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1 of 1 copy available
Brian knows that anxiety and depression aren't things that are magically fixed overnight, but he still doesn't understand why it's all hitting him so hard right now. Sure, his dad is still in prison and middle school is still stressful, but he's seeing a therapist, he's got good friends, and he's doing really well on the basketball team. He should be fine, so why does he feel too tired to get out of bed some days? And why does he turn into "Cursed Monster Brian" and snap whenever someone asks him what's wrong?
Ezra is trying his best to look out for Brian, but he's not sure that he's actually helping. Sure, they're still best friends, but as Ezra starts preparing for the talent show, he also starts talking with Victor—the kid who relentlessly bullied Brian last year. It seems like Victor's changed, and whenever he and Ezra hang out and make music together, Ezra's stomach feels a little bit swoopy. But even if he likes making music and talking with Victor, he still feels like he's betraying his best friend whenever they're together. And he worries that he's falling for another boy who won't return his feelings . . .
Earnest, heartfelt, and full of humor, Chad Lucas's You Owe Me One, Universe explores the nuances and complications of middle school relationships—and shows how sometimes the smallest acts of caring can be the ones that matter most.
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Creators
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Series
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Publisher
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Release date
November 7, 2023 -
Formats
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Kindle Book
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OverDrive Read
- ISBN: 9781647009434
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EPUB ebook
- ISBN: 9781647009434
- File size: 2305 KB
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Languages
- English
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Levels
- ATOS Level: 4.1
- Interest Level: 4-8(MG)
- Text Difficulty: 2-3
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Reviews
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Starred review from December 1, 2023
Nova Scotia middle schoolers Brian and Ezra return with new obstacles to overcome in this sequel to Thanks a Lot, Universe (2021). Eighth grade brings many changes for the best friends. To start with, there's the crush that Ezra has on Brian, which neither of them knows how to resolve, leading up to a test kiss that fizzles. Brian is also coping with his father's imprisonment for cannabis distribution and trying to hold it all together for his family. Luckily, he has the basketball team and a solid group of racially diverse friends, who become vital when he's diagnosed with depression. Ezra is getting more into his music, preparing for a school talent show that unexpectedly leads to feelings of attraction for Victor, the boy who spent last year bullying Brian. Ezra becomes increasingly conflicted as he and Victor spend more time together, especially since Brian seems to be on the decline, and he doesn't know how to help him. Throughout the turbulence, the boys lean on their community as they navigate their growing pains. Themes of identity, mental health, and responsibility are tenderly and expertly addressed through the authentic dialogue and interactions among the friends. The keenly observed character development extends beyond the protagonists, allowing readers to immerse themselves in their community. The brisk pace and clear writing make this novel broadly accessible and appealing. Brian is white; Ezra has a Polish Canadian dad and a Black Trinidadian mom. Smart and heartfelt. (author's note) (Fiction. 10-14)COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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