Title: Not Nothing
Author: Gayle Forman
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Children’s
Publication date: August 27, 2024
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Summary
Alex’s life hasn’t been easy. His dad is gone, his mom is struggling with mental health issues. Now he’s living with his aunt and uncle who aren’t exactly excited to have him. After a violent incident stemming from a bullying incident, Alex’s social worker pulls some strings to have him volunteer at a senior living facility for the summer. At the senior facility, Alex meets Josey, a 107-year-old man who hadn’t talked to anyone in years. However, something makes him want to talk to Alex. So, he starts to tell him his story. As the two form a bond, Alex believes that maybe, just maybe he can make a difference in the world.
Review: Not Nothing
Thanks to Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Not Nothing by Gayle Forman to review! Forman made the transition from YA to middle grade with ease, writing stories that will definitely tug at your heart strings. Notably, the heart of this story is that you can’t always judge people by their actions and that you can find connection in the most unlikely places. I loved how Alex and Josey’s relationship evolves throughout the book in that they both kind of needed each other.
Forman also nails the emotions in this story. working through grief about past actions and trying to figure out how to move into the future. In addition, we also get Josey’s story from WWII nestled in what’s happening with Alex, some of the emotions reflecting Alex’s own struggles. Forman wove their stories together masterfully to create an emotionally satisfying story.
The side characters all play important roles as well; in a way, they all help Alex along his emotional journey. Honestly, if you’re not reading middle grade right now, you should. There are so many great stories being published for that age group, this one included!
Finally, if you like books that don’t shy away from the hard stuff, with a strong cast of characters and strong emotions, definitely check this one out later this month!
4/5 stars