About the book
In this YA standalone perfect for fans of Tobly McSmith and Meredith Russo, the first out trans girl at an all-girls school must choose between keeping her head down or blazing a trail.
Tara just wants to be treated like any other girl at Ainsley Academy.
That is, judged on her merits—not on her transness. But there’s no road map for being the first trans girl at an all-girls school. And when she tries to join the Sibyls, an old-fashioned Ainsley sisterhood complete with code names and special privileges, she’s thrust into the center of a larger argument about what girlhood means and whether the club should exist at all.
Being the figurehead of a movement isn’t something Tara’s interested in. She’d rather read old speeches and hang out with the Sibyls who are on her side—especially Felicity, a new friend she thinks could turn into something more. Then the club’s sponsor, a famous alumna, attacks her in the media and turns the selection process into a spectacle.
Tara’s always found comfort in the power of other peoples’ words. But when it comes time to fight for herself, will she be able to find her own voice?
- Boarding School Novel: At the prestigious Ainsley Academy, Tara navigates challenging classes, elite traditions, and the complex social hierarchy of an all-girls school.
- Finding Your Voice: When a powerful alumna turns her bid to join the Sibyls into a media spectacle, Tara must go from studying great speeches to delivering one of her own.
- Found Family: Amidst the controversy, Tara discovers unexpected allies within the Sibyls, forging fierce, loyal friendships that redefine sisterhood.
- Queer Romance: The bond with Felicity, a sharp-witted Sibyl, offers the possibility of first love—if the pressure of the spotlight doesn’t tear them apart first.
Editions of Just Happy to Be Here
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780063216570
- EBook
- ISBN 9780063216594
Read an Excerpt
In this YA standalone perfect for fans of Tobly McSmith and Meredith Russo, the first out trans girl at an all-girls school must choose between keeping her head down or blazing a trail.
Tara just wants to be treated like any other girl at Ainsley Academy.
That is, judged on her merits—not on her transness. But there’s no road map for being the first trans girl at an all-girls school. And when she tries to join the Sibyls, an old-fashioned Ainsley sisterhood complete with code names and special privileges, she’s thrust into the center of a larger argument about what girlhood means and whether the club should exist at all.
Being the figurehead of a movement isn’t something Tara’s interested in. She’d rather read old speeches and hang out with the Sibyls who are on her side—especially Felicity, a new friend she thinks could turn into something more. Then the club’s sponsor, a famous alumna, attacks her in the media and turns the selection process into a spectacle.
Tara’s always found comfort in the power of other peoples’ words. But when it comes time to fight for herself, will she be able to find her own voice?
- Boarding School Novel: At the prestigious Ainsley Academy, Tara navigates challenging classes, elite traditions, and the complex social hierarchy of an all-girls school.
- Finding Your Voice: When a powerful alumna turns her bid to join the Sibyls into a media spectacle, Tara must go from studying great speeches to delivering one of her own.
- Found Family: Amidst the controversy, Tara discovers unexpected allies within the Sibyls, forging fierce, loyal friendships that redefine sisterhood.
- Queer Romance: The bond with Felicity, a sharp-witted Sibyl, offers the possibility of first love—if the pressure of the spotlight doesn’t tear them apart first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Just Happy to Be Here about?
In this YA standalone perfect for fans of Tobly McSmith and Meredith Russo, the first out trans girl at an all-girls school must choose between keeping her head down or blazing a trail.
Tara just wants to be treated like any other girl at Ainsley Academy.
That is, judged on her merits—not on her transness. But there’s no road map for being the first trans girl at an all-girls school. And when she tries to join the Sibyls, an old-fashioned Ainsley sisterhood complete with code names and special privileges, she’s thrust into the center of a larger argument about what girlhood means and whether the club should exist at all.
Being the figurehead of a movement isn’t something Tara’s interested in. She’d rather read old speeches and hang out with the Sibyls who are on her side—especially Felicity, a new friend she thinks could turn into something more. Then the club’s sponsor, a famous alumna, attacks her in the media and turns the selection process into a spectacle.
Tara’s always found comfort in the power of other peoples’ words. But when it comes time to fight for herself, will she be able to find her own voice?
- Boarding School Novel: At the prestigious Ainsley Academy, Tara navigates challenging classes, elite traditions, and the complex social hierarchy of an all-girls school.
- Finding Your Voice: When a powerful alumna turns her bid to join the Sibyls into a media spectacle, Tara must go from studying great speeches to delivering one of her own.
- Found Family: Amidst the controversy, Tara discovers unexpected allies within the Sibyls, forging fierce, loyal friendships that redefine sisterhood.
- Queer Romance: The bond with Felicity, a sharp-witted Sibyl, offers the possibility of first love—if the pressure of the spotlight doesn’t tear them apart first.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Just Happy to Be Here?
Children’s, Teenage and Educational > Children’s / Teenage: Personal and social topics > Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: LGBTQIA+
Where can I read a sample of Just Happy to Be Here?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780063216570
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Just Happy to Be Here?
Naomi Kanakia
Who is the Publisher of the book Just Happy to Be Here?
HarperCollins
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Just Happy to Be Here is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780063216570) and ebook(ISBN 9780063216594)
Where can I buy Just Happy to Be Here online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Just Happy to Be Here from below
Where can I buy Just Happy to Be Here?