Me Three

Gr 5-8–Eleven-year-old Rodney is mostly upset about moving to a new town away from his friends, and only slightly upset with his famous poker player father, who is now hiding out in rehab after “hugging women” who “didn’t want to be hugged,” as he understands it. Rodney’s skepticism about the allegations, and his own understanding of their impact later on, is explored through letters to a friend, Larry, who is not responding for reasons Rodney does not yet comprehend. Rodney must adjust to his circumstance and learn how to speak up for himself at his new school and in his family. While Rodney’s growth feels realistic for his age, ultimately the tough truths are not as deeply explored as one might like; he spends more time discussing riding BMX bikes and relaying school stories. The epistolary style feels forced and unnatural. Rodney and his family are cued as white.