Publishers Weekly
★ 02/24/2020
In this standalone companion to Gino’s George, 11-year-old Rick grapples with his identity while navigating shifting relationships and learning about allyship. Now that he’s starting middle school, it seems that everyone expects Rick to “turn into some sort of hormonal beast,” but he worries that he’s never had a crush. Though he hopes that the Rainbow Spectrum, “an after-school club for LGBTQIAP+ rights,” might provide answers, he hides his interest from his best friend Jeff, a homophobic bully. As Rick begins to find words that describe his orientation—asexual, aromantic—he bonds with his fellow club members and is forced to consider his friendship with Jeff, whose bullying exempts Rick but not his new friends, among them Melissa, the star of Gino’s debut novel. In addition to feeling accepted by his club peers, he begins conversations with family about his identity, but it’s his deepening relationship with his Grandpa Ray, who loves cosplay, that provides Rick the safe space to be himself. Bonding first over a science fiction program, the two find that their connection spans beyond the screen, further highlighting the power of authenticity and acceptance. Through the Rainbow Spectrum, readers are introduced to a wide range of identities and pronouns. Ages 8–12. (Apr.)
From the Publisher
Praise for You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P!:
* "Gino's sophomore effort is every bit as affecting and important as their first novel." — School Library Journal, starred review
* "[You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P!'s] thoughtful handling of characters and dynamics offers fodder for further discussion about privilege in all its forms." — Publishers Weekly, starred review
* "A necessary and rewarding addition to any middle-grade collection." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Praise for Melissa:
Winner of the Children's Stonewall Award
Winner of the Lambda Literary Award
A Children's Choice Book Awards Debut Author
* "Profound, moving, and — as Charlotte would say — radiant, this book will stay with anyone lucky enough to find it." — Publishers Weekly, starred review
* "Warm, funny, and inspiring." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* "There is pain... but not without the promise of a better tomorrow." — School Library Journal, starred review
* "An appealing, thoroughly believable character and her best friend Kelly adds humor and zest." — Booklist, starred review
School Library Journal
★ 02/01/2020
Gr 3–7—In Gino's companion novel to George, readers meet Rick Ramsey. Rick usually goes along with what his best friend Jeff wants to do. Rick also loves when Jeff approves of his choices and ideas. They just started sixth grade together and Rick is prepared for Jeff to make fun of other kids at school or stare at girls and make suggestive comments about them. On the first day, Rick befriends Melissa Mitchell, who he recognizes from elementary school. He also remembers Jeff bullied Melissa for years. Rick's parents repeatedly ask him about cute girls or boys, which makes him uncomfortable. He wishes his older sister Diane was around to eat popcorn and watch TV with—she wouldn't ask him about girls or boys. Neither does Grandpa Ray, who Rick doesn't know well. After spending consistent time together, he and Grandpa Ray become close. Unexpectedly, Rick finds he can be his true self with his grandpa. In addition to spending time with Grandpa Ray, Rick starts attending meetings at his school's Rainbow Spectrum club. He develops a better knowledge and understanding of his asexual identity, and what kind of friendships he truly needs and deserves. VERDICT An enlightening and important novel about a young person's experience with asexuality. A required purchase for middle grade collections.—Jess Gafkowitz, Brooklyn Public Library
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2019-12-08
As he explores his identity and finds his footing in middle school, a sixth grader stands up to his bully best friend.
White, cisgender boys Rick and Jeff have been best friends since the third grade. When they're alone, Jeff shares his video games, but at school Jeff picks on other kids and talks about girls with ostentatious lasciviousness. Despite their connection, Rick knows he can't tell Jeff that he wants to join their school's Rainbow Spectrum, a safe space for LGBTQIAP+ students, or that he's questioning his own sexuality. The more Rick learns about himself, the more he realizes he needs to hold Jeff accountable for his behavior. An honest relationship develops between Rick and his cosplay-loving grandfather. Grandpa Ray reassures and supports Rick when he comes out as asexual. Adults in the story model moments of vulnerability and admit mistakes. Gino seamlessly introduces language to describe a variety of sexualities and gender identities through the perspective of Rick, who is learning many of the words for the first time. Although the book shares characters with Gino's Stonewall Award-winning George (2015), it stands alone. The cast (including students of color) represents a spectrum of genders and sexualities with an emphasis on self-identification and encouragement of exploration.
A game-changing ace. (author's note) (Fiction. 8-13)
