Written by award-winning author Alex Gino, ‘Rick’ is an engaging novel about a young boy struggling to find his identity. Along his journey, he makes new connections and has some big realizations regarding the company he keeps. 

I do not doubt that any LGBTQIA+ youth would relate to this story. I say this because the author has written the main character’s story so that it correlates with other LGBTQIA+ youth experiences. I also think it teaches the reader a lesson about the company we keep. And how our relationships can change very quickly.  An example of this would be when Rick has to end a friendship as that person no longer respects Rick as a person because his values have changed. 

While I read the book, I found myself connecting with the main character through similar experiences. For example, when one of Rick’s family members suggests he is too young to have figured out who he is, I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach as the same situation has happened to me involving a family member. 

I do think that parts of the book were slightly predictable, but this wasn’t anything that would stop me from reading the book again. I also think the ending was satisfactory and left me with a smile on my face. 

Overall, I would recommend this book to any young person who doesn’t quite know why they are yet.