because they don’t fit into the world’s binaries? Or will their friendship help them embrace the beauty of living in between? 

My Review:
I may not be quite sure what I think of this book, but I know that I zipped through it, caught up in the major struggles Ash and Daniel face in multiple areas. The author has taken on a lot here, with divorcing parents, lack of acceptance, first love, animal rights, and more. I was glad not to find any dead parents here, but did feel like Machias was kind of hard on the dads--there could be a little more understanding and good parenting there, though it serves the story to have them be more difficult.

There are some great moments of standing up to bullies, some quotable lines, and a really wish I could see sounds the way Ash does! The author's line drawings throughout the book are fantastic. Chewbarka is a cute doggo, no pup, and the author touches on the ethics of euthanizing unwanted pets, with a shout-out to those who rescue such animals (which, from the bio, includes the author & partner).

I like that nearly everyone turns out to be better and more open-minded than they look at first, including most of the parents. I'm not sure about the realism of Ash's sudden decision to come out fully and without any real fear, but it sort of works--a moment when everything clicks, they reach a new understanding about themself, and that allows them--maybe compels them--to be themself at school and all the time.

My Recommendation:
Despite the age of the protagonists (13) and some kisses, this book retains a strong middle-grade vibe. Suitable for ages 10 and up. Since the central topic is gender identity, it may have an interest and be appropriate for kids younger (or older) who are asking questions about their own identity. As a parent, I'm more bothered by some of the risky stuff the kids do for the sake of the dog (and I was a parent who encouraged free-range kids)!

 

FTC Disclosure: I checked Both Can Be True out of my library, and received nothing from the writer or publisher for my honest review.  The opinions expressed are my own and those of no one else.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."  



Rebecca M. Douglass, 2025
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