library_kb's review
emotional
funny
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
3.75
This is one of the first middle grade books that I have read that has a nonbinary main character--which I think is good to see! It follows Ben Y who is dealing with microaggressions at school over their identity, as well as harassment by admin. They are still dealing with grief over their brother's death and it is causing some issues in friend groups on top of their academic struggles with dyslexia. This book is ~400 pages, so it is a chunky book, but it reads pretty quickly since it is in the novel-in-verse format, with some game chat styled pages as well. I think kids who are into Minecraft and Roblox, dealing with loss of a family member, as well as kids looking to find their own identity present on the page will enjoy this book.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death and Bullying
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