In Rick, fans of Alex Gino's debut novel, George, get to reacquaint themselves with many of the book's characters, who are now entering middle school. Gino once again takes on issues being discussed in society at large and places them front and center in their characters' world, so young readers can examine the ideas in accessible, tangible ways.
Here Rick, whom readers met in George as the best friend of Jeff (who is still a bully but humanized somewhat in this book, through Rick's eyes) grapples with his sexual attraction, or lack thereof. While others seem to be attracted to boys or girls, Rick feels no attraction at all. When he learns about an after-school club called Rainbow Spectrum for LGBTQIAP+ rights, it starts him thinking ("Sometimes Rick wondered whether he was gay because he had never had a crush on a girl. But he had never had a crush on a boy either, so how could he be gay?"). Rick joins the club, but keeps it secret from Jeff.
Through Rick's exploration, Gino raises other essential questions: What does it mean to be a friend? What if standing up for your beliefs means losing a friend? Rick confides in his grandfather--one of the most moving relationships in the book--and also befriends Melissa, whom Jeff bullied in the past. Gino once again acknowledges the complexities of growing up and encourages readers to keep it simple: Be who you are. --Jennifer M. Brown, senior editor, Shelf Awareness