Martin McLean, Middle School Queen

As stories about a potentially hard topic, this is a pretty gentle and supportive situation for a kid exploring drag, sexuality and middle school friendships. Quite heartwarming and good rally at the end. Martin is half Cuban. His single mother and uncle are universally supportive and loving and wonderful. His friends are funny and loving as well. I enjoyed the inclusivity that's all throughout -- from adopted Violet's conversations about being in a mixed family and wheelchair, to the various different ways that the friends refuse to go along with the mean kid. Really positive celebration about being yourself, finding your confidence and letting your community be a part of the journey. Nice.

*reviewed from uncorrected ARC**
diverse middlegrade fiction (questioning mixed-race 7th grader with Afro-Cuban single mom in Indiana enters the drag queen scene with help from his Tío Billy while juggling friends, Mathletes, anxiety)
After suffering a panic attack in class triggered by a classmate's homophobic bullying, Martin's uncle takes him to a drag show--which Martin loves and immediately wants to be part of the scene. He doesn't know if he likes boys or girls yet, but he thinks that drag will provide him with the confidence he needs.
Martin's friends are adorable and diverse, the story is cute and a quick read, and all ends happily.