About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler begins expressing anxiety about their body image or feels like they are being reduced to a single label by their peers. It is an essential read for children navigating the 'messy middle' of puberty, where friendships shift and the pressure to fit in becomes overwhelming. The story follows Davis, a soulful twelve-year-old in Brooklyn who loves opera and baking, as he struggles with the 'husky' label and his changing social circle. Davis deals with the typical growing pains of early adolescence, including his first questions about his sexuality and the distance forming with his single mother. The book captures the specific vulnerability of a boy who feels he doesn't match the traditional image of a 'cool' kid. Parents will appreciate the realistic, hopeful tone that avoids easy answers, instead showing how a child can find self-worth through their unique passions and the support of a multigenerational family.
