An eighth grader in Texas navigates sexual identity, crushes, and the ever-elusive goal of belonging in this soapy and sweet graphic novel by Printz and Stonewall Honor-winning author Rex Ogle (Road Home), illustrated by frequent collaborator Dave Valeza (Four Eyes; Pizza Face).
As soon as Rex arrives at middle school, he notices that all his friends have "coupled up," leaving him feeling ignored and like a "seventh wheel." Rex awkwardly sets out to find himself a girlfriend, scared of being left out and earning the disparaging "fruitcake" label used by his stepdad and longtime best friend, Drew. But Rex can't deny that his heart races every time he's around athletic, cool Drew. Confusingly for Rex, Drew even flirts with him, but only on his own terms. At the same time, Rex is going on dates with new girl Charlotte. He wants to be a proper boyfriend but, no matter how hard he tries, it feels awkward. "Charlotte's amazing. And I really like her," Rex thinks. "I like Drew, too. Just in a different way.... Not a gay way. No way am I gay.... Right?"
An author's note at graphic novel's end states Fruitcake is largely autobiographical, and with so many details about Rex, his complicated family structure, art class, and his love of comic books, readers can feel the manic heartbeat of a confused young Ogle throughout. Valeza's thickly lined illustrations (colored by Ash Szymanik) and dynamic use of panels similarly immerse one in Rex's world: every single detail is intentional, giving characters additional layers. Unlike the namesake holiday dessert, this is a fruitcake that will likely leave middle-grade readers satisfied and wanting more. --Luis G. Rendon