Fruitcake

As his friends start showing interest in romance, an eighth grader considers his own sexuality in this candid graphic novel memoir from previous collaborators Ogle and Valeza (Pizza Face). Struggling to understand his peers’ perspective on love and feeling left out, Ogle confides in his divorced mother, who cautions, “Don’t be in a rush to fall in love, Rex. It’ll just bring you heartache.” Despite her advice, Ogle—impressed by bold new girl Charlotte’s defending a classmate from homophobic bullies—asks Charlotte to be his date for homecoming. And though Ogle enjoys spending time with her, he finds himself drawn to his athletic friend, Drew. The protagonist’s confusion surrounding his differing feelings for Charlotte and Drew is compounded by Ogle’s encounters with an anti-gay preacher at Abuelita’s church and the realization that Drew wants to kiss Ogle—but only in secret. Figure-focused illustrations rendered in saturated earth tones dial in on 1990s nostalgia and small-town Texas vibes. Humor-laced dialogue adds levity to nuanced portrayals of one middle schooler’s grappling with his sexuality alongside other sensitively considered interpretations of tweens exploring self-image and families contending with financial insecurity. Characters are depicted with various body types and skin tones. Ages 10–12. (Apr.)