Checked Out

Gr 5 Up–Marketed toward reluctant or struggling readers, Correia’s novel is a quick timely read about book challenges. The story follows an openly gay seventh grade YouTuber, Seth, as he balances his identity and politics in the public eye. Seth sets up a Pride month book display in his school library, only to be challenged by a classmate with opposing views. He wants to build awareness about it on his channel but is worried about mixing divisive topics with his “Likeable Queer Kid” branding. This is a fast-paced read that is short and accessible with a dyslexic-friendly font and larger line spacing. The plot is timely and authentically portrayed in a way that is not didactic and will be engaging to readers. Seth wears makeup and clothing that mixes up gender norms, representing a less common expression in middle grade novels. While the cover depicts two young people, one appearing white and the other Black, there’s no physical description of the characters in the text. The characterization overall feels underdeveloped.