Why read The Boys in the Back Row?

Book cover of The Boys in the Back Row

Book description

Best friends Matt and Eric are hatching a plan for one big final adventure together before Eric moves away: during the marching band competition at a Giant Amusement Park, they will sneak away to a nearby comics convention and meet their idol-a famous comic creator. Without cell phones. Or transportation.…

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Coming of age

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Why read it?

2 authors picked The Boys in the Back Row as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

VP Anderson

Author

As a lifelong fan of youthful hijinks, this book filled me with mischievous glee.

Not only do Mike and I share a love of ukulele riffs to defuse awkward situations (or make them more awkward, in some cases) we also seem to share a specific brand of irreverent humor common in most queer and queer-inclusive friend groups.

These characters are the kind of friends you wish you could get into trouble with IRL. More crew than team in this case, but it counts! 10/10 shenanigans.

From VP's list on Best books that inspire team spirit; especially for the girls, gays, and theys!.

Chad Lucas

Author

In this frequently hilarious novel about a pair of comic-loving band kids planning a big adventure, Mike Jung delivers a beautiful portrait of middle-grade male friendship. The caring, affectionate relationship between best buds Matt and Eric stands out as they defy stereotypes and preconceptions about how boys are “supposed” to act. And did I mention it’s laugh-out-loud funny?

From Chad's list on The best middle grade books for countering toxic masculinity.