Macmillan Children's Books (14+) 9781035017621 (Paperback) Download activities and reading resources pack
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Content advice: some homophobia, gender dysphoria, transphobia and dead-naming.
A refreshing authentic visual autobiography told through an intimate graphic novel. Theo the lead character takes us on a rites-of-passage journey about self-acceptance and coming to feel confident in one’s own body. Issues around gender, identity and sexuality are explored in a clear, confident and accessible way through the visual narrative and build empathy and compassion.
There’s a multi-layered and visually rich quality to the illustrations. The limited colour palette at once reflects the trans flag and contributes to the intimacy and warmth of the story. The eponymous home body is used as a visual metaphor throughout to show how the right to pursue one’s own journey and identity is vital to creating happiness, security, comfort and safety. The mix of hand-drawn and digitally enhanced artwork adds both depth and texture which reflects the nuance and complexity of the themes being explored. Quirky, characterful and thought-provoking illustrations feel alive with movement and mood.
Illustrator’s Video
Shadowers’ Challenge
Please complete the form below and click 'submit' to send your review to your Shadowing Group Leader.
Theo Parish is an author / illustrator currently living in Norwich with their three cats. Driven by a passion for creating the kinds of stories they longed to see as a kid, Theo’s work is inspired by their love of fantasy and their experiences moving through the world as a queer and neurodivergent person. They can usually be found playing tabletop RPGs, building pillow forts or making friends with the neighbourhood cats.
Clare
The CCG Shadowers
Clare
The CCG Shadowers
I like the colour scheme of the book and how it limits itself to the trans flag colours. This shows the way the person changes throughout the story. It also merges with a bit of fantasy, easing the the topic and using a nice extended metaphor which symbolises how you don't have to belong anywhere, and you can be want you want to be. Personally, I wouldn't read the book again as I don't find it very engaging. 6.5/10
Ehinomhen
Bacon and Eggs Literary Society
Home body is a nice book of exploring yourself, I liked the way they embraced its self and tried to stand out and not fit in the drawing were out standing and the plot is pretty easy to understand.
Miley
Rebel Readers
The illustrations are very creative. I think it could have been a bit better but I love the moral of this book. I would recommend this to people who like to read comics or books in first person. I like the comic style of the book. The boy is creative like the style of the book as if he wrote it.
Una
Barrow Bookworms
I really like the idea of the book. Trying to find youself in the world and doing things that can help you find out who you really are is really good! Theos decisions have gave him a positive impact to his life and even when things go down hill, he always climbs back up to find his home body. I really like this book!
Adam
Carnegie@StBede’s
I think that it is age appropriate and it teaches you that its ok to be different if you think you are and that if you are transgender you are not alone and there are people like you. The colours used really do match the theme, I like the graphic novel style and think this is a good choice for a topic/theme that can be difficult to discuss or talk about. The comic style illustrations help with this.
Harry
The WH shadowers
This is a book shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Illustration and I think it deserves to be. The pictures merge with fantasy and are playful which makes what could be a difficult topic of finding your true authentic self as a trangender/ cisgender person seem less daunting. The author/ illustrator uses muted colours and simple but effective drawings in a comic strip/ graphic novel style. In my opinion, this is a thought-provoking and helpful book.
Ms Shakhov
Carnegie@StBede’s
Presented in a comic book/graphic novel style is a very clever way to engage readers. The use of colour is beautiful and the pink, blue and grey tones will resonate with those who have read Heartstopper. The font that was used throughout the book made it very easy to read and the colours calming. The message is told in a simple and effective way following his journey to discover who he is. A great book for those looking to understand for themselves or for those around them. Some of the topics mentioned are certainly for older readers - a reason for the 14y+ recommendation.
Mrs Whittaker
The WH shadowers
Home Body By: Theo Parish Overall review: Home Body is a Great book which is great for many ages and for those who are part of the LGBT+ community or those transitioning, as it’s very inspiring and shows that there are struggles but to reach the good you must first go through the bad. The design is very unique and fascinating as they chose to specifically use the colours pink and blue which is fitting for a book about the journey of transitioning, and it has a fun comic like design to it making it even more enjoyable to read. Notes: There are uses/ mention of: dead naming, homophobia, transphobia and gender dysphoria. This has been mentioned as, these topics can be triggering to some, and I do feel that there should be a little
Lacie-Mae
KSA Book Wolves
Home Body By: Theo Parish Overall review: Home Body is a Great book which is great for many ages and for those who are part of the LGBT+ community or those transitioning, as it’s very inspiring and shows that there are struggles but to reach the good you must first go through the bad. The design is very unique and fascinating as they chose to specifically use the colours pink and blue which is fitting for a book about the journey of transitioning, and it has a fun comic like design to it making it even more enjoyable to read. Notes: There are uses/ mention of: dead naming, homophobia, transphobia and gender dysphoria. This has been mentioned as, these topics can be triggering to some, and I do feel that there should be a little
Lacie
KSA Book Wolves