fionak's review
3.0
The story flows well and deals with important issues in a relatable way so this would lend itself to bibliotherapy for youngsters navigating gender expectations and sexuality. The artwork is a big letdown for me; the author wantd it to be reminiscent of the cartoons he grew up watching but frankly said cartoons had pretty shitty production values and I don't think recreating them was a good call.
sjclay122's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Death of parent, and Homophobia
heatherbermingham's review
4.0
I've been reading a lot of LGBTQ middle grade books recently, and this was the toughest read just because of the heaviness. It was a real heartbreaker, especially knowing that it's based on the writer/illustrators life. The level of bullying is more severe compared to other books I've read for this age group, but I have no doubt that it's honest and that a lot of kids in similar situations to Alexander - whether it's because of sexual orientation, different family circumstances, poverty - will recognize themselves here. I loved how it started in 7th grade and slowly went back and highlighted the experiences that brought him to that point. I think the ending felt a tiny bit rushed, but I'm glad it ended on a more optimistic note, and I'm sure that'll make an impact on some young readers.
lorenachristen's review
4.0
I loved this book, mainly because it is written in a comic book format. And as someone with ADHD, little things like that make reading even more exciting. I am part of the lgbtq+ community as a gay female. Yet I was able to relate to the storyline. I think it is a unique lgbtq+ book, there’s nothing I’ve seen that is similar to this book. The reason why I didn’t rate the book 5 stars is because I thought the colors and design could’ve been more refined. Some of the fonts were small and hard to read. I don’t mind the design, however, I feel the audience that this book is targeting might not buy it due to the first impression of the cover. Otherwise, I am excited that I won this book in the giveaways it is going to be one of my fave books in my collection. I hope a lesbian version is made !! I think this author can come up with a whole series of books with lgbtq+ storylines. And maybe sequel books too!! Something to think about!!
crookedtreehouse's review
4.0
There are books that are aimed at children that still speak spectacularly to adults, that make us want to go back and reread them for things we've missed, or just for the satisfaction of taking the journey again.
This isn't one of those books.
This is a solidly Telling Not Showing graphic novel about growing up different. And while, yes, it is about being queer, it's a story non-queer kids could identify with if they've experienced any form of otherisms. It's a good book for a grieving kid who has lost a parent, or for any kid who grew up in a loving but non-traditional household. I can see how a middle school teacher would craft a lesson plan about this. But they wouldn't have to talk about metaphors, and no child would have trouble coming up with the themes. Its language is very direct, its message is very clear. The only thing moderately complicated are the time jumps as the book is mainly about his time in seventh grade but frequently flashes back to other grades, all the way back to preschool.
It's, overall, a very positive book about overcoming adversity. I reccomend it as a teaching tool for kids, and as something to gift a middle school aged kid, but I don't know how well it would resonate with someone older.
This isn't one of those books.
This is a solidly Telling Not Showing graphic novel about growing up different. And while, yes, it is about being queer, it's a story non-queer kids could identify with if they've experienced any form of otherisms. It's a good book for a grieving kid who has lost a parent, or for any kid who grew up in a loving but non-traditional household. I can see how a middle school teacher would craft a lesson plan about this. But they wouldn't have to talk about metaphors, and no child would have trouble coming up with the themes. Its language is very direct, its message is very clear. The only thing moderately complicated are the time jumps as the book is mainly about his time in seventh grade but frequently flashes back to other grades, all the way back to preschool.
It's, overall, a very positive book about overcoming adversity. I reccomend it as a teaching tool for kids, and as something to gift a middle school aged kid, but I don't know how well it would resonate with someone older.