I was hesitant about this one, knowing the role Rick played in the previous book George but this was so sweet and excellent and necessary! I love seeing the ways this book was able to be different from George as it was written in a different time.

This is another short & sweet book by Alex Gino, this time following Rick as he starts middle school and learns that life is better when you get to be exactly who you are. He learns how to stand up to his previous best friend as he realizes he was a bully, gets to know his grandfather better, and makes new friends at his school's version of a Gay/Straight Alliance. He also learns about the terms "asexual" and "aromantic" and decides that one of those labels feels right, at least for now! I loved seeing Melissa, from the previous book George, a few years after we leave her, and in a super healthy and supported place! If you liked George, or are interested in queer middle grade, pick this book up!

"'Think carefully about who you spend time with. The right people - well, they can bring you great joy.'
'And the right people bring sadness?'
Grandpa Ray shook his head. 'Not even. Sometimes the right people bring sadness too. The wrong people are the people who keep you from being yourself.'"