Written by Lindsey Stoddard
Gabe and Oliver are best friends. They are so close that they are creating a graphic novel for school that is half Gabe and half Oliver. When a new boy, Rueben, comes to their school, students start bullying him because he can’t speak. Gabe knows it is wrong and wants to stand up for Rueben but feels that they will start bullying him. Eventually he starts hanging out with Rueben and finds out that he is a great guy. He finds out that there is a reason that he doesn’t speak and that there is a lot going on with Oliver as well. The boys learn that you need to stand up to the bullying just like you stand up for your friends. Gabe has found his voice.
Reviewed by Christie Haslam, Librarian, Gearld Wright Elementary
Review shared in January 2024
Rating: ★★★★✩ (4 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 4-8
The Real Deal
Written by Lindsey Stoddard
Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers
261 pages
Release Date: October 25, 2022
ISBN: 9780063206854
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
