Brian, who is white, has social anxiety (which he calls SAWS: Super Awkward Weirdo Syndrome) and generally doesn’t spend a lot time with kids at school. At home, his parents are loving and supportive, though his mom understands his anxiety better than his dad. Biracial Ezra (Trinidadian Canadian/white) has three best friends with whom he often spends time in person; when not together they’re often texting in laugh-out-loud funny exchanges. Alternating chapters from Brian’s and Ezra’s points of view follow their stories as they intertwine. Brian’s life feels like it’s unraveling after his dad, in legal trouble, disappears, and his mentally ill mom overdoses on prescription pills. While his mom is hospitalized, Brian and his younger brother end up in foster care and run away. Meanwhile, Ezra is trying to navigate a changing friendship with Colby, one of his close friends, who is not only becoming girl-obsessed but has started making occasional racist comments. Ezra reaches out to Brian after noticing Brian seems stressed and unhappy. Adults step up to help Brian’s family, too, but the developing friendship and growing trust between these two middle-school-age boys are at the heart of this welcome story. While there are elements around Brian’s running away and its aftermath that stretch plot and secondary-character credibility, there is so much that is pitch perfect, including Brian’s anxiety and panic attacks, and Ezra, who is gay, beginning to come out to his friends.
(Ages 9-13)

Now in paperback, a moving contemporary middle-grade novel for anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t belong

Brian has always been anxious, whether at home, or in class, or on the basketball court. His dad tries to get him to stand up for himself and his mom helps as much as she can. But after he and his brother are placed in foster care, Brian starts having panic attacks. And he doesn’t quite know if there's something wrong with him . . .

Ezra’s always been popular. He’s friends with most of the kids on his basketball team—even Brian, who doesn’t talk to many people. But now, some of his friends have been acting differently, and Brian seems to be pulling away. Ezra wants to help, but he worries if he’s too nice to Brian, his friends will realize that he has a crush on him . . .

But when Brian and his brother run away, Ezra has no choice but to take the leap and reach out to Brian. And Brian realizes that he could really use a friend right now. As the two get closer, they’ll have to decide if they’re willing to risk being vulnerable with each other and share parts of themselves they’d rather hide from the world. But if they can be brave, they might just find the best in themselves—and each other. With a lively voice and moving story, Thanks a Lot, Universe is about finding your community and learning to trust your heart.