Rick

 

Rick has always been a go with the flow kind of kid.  That's how he accidentally got his best friend, Jeff, and it's easier to just stick with the status quo.  Life is also easier with Jeff because he makes all the decisions.  all Rick has to do is relax and go with it.  

But lately, Rick has really been noticing Jeff's negative qualities.  Sometimes it is nice to be a follower, but there have been times when Jeff vetoed activities Rick was really interested in, like the school play.  Jeff is also kind of a jerk and a bully, and Rick is noticing it more every day.  

Jeff's constant comments about girls' bodies make Rick uncomfortable, but he isn't sure what to do about it.  He doesn't really see girls that way...or boys either to be honest.  Jeff and Rick's dad seem to think he should be thinking about the way girls look, but he just isn't.

When he hears about the Rainbow Spectrum club at school, he's interested.  There he meets a whole variety of kids who identify in different ways, and he learns the word, asexual.  He does a little research and begins to wonder if maybe he is asexual.  He knows he could never mention this to Jeff, though.

Will Rick have the courage to confront Jeff and take control of his own life and identity?

Alex Gino's new book is definitely one that should be included in middle grade collections.  It covers new ground for middle grade and will be a perfect fit for some students.  It does feel didactic at times, and the plot and characterization suffer for that.