ANA ON THE EDGE

A nonbinary ice-skating champion loses balance as insecurities about money push her to excel at the expense of being true to herself and honest with her mom.

Rising off a first-place triumph at the U.S. Nationals, 12-year-old figure skater Ana Jin leaps into a new level of training for the next season. She gets to skate at a better rink, take off-ice classes, and work with a prestigious choreographer. Despite the thrill of achieving her dreams, high skating fees weigh on Ana’s mind. Ana’s White Jewish father left when she was small and is not part of her life; she lives with her Chinese American mom who converted to Judaism. Afraid to let anyone down and desperate to save her single mom money, Ana grapples in secret with her discomfort around her new princess-themed routine and her developing questions about her gender identity. This coming-out story departs from linear narratives about self-discovery and transitioning. Ana doesn’t begin the story knowing the word nonbinary or even aware that transgender people exist; she awakens to new possibilities about her identity after meeting Hayden, a White transgender boy. Friendship conflict boils in the background as Ana’s most present worries cause her to neglect her best friend. Family relationships and communication also play a significant role. The resolution leaves Ana’s future open to future self-exploration within the comfort of a secure support system.

Vulnerable and affirming.