Rick

Sixth-grader Rick is starting middle school and questioning his identity, and finds it difficult to be honest with his friend who is intolerant of others and a bully. Rick finds the courage to join a Spectrum club where he makes new friends, develop a bond with his grandfather, and break ties with his intolerant friend. This coming-of-age story for grades 4-7 is suitable for read-aloud, a novel study, a literature circle book, or a classroom library novel. It deals with important issues of teen angst, identity, sexual orientation, and acceptance in an approachable manner, and could help to build communities of tolerance.