View the extended bibliography for Trans History here
The paperback of Trans History debuted at #7 on the American Booksellers Association national YA bestsellers list!
Trans History was featured on the May/June 2025 Kids’ Indie Next List compiled by the American Booksellers Association!
Trans History received a star, from School Library Journal:
“An incredibly comprehensive and strongly researched—yet somehow compact—look into the history of trans identity. Add to collections alongside Queer by Meg-John Barker, Smash the Patriarchy by Marta Breen, and Gender Outlaws by Kate Bornstein. VERDICT An important reference, resource, and overview of historical accounts surrounding trans identity.”
–Cat Miserendino from the School Library Journal
Trans History won the 95th annual California Book Awards gold medal in the Young Adult category:
“The Young Adult Gold Medal goes to Trans History by Alex L. Combs and Andrew Eakett, using vibrant illustration, the authors examine notable historic and contemporary trans people to offer an essential introduction to this important and overlooked history.”
–The Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California
The Trans History audiobook won the 2026 Odyssey Award from the American Library Association in Young Adult category:
“Listening to [the Trans History] audiobook is like spending a few hours with your favorite teacher. Narrator Andrew Eakett is supported by a full cast who take listeners on a comprehensive journey through a history of trans identities. Eakett’s narration is engaging, knowledgeable, and funny as he shares key terminology, historical examples, and compelling stories of people ranging from Roman emperors to the icons of the Stonewall Riots and to present-day figures from cultures around the world.”
–AudioFile Magazine
More Praise for Trans History
Kirkus Reviews: “A concise overview of transgender history presented in graphic novel format. A solid and useful introduction to a vast topic.”
Booklist: “Stuffed to the brim with stories and information…” “…takes the reader on a whirlwind tour through time.” “…the creators’ passion for providing as expansive a view as possible is clear.”
Book Riot: The Best Books of the Century So Far: Young Adult
“This graphic nonfiction primer on trans history depicts the myriad ways transgender people have thrived throughout history, from ancient to modern times. It’s an accessible and thoroughly researched highlight reel of trans history, from Roman Emperor Elagabalus to the Stonewall Riots. The art is beautiful. Each chapter uses a different monochromatic color to form a rainbow, with portraits of all the historical figures discussed interspersed with quotes and photographic renderings. It’s such an inviting, empowering, and necessary read.
–Margaret Kingsbury
Alex L Combs 