A review by sandy_reads_books
Different Kinds of Fruit by Kyle Lukoff

 I really enjoyed this book! I was recommended this by a librarian when I was initially asking for teen LGBTQ book recommendations. I don't mind reading middle grade occasionally and if it was good enough for the librarian to strongly recommend it to me even though it wasn't what I was initially asking for I figured I'd try it. I wasn't disappointed. At a lot of points I was surprised to see topics covered that I hadn't even seen in books marketed for teens or adults. I think specifically the part where Annabelle has to confront the idea that her parents might be transphobic, because holy shit that can be a lot to have to deal with all at once especially if you are a child are forced to live with people who think so different than you. Also, I thought it was cool how the book entered some of the more unlabeled parts of queer identity, such as what do you label yourself if you are only attracted to non-binary people? It also discusses more the idea gender expression such as butch and femme which I don't see mentioned very much or explicitly. In general I just felt like this book talked a more about the less visible aspects of being queer and I really appreciated that.

I saw that some reviews did not see the writing as being well done for children which I can kind of see, but because I am an older person reading this book I did not mind it as much. It definitely felt at times that some characters were a little too ready with a witty comeback or counter argument and that felt a little unrealistic. The ending was also satisfying and clean which doesn't feel too accurate considering the topic and its realities but I recognize that this is a book for kids so I don't think that is too big of a deal.