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It's not a story posted here, or anywhere online, it's a book entitled Luna, by Julie Anne Peters. Luna is the story of two siblings, 16 year old high school sophomore Regan, and her older brother Liam. For several years they have shared a secret - that Liam is transgender, a girl born in the body of a boy. The story is told through Regan's eyes, who has counseled and protected her 'sister'. Regan's bedroom is Liam's refuge, where he comes at night to transform into Luna, a girl who can only be seen by moonlight.

It hasn't been easy for Regan; protecting Liam/Luna's secret has cost her friends and made her a social outcast, and the fact that Liam is a genius has left her with big shoes to fill at school. Their family life isn't great either, they have an over-bearing father and a pill-popping mother who virtually ignores them.

As Regan tries to balance school, home, protecting her brother and baby sitting for a family she adores, two new complications enter her life. The first is the cute new guy in school, Chris, who, much to Regan's surprise, is interested in her of all people. All of that pales in comparison when Luna informs her that she is no longer content to dwell in the night; she wants to be free, wants to live, and she intends to transition and live full time as a girl.

Regan loves Luna, but she wants a life too, and she's terrified of what this new change will mean for both of them. For Luna there is the risk of being hurt, and for Regan, the very real possibility that she will fall even further into social obscurity. The trials that follow are sometimes funny, often poignant and very emotional.

In the end, Luna is an inspiring story of courage and love that endure in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This Young Adult rated tale is utterly believable and I think it will leave you crying tears of joy. I highly recommend it to all. At 256 pages it's a fairly quick read and is available from Amazon, or in eBook through Fictionwise and eBooks.com, as well as other online book sellers.