You may remember Alex Gino for his book George about a transgender girl in elementary school. Well now we have a story about an asexual boy in middle school and it is just as sweet.
Rick is a young boy who is trying to fit in and understand why he doesn’t have the same feelings towards girls as his friend does. He has a close relationship with his grandfather and he loves his family, but he feels disconnected from them because of his feelings. When he attends his school queer alliance meeting, he begins to understand that what he feels has a name and that it is totally normal to be that way and this takes him on a journey of self-acceptance and empowerment.
This book makes my heart swell. If this is how it really is in schools nowadays, kids being out and queer and being outspoken on queer rights, then I am so unbelievably happy. I wish it had been like that when I was growing up and considering I’m not even that far out from school, it’s amazing to me that it has changed so much so fast. I think a large part of that change happened right after I left high school and probably around the time of marriage equality. While being queer was more accepted and public up until that point, I don’t remember it being a comfortable thing in a school setting. Regardless, Rick talks about queerness openly and gently and it talks about how to come to terms with people and relationships that aren’t necessarily good for you or that they maybe aren’t the best person.
If you’re looking for a book for yourself or maybe even a younger relative, then I suggest you grab this one. It’s pretty short and it’s to the point so it won’t be too hard for a younger reader. I think probably around 7/8 is a good starting point for this. I just want more kids to be exposed to this positive thinking and find themselves in a book that they may otherwise not experience.
Just Read It 