Debbie Harry Sings in French is a highly acclaimed novel for young adults written by Meagan Brothers in 2008. Winner of numerous awards, the book follows the life of Johnny from the ages of twelve through sixteen as he discovers his identity.

Johnny has a typical childhood until his father dies, and his mother subsequently goes into a depression for four years. Johnny, at 12, learns how to pay bills, clean the house, and do the groceries. Over the years, the stress gets to him and he finds solace in drinking alcohol.

One night at a club, a girl slips Johnny what he thinks is Tylenol, but it is ecstasy. He overdoses and ends up in the hospital. The next day he goes to rehab, where he discovers the music of Blondie.

Fresh out of rehab, Johnny doesn't quite fit in at home anymore. His mother, who has emerged back into the world of the living, sends him to South Carolina to live with his father's brother, Uncle Sam. At Sam's house, Johnny meets Maria, who becomes his girlfriend. He gets harassed by Maria's ex-boyfriend and his friends. Johnny is perceived by many as gay.

Maria buys a dress like Debbie Harry's and gives it to Johnny to try on. He does. Something about it feels right. Soon later, he enters a drag contest two and a half hours away in Atlanta. He gets the audience award. And over time, Johnny discovers that he likes dressing in women's clothing, that he is a transvestite.