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A review by _reedmylife_
Cold by Mariko Tamaki
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? No
4.0
Cold is an intriguing middle grade novel that draws you in from the very first line.
Although Cold has a wonderful synopsis, I have not had a great track record with enjoying middle grade novels. I often find that I just don't gel with the writing style but this one was different. Cold offers a phenomenal story about a boy who has died but cannot move on from the physical world. He is somewhat aware of what happened to him so he just ends up following these detectives around as they search for the truth. It is quite a nice journey as we get insight into Todd's world as well as learn about the world around him, including how other boys at his school treated him because he was queer.
Another intriguing factor of this novel is the dual perspectives. We are following Todd as he helps search for the truth of what happened to him, but we also get to follow Georgia. She is a queer girl just trying to make it in high school who just happens to be connected to Todd without realizing it. This story was told so beautifully and was some of the best middle grade writing I have ever read.
Overall, if you are looking for a book that might help you understand your sexuality as a young person or if you are just looking for a quick read with a very intriguing story, I highly recommend you pick up Cold by Mariko Tamaki.
Although Cold has a wonderful synopsis, I have not had a great track record with enjoying middle grade novels. I often find that I just don't gel with the writing style but this one was different. Cold offers a phenomenal story about a boy who has died but cannot move on from the physical world. He is somewhat aware of what happened to him so he just ends up following these detectives around as they search for the truth. It is quite a nice journey as we get insight into Todd's world as well as learn about the world around him, including how other boys at his school treated him because he was queer.
Another intriguing factor of this novel is the dual perspectives. We are following Todd as he helps search for the truth of what happened to him, but we also get to follow Georgia. She is a queer girl just trying to make it in high school who just happens to be connected to Todd without realizing it. This story was told so beautifully and was some of the best middle grade writing I have ever read.
Overall, if you are looking for a book that might help you understand your sexuality as a young person or if you are just looking for a quick read with a very intriguing story, I highly recommend you pick up Cold by Mariko Tamaki.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
Moderate: Homophobia