Reviews

Rick by

lancelotraavig's review against another edition

Go to review page

hopeful relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

“Rick” offers a good storyline with an engaging conflict that holds the reader’s attention throughout. However, I found the heavy emphasis on the “us vs. them” mentality regarding the LGBTQIAP+ community to be somewhat overwhelming. While I understand that this focus may be more typical in literature centered around LGBTQ+ themes, it felt overdone at times, detracting from the broader narrative.

That said, readers who are part of or closely connected to the LGBTQ+ community may find the representation more relatable and meaningful. Overall, while the story has its merits, the strong focus on LGBTQ+ identity might not resonate with everyone.

boooksforbreakfast's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

So wholesome!

roseltov's review against another edition

Go to review page

  • 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

This was so cute and lovely 💛

aplecki2's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful medium-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

3.5

morganward390's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

I was really looking forward to reading this, because I had read Alex Gino’s book GEORGE with my class in the Fall of 2020 and absolutely LOVED IT.

I think that this book didn’t feel like it had as big of a climax as GEORGE, and for that reason I was almost confused when it ended - I felt like there should be more. It seemed like the stakes weren’t as high for Rick, and not as much happened.

Even when not comparing the two books, I don’t see RICK being as strong of a novel as GEORGE. Something I really did like was how Gino included Melissa in this story as well, but didn’t make her a focus. I know my students will enjoy this book more than I did, and probably just as much as they enjoyed GEORGE, but on a personal level it just didn’t meet my expectations.

Overall I think this is a great addition to any middle school library or class collection, as it has asexual representation - something that we don’t get a lot of in media - and will allow for students to ask questions and access the topic of a sexuality in an age appropriate fashion.

monarchsandmyths's review against another edition

Go to review page

aspec rep in middle grade!! also we love character development

marit_tijhuis's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Zo mogelijk nóg belangrijker dan 'Melissa' van dezelfde schrijver. Wat een queer joy in dit boek!

cornmaven's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Alex Gino really gets intermediate aged kids (Gr 4-6). Rick's entering middle school (6-8), and in his coming of age story he learns about what good friends are really like, how people are all different in terms of gender and sexuality, and that it's ok to either know/not know at his age where he fits.

He's a classmate of the trans girl in the book Melissa (formerly titled George), and she's in this book as well, along with a bunch of other rainbow spectrum kids who are way more comfortable with who than are than Rick is. Thankfully, Rick has supportive parents.

Soon to be on the lists of the book challengers who ride the circuit of school board meetings, spreading their fear and hate. So read it.

addict_with_a_quill's review against another edition

Go to review page

hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

georgiagirl1315's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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