A very fun introduction to Benjamin Dean’s work!! The main characters were full of heart, the writing engaging (and great! I really liked how familial relationships and grief was captured throughout), and the story light and humorous while avoiding being embarrassing. Was the ending clichéd? Absolutely.

(*cough* Rita’s turnaround *cough*)

But to be fair, a lot of the book is. I found it charming, and the lively illustrations scattered throughout definitely added to it! 💕

Rita was a very fun villain!! Very classic children’s book™️. Comically evil, but in a silly way, and I kind of loved how despite the whole conflict revolving around her being vehemently against Pride happening, it’s… not for any queerphobic reasons, she just hates not being the center of attention (and fun) LOL??? 

My main issue, though, is that the pacing is a mess. The first half is great at introducing the characters and building them up, but the pride itself isn’t introduced until halfway through. I was anxiously checking the page numbers by the end, because SO MUCH had to be resolved so quickly! I would have also liked to see more of Norman and the townspeople. 

Tbh I didn’t think I’d get to read this, but my library listened to my materials request, and I’m very glad they did! My town didn’t even have Pride until 2021 (I was part of that! I made the T-shirts! Haha!), so I wonder if there will be some other kid in my district that draws parallels to this book and really enjoys it.