F2M: The Boy Within (2010) is a young adult novel co-authored by Australian writer Hazel Edwards and Ryan Kennedy, one of the first YA books in Australia to openly feature a transgender protagonist.
The story follows Skye, an 18-year-old from New Zealand who comes out as transgender and begins his transition to male, choosing the name Finn. The novel traces Finn’s struggles with family expectations, friendships, romance, and the challenges of being accepted in both punk music circles and wider society. It’s written in a straightforward, accessible style and emphasizes identity, self-acceptance, and the importance of supportive communities.
A notable aspect is that the book was a collaboration between Edwards and Kennedy, who is himself a trans man, bringing authenticity to Finn’s experiences. At the time of its release, F2M: The Boy Within was groundbreaking in giving YA readers a direct, empathetic look at gender transition and the emotional realities behind it.
