The Other Side of Perfect

Dual perspectives illuminate cultural and class differences in this thought-provoking novel by Cree and Scottish author Florence (Legends of Funland) and Scrimger (Weerdest Day Ever!). Cody, who is white, lives with his physically abusive and racist father who’s struggling to make ends meet; Cree classmate Autumn, meanwhile, runs with the popular crowd and enjoys a comfortable and stable household. The two Toronto middle schoolers’ paths cross when Cody runs away from home and Autumn literally stumbles across him, finding him bruised and dirty near her house. She sneaks him into her family’s backyard studio, and though his status as a secret stowaway doesn’t last long, Autumn’s parents promise to keep Cody safe after learning of his circumstances, especially once they realize his father has been evicted from their apartment. Tensions run high between Cody and Autumn, however, when Cody unknowingly parrots his father’s racist language, and the tweens’ new relationship threatens Autumn’s place in the social hierarchy. While explanations of relevant social topics feel underdeveloped, accessible prose and recognizable middle school archetypes make this an approachable worlds-collide story. Ages 8–12. (Apr.)