My Ladybird Story by Magus Tor is a story about John Bird who had no friends in school, who was often bullied and who always knew he was different. Life was quite miserable and it was then that he meets Aureus Conner. With the entrance of Aureus, his life turned for the better-yes, he still knew he was different but he had Aureus for a best friend and was no longer bullied.

The book narrates how he deals with being different, the way he tries to be normal like others. It is during his college years that he realizes the reason for feeling so different- it was gender dysphoria.

The author beautifully describes the issues and emotional turmoil a transgender faces. Having never read a book based on the same topic this book was very refreshing and unique. The author has managed to keep the story very realistic almost throughout. You cannot help liking John and feel the pain when he does.

I loved the character Devon- John’s elder brother who always accepted John for what he was and supported and loved him unconditionally. I liked the part where Aureus comes to know about John’s secret. Also the transition of John into Joyce was seamless.

What I didn’t like in the story was that at the end the story kind of stretched a bit too much. Until the last few chapters it was the perfect book . Also the poem in the beginning acts as a spoiler as the last line gives away the crux of the story and kind of what we can expect the end to be.

Overall it was a great book. I feel we need more books like this. This book is a must read.