RICK

Author Alex Gino steps up to the mic as narrator in this highly anticipated companion story to their breakout debut, GEORGE. The start of sixth grade prompts earnest, good-natured Rick to finally admit to himself that his lifelong best friend, Jeff, is a bigoted jerk. This uneasy realization, coupled with his growing awareness of his own disinterest in dating, leads Rick to attend his school's Rainbow Spectrum club, where he learns about asexuality and finds open, supportive friendship. Gino's expressive narration brims with warmth and empathy for their middle school characters, and their careful pacing makes it easy to understand who's speaking, even during group conversations. Overall, it's an assured, encouraging performance of a much-needed story that will speak to a wide variety of young listeners. R.A.H. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2020]