As you might be able to guess by the cover, he inserts current-Lewis into a candid narrative about his teen life, including his coming out process, and realizing he was trans. Welcome to St. Hell is a wonderfully frank and humorous memoir of a trans adult speaking to his younger self.

Recently shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize for 2023 Welcome to St. Hell is another important account of the lived experiences of trans people. Raw, witty and occasionally very tender, this is a graphic memoir that deserves all the positive recognition it has received. The daughter of modest restaurant owners, Kim was apolitical—she just wanted to make her parents proud and be worthy of her tuition expenses. Following an administrator’s advice to avoid trouble and pursue extracurriculars, she joined a folk dance team where she met a fellow student who invited her into a banned book club. Kim was fearful at first, but her thirst for knowledge soon won out. As she learned the truth of her country’s oppressive fascist political environment, Kim became closer to the other book club members while the authorities grew increasingly desperate to identify and punish student dissidents. The kinetic manhwa drawing style skillfully captures the personal and political history of this eye-opening memoir. The disturbing elements of political corruption and loss of human rights are lightened by moving depictions of sweet, funny moments between friends as well as deft political maneuvering by Kim herself when she was eventually questioned by authorities. The art and dialogue complement each other as they express the tension that Kim and her friends felt as they tried to balance school, family, and romance with surviving in a dangerous political environment. References to fake news and a divisive government make this particularly timely; the only thing missing is a list for further reading. The Reading Agency said the books were selected by a panel of experts, including NHS figures, GPs, psychiatrists, library staff and those from the Government, and “received many endorsements and positive support” at launch events last week. ‘Top and bottom surgery’At a time, in fact, when Section 28 was in full force, and schools were prohibited from talking to young people about LGBTQIA+ rights or experiences. He knows she's confused about who to snog. He knows she's really a he and will ultimately realize this... But she's going to go through a whole lot of mess (some of it funny, some of it not funny at all) to get to that point. It Was Wonderful to Connect with Others Who Are in My Place”– Rachael Smith Talks New Motherhood and ‘Nap Comix’ October 30, 2023 And kids really will bully other kids for any reason, so every reader should be able to find empathy for Lewis in this graphic novel, regardless of their gender identity.

Welcome to St Hell is a candid memoir from Lewis Hancox, which depicts his experience of growing up in St Helens and negotiating high school while dealing with gender dysphoria, at a time before transitioning was well understood. Lewis grew up in small town named St. Helens in England (TIL there's a place called that there - there's both a town and a mountain with that name near me in the PNW, so had some momentary confusion). Wales Millennium Centre Responds to the United Condemnation of the Comics Community – Their Upcoming AI Art Graphic Novel “Creation” Course Will Run Regardless October 20, 2023 Not only is the memoir told in graphic novel form (one of my favourite things!), but the author also inserts himself into the past to provide comment and ask questions. The Telegraph values your comments but kindly requests all posts are on topic, constructive and respectful. Please review ourOne of two gender books is titled Welcome to St Hell: My Trans Teen Misadventure, by Lewis Hancox, a memoir of a girl transitioning to a boy, narrated through illustrations. ‘My imaginary willy’ We Wanted this to Be a Fast-Paced, Funny Adventure”– Rob Williams and Pye Parr on ‘Petrol Head’, Their “Fast & the Robo-Furious” Sci-Fi Series from Image Comics September 22, 2023 Absolutely delightful. Sweet, romantic, kind. Beautifully paced. I loved this book." -- Rainbow Rowell, author of Carry On Welcome to St. Hell: My Trans Teen Misadventure – Lewis Hancox’s Graphic Memoir is a Raw, Witty and Tender Tale Fully Deserving of Its Critical Acclaim

Magical, Transcendental, Visibly Muslim, But Also Ordinary and Mundane”– Sabba Khan Talks About Her Graphic Memoir ‘The Roles We Play’/’What is Home, Mum?’ October 12, 2023 This book is awesome, easy to read, sweet and sad and even funny at times. I loved following Lewis' journey and highly recommend this book.This memoir set in a small British town is narrated by the author in comic book format as they relate what it was like to be white closeted trans man in the early 2000's. I especially love seeing how open and accepting his grandparents were. They set a real example for young readers that the overused excuse of people being intolerant should not be shrugged off as just a 'generational' thing. The third volume in the poignant and sweet Heartstopper series, featuring beautiful two-color artwork!

The support shown him by his parents and grandparents is very touching and affirming to witness. Overall the book has a cheery, optimistic tone. Hancox is very generous and empathetic as he details his friends and family's journeys to getting on board with his being trans.

A ground-breaking memoir about being a trans teen. Lewis has a few things to say to his younger teen self. He knows she hates her body. I selected this on a whim and so I went in with no expectations. I feel that it was very good. I like the parts where the adult author would converse with those around them who remember what they were like as a teen. Families have written complaint letters claiming the section “promotes self-harm” and has “safeguarding red flags”.