kim_j_dare 's review for:

The Size of the Truth by Andrew Smith

4.0

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Andrew Smith’s first middle grade/ middle school book is a delight. Long-time fans will enjoy getting the backstory on Sam Abernathy, whom we first met as Ryan Dean’s roommate in Stand-Off. Sam is dealing with a lot, not the least of which is navigating 8th grade as an 11-year-old and living with a dad who won’t hear what Sam really wants to do with his life. But unexpected friendships (including a talking armadillo) might just get him through. Not as dark as his novels for older readers, but he doesn’t sugarcoat: Sam’s story reflects Smith’s talent at writing about real pain with a healthy dose of humor.