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Fun Facts:
- RICK is a companion novel to Alex Gino’s first middle-grade story GEORGE (which features a transgender protagonist trying out for the school play!) but you don’t have to read it (though you should because it’s outstanding) before diving into RICK.
- GEORGE was the #1 most challenged and banned book in 2018 for its subject matter – Gino’s badass response? “If you’re gonna be banned, at least be number 1.“
Why you should get excited for RICK:
- There are cameos from beloved characters from GEORGE such as Melissa!
- There is an LGBTQIAP+ alliance that discusses and explores the spectrum of queer identity in a supportive and safe environment
- A cosplaying grandfather who’s as much of a nerd as we all are when it comes to his favourite TV series? Check!
Review:
“Sometimes Rick wondered if 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?
Perfectly paced and splendidly diverse, RICK should be mandatory for all readers, no matter their age. Rick’s story of exploring his sexuality while faced with the bullying of someone he considers a friend transcends its intended audience and shows readers of all ages that they are worthy of unconditional support.
Rick is such a sweet and enthusiastic kid. He just hasn’t found his place in the world yet – and as he struggles to find it, he understands more and more that there will always be people who will support you no matter what but there are also those that, no matter how hard you try, you will outgrow eventually. Watching Rick come to terms with the fact that his friend Jeff, the one he loves to play video games with and looks to for approval, is actually really disrespectful towards girls and openly harasses anyone who is part of the LGBTQ+ community, is heart-wrenching. Though it is tough to realise that some people will baulk at what they don’t know and don’t want to understand, it was also beautiful to see Rick find a group of friends who support him and understand what he is going through. With the help of his grandfather, who has a secret of his own that translates beautifully in his and Rick’s time together, Rick eventually realises that being friends with Jeff means hiding who Rick really is, and that’s not okay. Friends should support you no matter what.
Within the safe space of the Rainbow Spectrum club, Gino introduces the necessary language to voice your identity (something that is still missing from school curricula, might I add). Alongside Rick, the reader learns about genderqueer identities, the importance of using preferred pronouns and seamlessly highlights that mixing them up and making mistakes is natural without ever discouraging anyone from trying to do better. Instead, even the teacher offers helpful advice and learns a thing or two about what it means to be non-binary. The A in LGBTQIAP+ that is often confused to be standing for Ally instead of Asexual takes on a role in the spotlight as Rick hears it and feels seen for the first time. The revelation that he is not alone, that this is not just him feeling this way is a truly magical thing to read about.
What RICK also excels at is exposing the heteronormative standards that are placed on children at a very early age. Rick’s father constantly asks Rick who he’s got a crush on, reminding him that it’s okay if it’s a boy. But when Rick broaches the subject of perhaps not ever feeling the way other kids his age do, that he maybe does not want to be in a romantic relationship with anyone ever, his father tells him he’s too young to understand what he’s feeling, that he’ll just have to wait to be older. Frustrating and confusing, the scene shows perfectly how we as a society lead children to falsely believe that their worth lies in finding a partner and building a family above all else; anything that threatens this expected outcome is rejected immediately. Gino aptly shows the extra layer of stigma anyone on the asexuality spectrum has been facing and still faces today.
Then again, this wouldn’t be the masterpiece it is if it didn’t end on a hopeful, high note. As Rick begins to feel more comfortable in his skin and articulates his feelings to his grandfather and peers, the reader, too, learns that the most important part of any type of relationship is support. He also learns that though people may be set in their ways, they can learn something new.
Educational without being preachy, enlightening and carefully crafted, RICK is a hopeful and life-affirming read perfect for anyone who needs a reminder that they are worthy – of love, of friendship, of support – unconditionally. As Rick learns about asexuality and takes control of his support system, his story encourages readers to explore their own identity on their own terms, emphasising that their feelings and journeys of self-discovery are vital and valid.
RICK is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers as of April 21st 2020.
Will you be picking up RICK? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
Rick’s always been a go-with-the-flow type of guy.
So what if his best friend Jeff is kind of a jerk and a bully? And also kind of objectifies girls? It isn’t that bad, right? Jeff would never be mean to Rick and they have fun together….right?
So what if his dad constantly jokes about which girls he might want to date or finds hot and it makes Rick uncomfortable? He still loves his dad.
So what if Rick’s starting to question certain parts of his identity? It’s not like he’d ever talk about it out loud.
But when Rick gets to middle school and finds himself drawn to the Rainbow Spectrum club, an after-school activity where kids of many genders and identities come together to talk freely about who they are, things suddenly change.
For the first time, Rick feels like he’s understanding more about what makes him tick and finally feels like he belongs. Faced with this new part of his life, Rick will have to make some tough choices – who does he want to be in the future? And who will be standing beside him as he begins this new chapter of self-discovery in his life?
