Raising Ollie: How My Nonbinary Art-Nerd Kid Changed (Nearly) Everything I Know

Raising Ollie is a book about a teacher of the year and his nonbinary, art-obsessed, brilliant child. It tells the story of Ollie's difficult and eventful school year, as well as the author's adjustment to a new school with a history of racial tension. The book explores how raising a kid changes everything and how much it can teach us about who we are and what we're doing in the world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 04 November 2021
Publisher: University of Minnesota Press

Seven-year-old Ollie embarked on a remarkable journey of exploration as they delved into the world of advanced school programs, a pursuit that might seem ordinary for a second grader, but it held a deeper significance for Ollie. Their once-hate for weekends, once filled with the absence of school, had transformed into tears on the way to school, a testament to the profound underchallenging and identity struggles they faced. Ollie, a vibrant and talented child with a passion for choir and a keen eye for graphic art, yearned for a sense of belonging and a place where they could truly thrive as their authentic self. Determined to find a solution, Ollie pleaded with their parents to switch schools, seeking a community of like-minded individuals where they would no longer feel alone or bored.

This decision marked the beginning of a transformative school year for both Ollie and their father, Tom Rademacher. It was a story of resilience, growth, and the profound impact of parenting on one's personal and professional journey. As Ollie flourished in their new school, embracing their nonbinary identity, using they/them pronouns, and favoring art over athletics, Rademacher embarked on his own journey of adjustment. He found himself in a new school, one that was whiter and more suburban than any he had previously taught, with a history of racial tension that he sought to address and navigate.

While Ollie immersed themselves in coding, 3D modeling, animation, and the study of Japanese, Rademacher observed the profound ways in which his own educational struggles, anxieties, and childhood upbringing were reflected in his teaching, writing, and parenting. He recognized the parallels between his experiences and Ollie's, acknowledging the profound impact that raising a child had on shaping his perspective and approach to life.

Through this captivating story of one anything-but-academic year of inquiry, wonder, doubt, and revelation, Rademacher invites us to witness the transformative power of raising a child. He showcases how the experience of raising Ollie changed him in profound ways, expanding his horizons, and deepening his understanding of the world. He reminds us that parenting is not just about providing for our children's physical needs but also about nurturing their emotional, intellectual, and spiritual growth.

In conclusion, the account of one radically new school year for a Teacher of the Year and for their nonbinary, art-obsessed, brilliant child serves as a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and profound impact of parenting. It reminds us that every child is unique and deserves an environment that fosters their growth and allows them to thrive as their authentic self. By sharing their journey, Tom Rademacher inspires us to embrace the challenges and joys of parenting, and to be open to the transformative power of raising a child.

Weight: 278g
Dimension: 140 x 210 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781517911737