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Book Reviews · November 26, 2020

Review | Slider by Pete Hautman

Book Review | Slider by Pete Hautman

Summary: Slider

In Slider, 14-year-old David is a quintessential middle child. His sister Bridgette is in college and the family’s academic success story. Mal, his younger brother is on the autism spectrum, although his family prefers not to use the autism label. Mal is almost non-verbal and only says the word “okay.” David has always has a large appetite and an interest in competitive eating, but after he accidentally leaves a $2000 bill on his mother’s credit card, he’s forced to join a pizza eating contest to win the grand prize of $5000.

In between finding his place in the family and trying not to ruin his internal organs by overeating, David also has to navigate the fact that his two oldest friends Cyn and HeyMan might be dating each other. Where does that leave him? As the third musketeer still, or an unwanted third wheel?


The Good

I was surprised by how much I liked this story. David is a funny, insightful, lovable character, and I liked his family a lot too. The author manages to create parents who are not bumbling fools but still grant an a believable amount of leeway to allow David enter competitive eating. I’m not a huge reader of books with male protagonists — something about the voice doesn’t quite do it for me. But I got into this one much quicker than I usually would. Maybe it’s because it’s so funny and the audiobook narrator does an excellent job.

Although, this isn’t an OwnVoices book where neurodiversity is concerned (as far as I know), the autism rep is thoughtful and seems realistic. I liked that Mal doesn’t become “miraculously” verbal by the end of the book. The center of this book is competitive eating — something I didn’t even know existed. It is both mouthwatering and nauseating how much food David eats in the course of this book. Yet, the author makes it a fun, eye-opening experience.

Finally, I liked the narrative arc of Cyn and HeyMan. Feeling like a third wheel can be challenging for anyone, but it was endearing to see how all three kids figured it out with minimal drama.


Overall: Slider

Slider is an engaging, funny, true-to-life story about competitive eating, navigating friendship dilemmas, understanding an autistic sibling, and finding one’s place in their family. David is easy to love and the family dynamics in this story are truly heartwarming. I would totally hand this to anyone looking to read more “boy books.” If you enjoy middle-grade books about food, friendship, or those with thoughtful neurodiversity rep (although not OwnVoices), this is one I would recommend.


Buy This Book

slider
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More Middle-Grade Books for Boys (with Male Protagonists)

  • How to Make Friends with the Sea by Tanya Guerrero
  • One Last Shot by John David Anderson
  • Dough Boys by Paula Chase
  • Things You Can’t Say by Jenn Bishop

Have you read this book or any others by Pete Hautman? Which other funny middle-grade books have you read and loved lately? I’d love to hear your recs!

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Posted In: Book Reviews · Tagged: autism rep, boy books, food books, siblings, upper middle grade

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🥽 I loved the illustration style in this one and while I found the VR setting a bit disorienting, I appreciated the unique lens of the story. The graphic novel format works brilliantly for helping readers appreciate the power of VR. I think with text, it would have just been too much “world-building.” This is more engaging and exciting for kids.

🐢 Lo and Behold is a clever middle grade graphic novel about virtual reality, grief, and parental addiction. Readers who enjoy VR will love this one, but as the Author's Note mentions, it will also be a fantastic introduction for those who, like me, aren't familiar with it. A fun summer read with hints of serious themes.

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Which hyped books did you love? And which ones missed the mark for you?

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If you’re looking for an engaging graphic memoir for older kids ages 11+ this is a great choice.

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Multiple perspectives (3 perspectives, 3rd person POV)
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☀️ Meet the Bookstagrammer ☀️ Hi, new fol ☀️ Meet the Bookstagrammer ☀️

Hi, new followers! It’s such a pleasure to have a few new faces around. I love finding new readers to follow on the gram. 

My name is Afoma and I run a book blog called Reading Middle Grade. I also run a Facebook Group and newsletter related to my blog. In my day job, I’m a freelance writer and editor, with a degree in medicine.

I’ve lived in three continents (born in Nigeria, med school in Ukraine and the Caribbean). I live in Nigeria now with my husband and many, many books 🤭 I love to cook and travel and run. This year, one of my goals is to become a better runner. I’m currently able to run 2K without stopping. 

Even though we don’t have traditional four seasons in Nigeria, the summer months are my favorite. From childhood, they were the one time when my overachieving, perfectionistic self could RELAX. And do nothing! And even now, I try to take time off in the summer to do nothing.

Some of favorite books this year have been LASAGNA MEANS I LOVE YOU, THE LOST YEAR (I lived in Ukraine for 3 years, so this resonated with me!), and MAAME. 

Thank you so much for following my reading journey! Tell me something about yourself — hobbies, favorite books, anything! ❤️
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