Super Late Bloomer: My Early Days in Transition
Andrews McMeel, 2018
A highly personal collection documenting the early months of artist Julia Kaye’s gender transition.
Instead of a traditional written diary, Julia Kaye has always turned to art as a means of self-reflection. So when she began her gender transition in 2016, she decided to use her popular webcomic, Up and Out, to process her journey and help others with similar struggles realize they weren’t alone.
Julia’s poignant, relatable comics honestly depict her personal ups and downs while dealing with the various issues involved in transitioning—from struggling with self-acceptance and challenging societal expectations, to moments of self-love and joy. Super Late Bloomer both educates and inspires, as Julia faces her difficulties head-on and commits to being wholly, authentically who she was always meant to be.
Awards and Accolades
Ignatz Award Nominee for Outstanding Collection (2018) - The Ignatz Awards, started in ‘97, are intended to recognize outstanding achievements in comics and cartooning
Young Adult Library Services Association Great Graphic Novels for Teens Award (2019) - The Great Graphic Novels for Teens list provides a look at the year’s best titles suitable for young adult readers
In The Margins Book Award for Recommended Nonfiction Book List (2019) - In the Margins strives to find the best books for teens living in poverty, on the streets, in custody - or a cycle of all three
YASLA Nominee for Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (2019) - The Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers list identifies titles aimed at encouraging reading among teens who dislike to read
Amazon Editors’ Picks: Best Books of 2018 in the Comics and Graphic Novels Category - Amazon's Best Books of the Year is a list of best books created yearly by Amazon.com editors and customers
The Beat’s 100 Best Comics of the Decade (in no particular order) - The staff at The Beat nominated and voted on over 250 titles to come up with their list of the 100 best comics of the decade from 2010 - 2020
“Blunt yet precise; straightforward but nuanced; simple but beautiful. ... Kaye skillfully and effectively relates the daily indignities borne by trans women and the triumphs and quiet joys as well. Her tenacity in this hopeful story will be resonant for readers going through personal transitions of many kinds.”
“Kaye’s deeply personal account serves as a universal guide to perseverance and strength. For those contemplating gender transition or currently transitioning as well as anyone seeking a greater understanding of the physical and emotional cost involved in the process.”
“Julia Kaye’s comics beautifully illustrate the difficulties queer and trans people face, while also showing us how life-affirming the journey to self-love is … Kaye is a role model for the youth we serve, and we are so glad Super Late Bloomer exists to show that it’s never too late to be your true self.”