The fun, nonbinary-led caper you didn’t know you needed.
Seventh-grader Elle Campbell is thrilled to learn that their favorite actor, Nuri Grena, is coming to town for a book signing. Not only does Elle love their show (a Dr. Who-like space adventure series), but Elle owes them a personal debt of gratitude, as it was Grena’s character, a nonbinary hacker, who first showed Elle that a nonbinary identity was possible, giving Elle the language and the courage to come out themself.
Now, Elle is out and proud, supported by their single (but dating) mom and their friends, goth Agatha and surfer dude-wannabe Taylor. They’re happier than ever, despite the occasional stares from other students, encounters with the school’s bully, and snide remarks from its queen bee. With no other nonbinary kids in the school, though, Elle still has questions about being nonbinary—questions they think Grena, who is nonbinary themself, can answer.
But a spat with a mean, misgendering substitute teacher lands Elle in detention on the day of Grena’s visit. Together with Agatha and Taylor, they hatch a plan to break them out of the school and head across town to the book signing, despite a lack of transportation. Along the way, they must (among other things) borrow scooters from creepy elementary school students, avoid uptight museum docents, and win a laser tag tournament, all while avoiding the watchful eyes of those who could report Elle’s absence to the school. One escapade follows another in close order.
The publisher’s blurb compares the story to Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and other John Hughes movies, and that feels accurate. The nonstop hijinks, narrow escapes, and hilarious situations are a delight, with a frisson of rule-breaking excitement that should enthrall middle-grade readers. At the same time, author Ben Kahn adds in a thoughtful theme about Elle wanting to learn more about being nonbinary, and this gives the story substance. I appreciate, though, that Elle is already confident in who they are. They’re not still coming to terms with being nonbinary—that’s very much settled—but are instead simply continuing their journey of figuring out how to be nonbinary in the world. It’s a part of the journey we don’t always see, as many books focus on the earlier, coming out stage of realizing a queer identity. Both parts are important, but the latter stages are often overlooked.
Additionally, the book shows us the importance of role models and representation, but packs all of its lessons into an absolutely fun package of middle-school adventure. It’s a pure delight, and highly recommended. If there’s not a sequel in the works, there should be—and the story begs for screen adaptation as well.
Elle and their family read as White, as does Taylor; Agatha is implied to be Asian. There’s a hint that Agatha might be queer as well, although this isn’t conclusive. Other minor characters include a bisexual girl and a nonbinary kid who is just starting to come out. One adult woman has a girlfriend, though this is only mentioned in passing.
