While I liked the book subverted some tropes (like not having the characters end up as a couple), it still fit the usual 'main character disparages true friend for fake friend/people who don't care for them until the last minute.' 

Again, tropes are fine, but Marcus was so spineless at times it didn't make a fun journey, but I understand middle schoolers wanting to fit in with the status quo. Not too mention Izzy was overly prickly. 

Toxic masculinity and gender roles are a big theme here aside from parental expectations and playing a role. Marcus gets bullied about doing a "girly" activity such as (swing); While it felt unrealistic how quickly

he wore the skirt with no hesitation with as much as he wavered with everything else

, there was growth on his part.

Pretty good!