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anna_wa's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, and Acephobia/Arophobia
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Death and Vomit
rain08's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Homophobia
Moderate: Death, Transphobia, and Acephobia/Arophobia
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
nerdysread's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A good middle grade book about finding yourself. Cutting out toxic relationships. Community. And family. I really really like it
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Homophobia
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia and Toxic friendship
Minor: Death
leahlovesloslibros's review against another edition
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? Yes
5.0
I liked this book even more than I liked George! The queer rep was all over the place, and the middle school drama (both internal and external) that the characters dealt with was so realistic. This book has inspired me to start our own version of a Rainbow Spectrum Club at my school, too. As with George, I highly recommend that literally anyone and everyone read this book. While it is a middle grade book and is definitely something I would recommend to middle schoolers, all individuals can learn something from it. As a bonus, if you listen to the audio book, it's read by the author, which is pretty neat.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Homophobia
Minor: Deadnaming, Death, Vomit, Suicide attempt, and Acephobia/Arophobia
Additional TW/CW: gay slurs, cannibalism (brief mention), brief Harry Potter referencesophieink's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
This was a really heartfelt novel that details Rick beginning to come to terms with his own identity whilst realising that he has been surrounded by a toxic relationship.
It is quite a short novel but it is able to build up a lot in it. I think it focused on three things; (1) Rick and his growing relationship with his grandad, (2) his relationship with his not-so-nice best friend and (3) the rainbow club which is a space for LGBTQ+ support.
I think through focusing on these spaces we are able to examine what identity can mean for close family relationships, what it is like to be in a toxic, unsupportive environment and what community can mean for people going through new feelings as well as a positive place to be yourself.
I think this is so great to see in middle grade as it can be so influential for young readers as they learn things about themselves and society. It can teach people a lot, provide comfort and help them to build a confident, kind mindset.
I think it is a very effective book which I am so happy to see around. I would say I'm not the target group so whilst I can enjoy (and be thankful) for this story, I think I am past the age group where it could have the biggest impact as I have experience these lessons and situations many times so it didn't have the same impact.
I did enjoy it though and, as I said, very important and powerful. I loved how it threaded messages into the story easily whilst focusing on Rick's growth and building such a positive, self-affirming place to be.
It is quite a short novel but it is able to build up a lot in it. I think it focused on three things; (1) Rick and his growing relationship with his grandad, (2) his relationship with his not-so-nice best friend and (3) the rainbow club which is a space for LGBTQ+ support.
I think through focusing on these spaces we are able to examine what identity can mean for close family relationships, what it is like to be in a toxic, unsupportive environment and what community can mean for people going through new feelings as well as a positive place to be yourself.
I think this is so great to see in middle grade as it can be so influential for young readers as they learn things about themselves and society. It can teach people a lot, provide comfort and help them to build a confident, kind mindset.
I think it is a very effective book which I am so happy to see around. I would say I'm not the target group so whilst I can enjoy (and be thankful) for this story, I think I am past the age group where it could have the biggest impact as I have experience these lessons and situations many times so it didn't have the same impact.
I did enjoy it though and, as I said, very important and powerful. I loved how it threaded messages into the story easily whilst focusing on Rick's growth and building such a positive, self-affirming place to be.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Homophobia, and Transphobia
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