Breathe: Journeys to Healthy Binding

Gr 9 Up–With simple and direct clarity in both image and text, this nonfiction graphic novel delivers pertinent information about safe and unsafe breast binding practices and experiences. Coauthored by Kobabe (Gender Queer: A Memoir) and public health epidemiologist Peitzmeier, who is also an assistant professor at the University of Michigan, this short but detailed book is based on interviews with an array of individuals who practice binding currently or at some point in their lives. These binding stories explore motivations and social and psychological experiences by each person when binding, and specific health issues arising from unsafe methods. The individuals featured throughout the book’s artwork represent an array of ages, races, and body types. Back matter provides guidance for would-be binders, including discussion of safe and unsafe binding gear, mood tracking and other charting suggestions, exercises for staying healthy, and how to map a personal binding journey.