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This was a lovely companion to George, and I think kids will really click with this.
I was so proud of Rick by the end and I loved hearing about his relationship with his grandpa. The authors note was wonderful and I really love the way Alex Gino writes.
This lacked the depth that George had, and I feel like some of the characters weren't fully discussed because of the length. I'd have loved a longer piece of work that went deeper than this, but it was still a great read.
I was so proud of Rick by the end and I loved hearing about his relationship with his grandpa. The authors note was wonderful and I really love the way Alex Gino writes.
This lacked the depth that George had, and I feel like some of the characters weren't fully discussed because of the length. I'd have loved a longer piece of work that went deeper than this, but it was still a great read.
2.5 stars
Good concept, bad execution.
As someone who enjoyed Melissa first, this was quite the letdown.
The good:
- Rick cuts out his toxic friend Jeff and finds better friends (the best part of the book)
- Rick has a mostly supportive family + his grandpa is a gender non-conforming cis man, rep which we don't see often
- I liked the character development Rick had and how it helped him reconnect with Melissa
The bad:
- the Rainbow Spectrum school club... why are 11-13 year olds talking like activists? Some (not all) act like they have all the answers and are kinda condescending
- when Rick asked Melissa how she realized she was a girl, she quickly jumped to the conclusion he was transphobic. While this did portray pretty well the us vs them mentality of "either ally/queer or homophobe", as someone who didnt have their identity figured out from the start, it made me uncomfortable. I know Rick was too. And keep in mind they're just 11. It's more than normal to not have things figured out at that age.
- Speaking of Rick being 11. He's questioning if he's aro and ace. I understand an 11 y.o being aromantic, kids do think of kissing and holding hands and calling each other bf/gf at that age. But asexual? In what world are 11 y.o looking at other 11 y.o's and thinking of sex with them? (apparently Jeff but imo he is an early bloomer, not the norm). I'm glad the story left Rick questioning and others told him it's too early for him to assign himself that label. He is NOT a late bloomer at eleven years old for not having sexual interests and I believe saying otherwise is harmful.
As mentioned, great concept of showing questioning people, diversity, cutting out bad friends. But I'd say this book is rather problematic, which is a shame, really.
Good concept, bad execution.
As someone who enjoyed Melissa first, this was quite the letdown.
The good:
- Rick cuts out his toxic friend Jeff and finds better friends (the best part of the book)
- Rick has a mostly supportive family + his grandpa is a gender non-conforming cis man, rep which we don't see often
- I liked the character development Rick had and how it helped him reconnect with Melissa
The bad:
- the Rainbow Spectrum school club... why are 11-13 year olds talking like activists? Some (not all) act like they have all the answers and are kinda condescending
- when Rick asked Melissa how she realized she was a girl, she quickly jumped to the conclusion he was transphobic. While this did portray pretty well the us vs them mentality of "either ally/queer or homophobe", as someone who didnt have their identity figured out from the start, it made me uncomfortable. I know Rick was too. And keep in mind they're just 11. It's more than normal to not have things figured out at that age.
- Speaking of Rick being 11. He's questioning if he's aro and ace. I understand an 11 y.o being aromantic, kids do think of kissing and holding hands and calling each other bf/gf at that age. But asexual? In what world are 11 y.o looking at other 11 y.o's and thinking of sex with them? (apparently Jeff but imo he is an early bloomer, not the norm). I'm glad the story left Rick questioning and others told him it's too early for him to assign himself that label. He is NOT a late bloomer at eleven years old for not having sexual interests and I believe saying otherwise is harmful.
As mentioned, great concept of showing questioning people, diversity, cutting out bad friends. But I'd say this book is rather problematic, which is a shame, really.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Homophobia, Transphobia
I have no problem with the issue being discussed, it just seems to be the only thing in this book. Every hot topic cliché is in here to 'educate' the reader.
Popsugar #22 - A book with a character on the ace spectrum
Popsugar #22 - A book with a character on the ace spectrum
This was such a sweet book! I read it about two weeks ago and it was great. I loved seeing Rick grow over the course of the book and work up the courage to tell on his toxic and homophobic friend. I also loved seeing him gain new friends from the Rainbow Spectrum and seeing Melissa again was nice as well. It's also always nice to read a book about a questioning character and seeing the feelings, uncertainty, etc. I found 'George' to be a better book, overall, but this one was also amazing.
Very cute little story about an asexual boy trying to find his way through middle school. Gino always does a wonderful job of introducing different identities and proves that it’s never too early to listen to children about their identity.
A fabulous follow-up to the first book George! Highly recommend to everyone!
Rick picks up the story about a character from George but skips forward two years as the kids enter middle school for the first time. While all the boys and even his dad pressure him into checking out girls and the people around him, Rick is left wondering is it normal not to have those feelings for girls, guys, or anyone at all.
This story is a wonderful glimpse at the amazing kids that are growing up today and supporting QUILTBAG+ (or LGBTQIAP+). Once again I learned more things about this community and the struggles that kids (and adults) can go through to come into their identity. It is reassuring and positive in the message that it is okay to be questioning or unsure of who you are. There will be bullys and terrible "Jeffs" of the world but in that world are also the people of the Rainbow Spectrum that are here to support and uplift.
Rick picks up the story about a character from George but skips forward two years as the kids enter middle school for the first time. While all the boys and even his dad pressure him into checking out girls and the people around him, Rick is left wondering is it normal not to have those feelings for girls, guys, or anyone at all.
This story is a wonderful glimpse at the amazing kids that are growing up today and supporting QUILTBAG+ (or LGBTQIAP+). Once again I learned more things about this community and the struggles that kids (and adults) can go through to come into their identity. It is reassuring and positive in the message that it is okay to be questioning or unsure of who you are. There will be bullys and terrible "Jeffs" of the world but in that world are also the people of the Rainbow Spectrum that are here to support and uplift.