Were I Not A Girl: The Inspiring and True Story of Dr. James Barry is a breath of fresh air. This book tells the tale of a man who was born in the wrong body and time period. When women were treated as second class citizens, so he took a new name and look to get an education and change his life. This book shows the plight of not only women, but the poor and trans people. That life is only fair and exciting for a certain few, no matter how talented a person can be. Also the illustrations are interesting, they have a crayon like aesthetic but it is not sloppy. Overall this book was very well done, and shines a light on an interesting person and their tragic life. ( )