Gender Blender

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Gender Blender is a young adult novel by Blake Nelson, published by Random House on March 28, 2006.

Plot
Emma and Tom get into a serious collision on a school trampoline and wake up in each other’s bodies. Emma is now Tom, and Tom is Emma. They must navigate life in unfamiliar bodies and figure out how to act under others’ expectations. After another collision, they switch back to their real selves.

Themes and style
The book uses humor to explore differences between genders and the pressures kids feel to fit in. It’s written in a way that’s easy for young readers to understand.

Reception
Booklist called it “Freaky Friday with a gender-bending twist,” a funny book that also makes you think, though the ending is a bit messy. School Library Journal said many readers might be disappointed by a lack of substance. Kirkus Reviews called it a “message-driven but enjoyable read.” Publishers Weekly praised the author’s understanding of peer pressure and gender stereotyping.

Notes
Gender Blender is a standalone novel.