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hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
It's been a while since I've read an Alex Gino book and Rick did not disappoint!
Although it's not a direct sequel to Melissa, Rick allows readers to seeing some of their old favorites including Melissa! This book specifically follows a main character by the name of Rick who is exploring his own feelings about attraction and romance. Unfortunately, he has a close friend that is misogynistic and homophobic and prevents Rick from being able to discover who he really is. Through the help of his school's QUILTBAG+ group and his amazing grandfather, Rick is able to put words to the way that he's feeling.
I loved that this was story about questioning your identity without coming to a clear resolution. We're constantly evolving as individuals, and I think it's important for kids to understand and recognize that it's a normal part of growing up. Although Rick experiences some horrible behavior at the hands of Jeff, it was great to see that he had a support network in not only the QUILTBAG+ group, but also his grandfather. The two of them shared great conversations about respecting boundaries, identities, and standing up for what's right even when it's your friend doing the wrong thing.
Overall, this was a quick, easily digestible novel that brought constant smiles to my face. Definitely check it out.
Although it's not a direct sequel to Melissa, Rick allows readers to seeing some of their old favorites including Melissa! This book specifically follows a main character by the name of Rick who is exploring his own feelings about attraction and romance. Unfortunately, he has a close friend that is misogynistic and homophobic and prevents Rick from being able to discover who he really is. Through the help of his school's QUILTBAG+ group and his amazing grandfather, Rick is able to put words to the way that he's feeling.
I loved that this was story about questioning your identity without coming to a clear resolution. We're constantly evolving as individuals, and I think it's important for kids to understand and recognize that it's a normal part of growing up. Although Rick experiences some horrible behavior at the hands of Jeff, it was great to see that he had a support network in not only the QUILTBAG+ group, but also his grandfather. The two of them shared great conversations about respecting boundaries, identities, and standing up for what's right even when it's your friend doing the wrong thing.
Overall, this was a quick, easily digestible novel that brought constant smiles to my face. Definitely check it out.
3.5 rounded up! What a delightful story - I cannot imagine a reader who won’t fall in love with the narrator, Rick. I finished this book with tears in my eyes at the joy in this story!
This book offers an amazing conversation about the gender & sexuality terms in the LGBTQIAP+ acronym, and the character is asexual / aroace and I loved seeing this representation in a MG novel!
Please seek out own voices reviews on this book as I am a cishet woman.
This book offers an amazing conversation about the gender & sexuality terms in the LGBTQIAP+ acronym, and the character is asexual / aroace and I loved seeing this representation in a MG novel!
Please seek out own voices reviews on this book as I am a cishet woman.
I read this book in one go (that's a first for me). Since it's a middle-grade book, it's easy to read and quick to get through. Nonetheless, it was fun to read. The plot is fairly simple, but it kept me interested. At some points I could have used a little more in depth storytelling. Oh! And I absolutely loved Rick's grandfather. What an absolute icon.
I was surprised and excited to see that Rick discovered that he is asexual. I think ace/aro representation is incredibly important, since I haven't encountered a lot of it yet. Especially in books. I'm not going to lie though, it was quite painful to read the comments that his dad made about Rick. He basically said things that invalidated his sexuality. Things such as: ' you just haven't found the right person yet' or 'you cannot call yourself that because you're too young to know'. So, if you are struggling with your identity and/or still in the process of accepting/working through the fact that you're ace/aro, please be aware that this is in there. It's not very prominent, but it can be difficult to read.
I was surprised and excited to see that Rick discovered that he is asexual. I think ace/aro representation is incredibly important, since I haven't encountered a lot of it yet. Especially in books. I'm not going to lie though, it was quite painful to read the comments that his dad made about Rick. He basically said things that invalidated his sexuality. Things such as: ' you just haven't found the right person yet' or 'you cannot call yourself that because you're too young to know'. So, if you are struggling with your identity and/or still in the process of accepting/working through the fact that you're ace/aro, please be aware that this is in there. It's not very prominent, but it can be difficult to read.
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Listened on a trip to Maine. Super cute book, just like Melissa. For some reason - I had thought Rick was about a gay boy. Pleasantly surprised to discover Rick is actually asexual/aromantic.
In addition to Rick discovering that he may be ace, it also has him ending a friendship with a jerk he's outgrown and bonding with his grandfather.
In addition to Rick discovering that he may be ace, it also has him ending a friendship with a jerk he's outgrown and bonding with his grandfather.