Title: Green
Author: Alex Gino
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication date: October 3, 2023
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Summary
Green’s school has decided to put on the show The Wizard of Oz for their spring musical. Even though it’s not their first choice, Green and the other theater kids have decided to work to make it more inclusive. Green is hesitant to work on the play, but when they find out their crush, Ronnie, is working backstage, they decide it won’t be so bad after all.
However, navigating your first crush isn’t easy. Especially when you’re not sure if your crush is even attracted to people like you. Join Green as they navigate the middle school theater scene, along with their first crush.
Review: Green
Thanks to Scholastic for an advanced copy of Green by Alex Gino to review! Alex Gino is an expert at writing queer middle grade stories, and this one is no different. Set in the same world as Melissa, you get to see some familiar faces as well.
One of the great things about this is that the theater teacher works with their Rainbow Club to make The Wizard of Oz more gender inclusive. Not only does anyone get to try out for whatever role they want, but they also make a few changes to make the musical generally more welcoming. The kids also get to learn a little about queer history related to The Wizard of Oz, and it all just flows so nicely.
And the first crush plotline! It was just adorable, seeing Green get those butterflies and trying to figure out if Ronnie had them back. It’s all so classically middle school, and there are so many middle grade readers who will see themselves there. Green also has some great discussions about body dysmorphia and getting your first period. Such great representation for middle school readers who will pick this up.
I do think the ending felt a bit rushed, but other than that, I have no complaints! If you love Alex Gino, you’ll definitely love this latest book by them.
4/5 stars