Husky

Gr 4–8—In the lead-up to his first days of middle school, Davis struggles with concerns about what his adjective will be—will he be nothing more than the "husky" or "fat" kid? Davis discovers that his relationships are changing as quickly as his moods, as he feels excluded from everything—from his best friend's makeover party to his mother's new relationship with a fellow baker. When his best friends, Sophie and Ellen, begin hanging out with more popular kids, Davis finds himself the target of a name-calling incident that results in support from unexpected places—but also a new label. Davis eventually finds that his friends and family will love and support him through the tumultuous changes that are just beginning as the novel concludes. Sayre's debut novel addresses adolescence with tenderness and humor, but its slow pacing may challenge reluctant readers. Middle graders will be able to identify with the drama between Davis and his friends as their friendships grow and change, as well as the tension that arises when Davis tries to assert some independence from his grandmother. Educators and caregivers may find this book useful for discussing bullying and the problems with even well-intentioned labels, although those issues appear only briefly.