My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this awkward Vietnamese kid, Gary. His so called "best friend" is cringe worthy and the Roosters are just horrible, but I appreciate a kid who will ride his mother's tandem bike alone. Gloria is also a realistic and complex character. Gary and Gloria are nice kids, but they are also human. They can make each other laugh and also make each other cry as they both learn how to navigate changes in their life. I think what is especially cute is that they are human. Their voice is refreshing in this genre that is littered with characters that are immature, egocentric, privileged, and yucky. I want to root for these two kids.
In another blurb I read that this story is loosely based on the author's life, so perhaps that is why the reactions by the main characters seem so realistic and raw. This is not a stylized fairy tale. This is about real kids having real issues. This is about dreams and disappointments. This is about real families dealing with real issues. As the poor kid at a rich school, Gary is very mature in his values. He has a clear idea of right and wrong even if he does not always make the best choice at first. This is a perfect summer read for anyone wanting a feel good story with characters that you can root for.
From the Publisher:
Gary Võ is one of the few Vietnamese kids in his school and has been shy for as long as he can remember―being ignored and excluded by his classmates comes with the territory. So when the most popular guy in his grade offers Gary the opportunity to break into his inner circle, Gary jumps at the chance. All he needs to do is steal the prized possession of the most beautiful and untouchable girl they know―Gloria Buenrostro.
But as Gary gets to know Gloria, he’s taken in by her authenticity and genuine interest in who he really is. Soon, they’re best friends. Being part of the “in crowd” has always been Gary’s dream, but as he comes closer to achieving infamy, he risks losing the first person who recognizes his true self. Gary must consider if any amount of popularity is worth losing a true friend.
But as Gary gets to know Gloria, he’s taken in by her authenticity and genuine interest in who he really is. Soon, they’re best friends. Being part of the “in crowd” has always been Gary’s dream, but as he comes closer to achieving infamy, he risks losing the first person who recognizes his true self. Gary must consider if any amount of popularity is worth losing a true friend.
Publication Information:
Author: Brandon Hoàng
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), June 27, 2023
Hardcover length: 304 pages
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