Raising Ryland: Our Story of Parenting a Transgender Child with No Strings Attached Paperback – Illustrated, February 23, 2016

This story was very eye opening and informative I think it's important for any parent to read. It's a story of parents who would do anything for their child and are willing to love them for who they are. I could relate to them struggles of Hillary as she tried to navigate fitting in with family and friends, raising her child on her terms, with understanding and meeting her child where they're at.The only thing I'll mention, and it's not a critique really, is that this is a family who clearly has a lot of resources and financial means (her mother in law demanded an appointment sooner as she's a big donor to the hospital)... This family has the resources to meet their child's complex needs but it makes me sad for all those kids whose parents can't afford the best treatments.Regardless, the book was eye opening. It's an easy read and I highly recommend.

Once in a rare while I come across a book so engaging and fascinating that I feel compelled to read it straight through. RAISING RYLAND is just that kind of book, heartwarming, moving, and a real page-turner. It is both thought-provoking and very informative for parents of children in transition, and their families and friends, teachers, and healthcare providers, as well as anyone else who is interested in learning about people who are transgender or gender-nonconforming.Hillary Whittington is generous in sharing candidly and honestly, out of a determination to inform the public and to help other transitioning families through this challenging journey. As the author of a biography about another transgender child mentioned in this memoir (Jazz Jennings), I highly recommend RAISING RYLAND to those who want to gain a better understanding about this important topic.Bruce Edlen, author of JAZZ MERGIRL.Jazz Mergirl: The True Story of Jazz Jennings, a Transgender Girl Born in a Boy's Body

In overall a great book, full of love and wonder. I wish author didn't spent one third of her book telling us how he meet her husband, telling us about her wedding and, as sad as it is, the death of her brother, because that wasn't the reason why all we bought this book we bought it. Also a lot of time is spent telling us about deafness of Ryland which, I get it, it's important and make u understand why his parents decide this second time to really pay attention at what was happening with their kid but, again, it shouldn't be the main focus of the book. It isn't, really, but it makes the first 6 or 7 chapters a little boring to get through. Once the really interesting stuff starts it's pretty awesome, totally worth the reading.It has his incredibly touching moments, both sweet and sad, Ryland loving the boy undies of a friend, Ryland asking though questions about God... since the book is totally true it does has the extra value that u can Google the name and watch vids of Ryland, such an amazing and brave little boy. Kudos for him and his wonderful and loving and accepting family.

One of the most beautiful parenting books I have read. The reality in this book is so relatable and touching. The tough parts from suicide, to having a child born with such a difficult hearing impairment, then coming out as transgender at such a young age, through out this story of little Mr. Ryland these parents did the most amazing job as supporters and advocates not only for Ryland but for the LGBTQA community. I am so thankful that we have people like Hillary and Jeff in this world! We need more people to read this book and realize how much if difference just one or two people can make in the world.

Amazing book! Great parents! This book should be read by everyone who believes that kids cannot be transgender and that its "child abuse" to let a child live as the gender they feel they are supposed to be because its very eye opening. I have always been an ally of the LGBT community so I went into the book already thinking that Ryland's parents had made the right choice, but the author is very good at explaining how Ryland was feeling and how they as his parents were feeling and I think those who question trans rights would learn alot from this book but wouldn't feel preached at about it.

Spectacular! An honest and inspiring account of the process a parent has to go through in order to fully love the child she got, not the child she expected. Ms. Whittington bares her soul in revisiting some painful memories along the way, but throughout, she never falters in her devotion to her family. This book will provide great comfort to families who are also dealing with a child's gender transition, and great education to those who are not. Highly recommended for parents, teachers, principals, counselors, and politicians. The task of learning how to create safe spaces for ALL children falls on every one of us.

I do not typically take time to write reviews. Lately, I've come across so much hate and ignorance on this issue, from people I thought were better than that, and I've found myself recommending this book often. I've even borrowed out my own copy enough that I need to purchase a second one. I do not have a transgender child. I only personally know one or two. I do have children though, and I cannot imagine raising them to be anything other than what they know in their hearts, they should be. Every parent should read this book, as should every teacher, caregiver, grandparent, aunt and uncle, and anyone else who has a child in their life that they care for. I see so many people use their faith to injure others and to see a family use theirs to heal, is becoming so rare, that it's to be applauded. I can only pray that I would handle a similar situation with my own child, with half the courage this family has exhibited. All that aside, this book is very well written, and I cannot recommend it enough.

interesting read

Everyone should read this book! The Whittingtons are really good friends and I wouldn't be alive with them. Their story, Ryland's story is so real and true and inspirational. It really can open hearts that are closed to what being Transgender is and if you are Transgeder it send the message that you're not alone home!

I challenge anyone who doesn’t believe in transgender and/or thinks the parents are encouraging their kids to present as transgender to read this book or other similar ones written by parents of transgender children.

What an eye-opening book. I have friends and family who are part of the LGBQT, and I would love to think they are as lucky as Ryland is with his wonderful parents. Two thumbs up.

Excellent, informative, and emotional. God bless the family with the strength needed to tell their story and educate us on an area that few of us understand or have exposure. They are parent who love their children--isn't that what we all want to be?