A review by oldandnewbooksmell
The Insiders by Mark Oshiro

emotional hopeful 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

4.0

Trigger Warnings: bullying, homophobic assault, homophobic slur (not directly said but referenced), forced outing

Héctor Muñoz just moved from San Francisco to Orangevale. The cities may be in the same state of California but they couldn’t be farther apart in similarities. Back in San Francisco, being gay didn’t make you different, that’s just who you are, but at Héctor’s new school, he couldn’t feel more alone.

After encountering Mike, the school bully, Héctor wishes he could just disappear. Soon, he stumbles upon a janitor’s closet. But one day, after closing the door behind him, the small closet with a spider is transformed into a room that connects him with two new friends from different corners of the US. The room creates a safe space for the trio, but also aids them in what they need help with the most.

Mark Oshiro had a little bit of everyone in this book and that was such a nice thing to see. The main character is gay and Hispanic, there’s biracial rep, nonbinary rep, and lesbian rep.

Oshiro even showed how hard it is to keep friendships after moving away (though I didn’t agree with Héctor saying he was “ghosted’ by his old friends… he admitted himself to not really trying either?). Though, I really did not like Ms. Heath. Was she really that blind to what was happening? She basically ignored Héctor when he tried to tell her what was happening. I found it a little hard that no adult ever saw the way Mike was treating everyone. I did appreciate how Héctor’s family tried to help and support him but not push him to talk about it. His abuela was a pretty awesome lady!

Overall, I feel like The Insiders is an excellent read for all age groups (middle grade, young adult, adults). It gives a little bit of an insight into the struggles of Héctor and his friends and shows the readers how to be a better ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Even as an adult, I would love a room that can stop/bend time around while also providing all the comfort I could possibly need!
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