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Liked this book a lot. I think it presented what COULD happen in a perfect world if a kid is surrounded by lots of support and adults who support their critical thinking. I wish there was more of that. There's a lot of power in showing what's possible.
I appreciated so much talk around language and how people define themselves (and how that is not static but dynamic!). Can't wait to discuss with my middle schoolers!
I appreciated so much talk around language and how people define themselves (and how that is not static but dynamic!). Can't wait to discuss with my middle schoolers!
Ace representation in a middle school book?! This is so awesome! I wish books like this had been around when I was a kid. Would've been super helpful.
This was such a lovely read. So wholesome, so endearing and so powerful. I kind of wish I read 'George' first as there is some crossover happening but I'll definitely be getting to that one very soon! I loved how 'Rick' dealt with Queer kids being told they're "too young" to know how they identify, bullying, friendship and also how gender perception does not equate to gender identity. The only reason this gets 4.5 stars instead of 5 is because the ending could have had an extra 50 pages just to wrap things up in a way that isn't quite as rushed as this felt.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
sad
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:
Yes
God so great. I just finished Melissa earlier today — my first foray into middle-grade reading, thank you StoryGraph Genre Challenge!! — and immediately borrowed this audiobook from my library. (I can’t wait to read Green, which also takes place in this community!) I loved the links between this story and Melissa, and while I maybe loved this ever so slightly less than my first Alex Gino (I just don’t think I have loved a protagonist as much as Melissa in a bit, she is the best!!) I loved it so much. I love the detail and complexity of Rick’s journey, both in exploring his asexuality/aromanticism and also as he builds relationships with healthier friends and family and discards ones that are negative and toxic. The grandkid/ grandfather relationship here is SO beautiful and well developed and it’s such a testament to Alex Gino’s writing that they can build so much character so quickly and so deeply. I loved this and can’t wait to read more. 💜
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Bullying, Hate crime, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, Transphobia, Grief, Lesbophobia, Toxic friendship
Good portrayal of middle school students and their families trying to find their identities and their communities.
Cute story for middle school audiences introducing some lgbtq themes.