A review by librarydreams
The Year My Life Went Down the Toilet by Jake Maia Arlow

emotional funny hopeful medium-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

4.0

A fine addition to the (hopefully) growing collection about kids with chronic illnesses. A middle grade book where most of the main characters have a chronic illness

and all of the main characters are queer

is groundbreaking. While not all readers may be able to relate to Al's struggle with chronic illness or her sexuality, Arlow does an excellent job providing a view into those worlds even for the uninitiated. The most important lesson of the story, however, is relatable for everyone: finding trusted people to share every part of ourself with is the key to happiness.