A review by moonyreadsbystarlight
Rick by Alex Gino
inspiring
reflective
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
This book focuses on Rick, who is just starting middle school. As he's navigating a school change, he is also confronting questions about himself and who he is friends with. Outside of school, he is spending more time with his grandpa who he learns shares his passion for a sci-fi show.
This was a cute middle grade that touches on quite a few LGBTQ topics (primarily, what it can be like to be ace or aro) as well as hard lessons about friendship that don't get discussed very frequently. It also touches on grief and change on several fronts, but it's not super heavy emotionally. This is set in the same world as their first book, Melissa, so we get to see her a bit as well! Overall, it was a cute well-done middle grade.
It definitely gave me lots of feelings. I love that some kids get to have this sort of experience and access to community (that was necer in the realm of possibilityfor me growing up), but it's upsetting to know that this is a limited experience, especially with recent legislation in many states. Just one more reason to stay aware of these bills being seen throughout the country that focus on queer kids.
This was a cute middle grade that touches on quite a few LGBTQ topics (primarily, what it can be like to be ace or aro) as well as hard lessons about friendship that don't get discussed very frequently. It also touches on grief and change on several fronts, but it's not super heavy emotionally. This is set in the same world as their first book, Melissa, so we get to see her a bit as well! Overall, it was a cute well-done middle grade.
It definitely gave me lots of feelings. I love that some kids get to have this sort of experience and access to community (that was necer in the realm of possibilityfor me growing up), but it's upsetting to know that this is a limited experience, especially with recent legislation in many states. Just one more reason to stay aware of these bills being seen throughout the country that focus on queer kids.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Acephobia/Arophobia, and Homophobia
Moderate: Grief