Rick: A George Novel

Having the characters as middle schoolers now — even young ones (as sixth grade is still elementary school for our school district) is a huge improvement. The issues are grayer. Characters take sides and argue the nuances of their personal experiences. Adults listen to the children and even apologize when they're wrong or their information is outdated. Basically, Rick addresses all the things I took issue with when I read George. http://pussreboots.com/blog/2020/comm...

3.5 stars | this is a great middle grade book 💖

This was a fine read and despite the notion that someone was out to get out lead heroine Abigail, there was much action or suspense to completely win me over. I will notate I did like the dynamic between Abby and Rick, and their whole enemies/friends turned lovers bit but its just… it lacked that something something to make this an excellent read. Nevertheless, this was a swoon worthy read filled with some fun banter, mature romance, steamy moments, and strong leads that would definitely peak your interest.

This book honestly hit me so hard in the best ways. The idea of a 6th grader actually having the vocabulary, space, and support to explore the idea that he might be aroace?? Absolutely amazing. I'm so glad that kids are going to be able to turn to books like this when they start asking their own questions about their identities and what they do and don't feel. All of Rick's relationships, from his friendship with Jeff, to his burgeoning understanding of his grandfather, to the divide in understanding between him and his parents, to his new friendships in the Rainbow Spectrum, are just so well-written and realistic. I'm so happy Rick has a supportive adult in his life that accepts however Rick chooses to describe himself but I also think it's appropriate that he has to deal with adults who don't get it. Because that's life. Sometimes talking about your identity with someone is like talking to a brick wall and you can't change them, but you can set your boundaries and make yourself as clear as possible. I also loved seeing Melissa again! There was just so much to love with this book and I'm so very very glad it exists.

Alex Gino writes the types of books that you know will be extremely powerful in the hand of young (queer) kids.

if i had this book when i was rick’s age ... that would’ve saved me a lot of suffering. the way gino writes about asexuality and allyship (“allyship is something you do. not something you are” because allies are not the A in lgbtqiap+ !!!) was amazing. i cried multiple times. everything about this felt perfect, but i really wanted to see resolution (read: apologies) within rick’s family. i wish there was a sequel or even an epilogue just so i can see someone correct rick’s dad and sister on their views about asexuality and how 11 is “too young” to know if you’re ace (or any other non-hetero and cis identity) but it’s not too young to know if you’re straight. that resolution would’ve made my heart very happy, but i still absolutely love everything else about this.

This was an educational read (both for kids and adults) which I truly enjoyed. I loved the cameos and the idea of the Rainbow Spectrum club! The relationship between Rick and his grandfather was also precious! Who doesn't want a cosplaying grandpa? It was great that this book has ended in a very good and positive way but there were some issues that I wished were explored more. Overall, this was a great story about finding your identity especially at a very young age.

El abuelo 😭♥️😭♥️😭♥️

I think this book was an amazing, well written way to speak about a character trying to figure out their sexuality. It was a great book about a subject hard to teach to kids, but written for kids. I would recommend this book to ages 11 and up!

As I started this, I found it slow-going, but it picked up and the messages within were so incredibly important. I think this book does a great job of raising a discussion around respectful language and actions, particularly within a middle grade context. It's not necessarily how middle grade students speak, but it certainly models appropriate discourse around identity and acceptance of others. **Please note that I am not an own voices reviewer. I encourage you to seek the views of own voices reviewers and prioritise them over my own.**

Oh this was so very wonderful. My heart is extremely full right now. Having finished and adored George, I found myself desperately wanting more of Alex Gino's empathetic, hopeful work and this did not disappoint. (I think I may have even enjoyed it slightly more than George?) This book is filled with heart, empathy and acceptance in a way that shines brighter in middle grade than any other age/genre. I adored Rick's character and his journey of self discovery, self acceptance and self respect. I loved how he had the courage to not only seek information (he's questioning aro-ace) but to speak up about his findings and stand his ground, despite people trying to fight against him. Rick's relationship with his Grandpa made me ridiculously happy and watching his confidence grow throughout the book was a joy to read. In terms of being a book for young readers, I thought it did a beautiful job at introducing a wide range of gender identities and sexualities (and how to respectfully discuss them) in a way that was easy to understand and take in. I also thought the way it handled toxic friendships was done brilliantly and could work as a wonderful guide of sorts for young readers on setting boundaries and reporting wrong doings. All in all, this book was an utter delight and made me hopeful that, with books like these being place in the hands of young readers, the future generation will me a kinder and more accepting one. TW: homophobia, transphobia