Book SummaryFinding Stevie, by Cathy Glass

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Finding Stevie

Stevie's challenges regarding his sense of self in terms of gender and the subsequent impact on his family and caregivers.

This section explores the intricate aspects of Stevie's journey with gender identity and the difficulties encountered by his family and caregivers as they strive to understand and support this facet of his identity. This leads to conflict and discord, particularly with his elder male relative.

Stevie's sense of self in terms of gender fluctuates, sometimes leaning towards masculine traits, at other times feminine, and at times blending characteristics of both genders.

In her depiction, Cathy Glass presents Stevie as a complex teenager who is struggling with matters concerning his gender identity. Stevie identifies as a person with a fluid gender identity, rather than adhering to traditional male or female classifications. Stevie's sense of self and outward gender expression are variable, sometimes skewing masculine, other times feminine, and at times blending elements of both. Stevie's emotional state can fluctuate due to the surroundings and social engagements he encounters, with changes occurring within a single day or over a longer period.

Stevie's gender identity, which deviates from the conventional binary perspective they are accustomed to, leaves his grandparents perplexed and uncomfortable. Grasping the reasons behind Stevie's nonconformity to conventional gender designations is challenging for them. They often struggle with the concept that gender is not an immutable characteristic determined at birth, but rather an aspect of identity that can evolve and change.

Stevie's grandparents, Peggy and Fred, find his gender identity perplexing, leading to tension and difficulties within the family.

The chasm of values and comprehension is evident in the relationship between Stevie and his grandparents. Fred expects his son to exhibit the same traditional masculine characteristics that he himself demonstrated. Fred's difficulty in accepting Stevie's gender identity puts a considerable strain on their relationship. He views Stevie's exploration of gender identity as a deliberate act of rebellion and indifference, failing to acknowledge the genuine struggles Stevie encounters. Fred employs dismissive and hurtful language, which belittles Stevie's feelings and attempts to coerce him into an unsuitable role.

Peggy, who is more open-minded than Fred, also finds it challenging to understand Stevie's changing sense of gender. She was consumed by sorrow and doubt, wondering if her own decisions had...

Finding Stevie Summary Stevie's behavioral challenges, which encompassed unsuitable conduct towards his family and hazardous activities on the internet, significantly affected his family life and the secure environment his foster parents had established.

This segment of the story explores the intricate actions demonstrated by Stevie and their subsequent impact on his family members and the fostering setting. The summary highlights a distressing incident where he was pressured through online manipulation to distribute inappropriate photographs of his sibling, in addition to engaging in dangerous online behavior.

Stevie is manipulated by an online predator into capturing unsuitable photographs of his younger siblings, Liam and Kiri, and is pressured to send these pictures.

Glass uncovers a troubling situation when Stevie confesses to taking inappropriate photographs of his younger siblings, Liam and Kiri, and sharing them with "Joey," an online predator who had been misleading him. This conduct arises from a sense of panic and fear, rather than a genuine desire to harm his sibling. Stevie struggles to understand his gender identity and also faces the challenge of his grandfather's refusal to accept him.

Stevie, paralyzed by terror, succumbs to the manipulator's pressure, oblivious to the grave repercussions his choices could bring about.

"Joey" manipulates Stevie into compliance by using the threat of exposing the...

Finding Stevie Summary Stevie's struggles, as well as their effects on his family and the foster caregivers who support him as he navigates these challenges.

At this juncture of the narrative, it is evident that the psychological impacts have profoundly influenced Stevie, those nearest to him, and Cathy, who provides him with foster care. It explores their struggles with guilt, shame, anger, and the overwhelming sense of loss and uncertainty.

Stevie is wrestling with deep-seated guilt and shame, haunted by the consequences of his behavior and the sense of disappointment he feels for letting his family down.

Glass depicts the inner conflict that Stevie experiences as he contends with the consequences of his behavior. He carries the weight of remorse, acknowledging the turmoil he has caused among his siblings and the wider family circle. Stevie experiences intense emotional distress, swinging between anger, despair, and withdrawal. He feels overwhelmed by thoughts of ending his life, convinced that his mistakes have caused irreparable harm to his most important relationships.

Stevie's tumultuous self-identity led to detrimental behaviors, including running away and contemplating self-harm.

Stevie's emotional turmoil escalates while he struggles to comprehend his own sense of gender. His grandfather's misunderstanding and...

Finding Stevie Summary Cathy provided support when Stevie went back to live with his grandparents.

The narrative ends by showing Stevie's renewed connection with his grandparents, as Cathy continues to offer her steadfast support. The narrative also highlights the strengthening relationship between Fred and Stevie, with Fred becoming more understanding and open to the circumstances surrounding Stevie.

Stevie eventually returns to live with his grandparents, receiving support from Verity, his social worker.

Glass emphasizes the importance of a supportive environment in promoting the health and development of adolescents. Verity takes measures to facilitate Stevie's re-engagement with his grandparents, recognizing the profound bond they share. She establishes strict limits for safeguarding the children's emotional and physical health. Peggy and Fred are committed to ensuring that Stevie has his own space and to reinforcing his gender identity, while also maintaining his ongoing therapy.

Stevie's grandparents have created a welcoming space in their home that honors his gender identity and provides him with a personal area.

Verity understands that Stevie's previous behavioral issues stemmed in part from a lack of personal space and from Fred's lack of respect for...