Transitions: A Mother's Journey is exactly what the title says it is.  It expertly and artfully delineates the journey of one mother (who is clearly intended as a stand-in for any and all in a similar situation, and, really, all older adults who are confronting and/or struggling with the phenomena of gender dysphoria and/or gender transition) from fear through ambivalence to acceptance and ultimately a full embrace of her child's realization that they identify as a different gender from that which they had grown up in.  Élodie Durand's stylishly elegant, highly expressive and visually pleasing artwork is expertly choreographed through page after page of comics that are both well designed and thoughtfully laid out in such a way to guide the reader through the process of absorbing the considerable amount of information required to follow along on the journey, providing a valuable education that is simultaneously an engaging and enjoyable read.  What more can you ask?

Here's the publisher's hype-up:

When Anne learns that her 19-year-old is a transgender man, she struggles to understand her son’s new identity. A new landmark in nonfiction comics, Transitions is a sympathetic, informative, and moving story of a family’s journey to acceptance.

“I thought I was open-minded… The news of my child’s gender change hit me like a tidal wave, sweeping away all my certainties. Sweeping away the comfort of my tidy little life.”

When university biologist Anne Marbot learns that the 19-year-old she raised as “Lucie” is a transgender man named Alex, she’s overwhelmed by questions. How can this be? Who put these ideas in your head? What if you regret it? Am I overreacting? How will your grandparents react? Why didn’t I see it coming? Why is this so easy for others? Am I a bigot? What does gender really mean, anyway? How can I be the parent my child needs?

It soon becomes clear that Alex is not the only one embarking on a journey of self-discovery. The road is not easy, and sometimes their relationship is bitterly strained. But Alex is sure of himself, and Anne is determined to be strong for his sake. With time, she too will be transformed, rediscovering her identity as a mother in profound new ways.

With grace and sensitivity, award-winning graphic novelist Élodie Durand (Parenthesis) captures the unique journey of well-meaning loved ones who struggle to reconcile new gender identities with their old assumptions. Deeply researched and drawn from true experience, Transitions is a must-read companion for allies and families navigating trans issues and a compassionate roadmap to acceptance.

176-pages | full-color softcover graphic novel with 3” French flaps | 7.75" x 10.25"

Translated by Evan McGorray.

“Tackling a potentially controversial subject with intelligence and sympathy, Élodie Durand creates an informative, original, and deeply healing work.” —BDGest

“Through the character of Anne and the conflicted relationship between mother and child, Transitions delivers a true story with which many parents can identify.” —Bodoï

“While Alex commences his journey to be himself, Anne, too, begins her own process from resistance to acceptance. Durand presents the raw, aching spectrum of Anne’s experiences as a hybrid journal of personal reflections, historical elucidations, and scientific evidence... Alex’s real-life letter to his mother near the book’s end is a spectacular coda.” — Booklist (starred review)

“Anne’s family and acquaintances model a range of responses to a trans relative’s coming out, illustrating common difficulties while showing that acceptance and joy become possible with care and diligence. An excellent graphic novel and resource for families and others who experience the unexpected transition of a loved one.” — Library Journal (starred review)

“Durand’s and Anne’s commitment to showing the work and not just the correct answer to this impossibly complex equation is a gift to readers, particularly for parents who don’t have many blueprints to choose from... Sometimes we trans people wish for quick and easy acceptance as our authentic selves, but we have to remember that we’re asking people to fundamentally reorganize who we have been to them, to see us newly, and that takes effort and deep work. This book is a model for what that kind of journey might look like.” —Graphic Medicine

And here are links to the full reviews: TRANSITIONS @ Publishers Weekly TRANSITIONS @ Library Journal (starred review) TRANSITIONS @ Foreword Reviews TRANSITIONS @ Graphic Medicine TRANSITIONS @ Booklist (starred review) TRANSITIONS @ Christina C Reads (TikTok) TRANSITIONS @ Sequential Tart