Review by Kirkus Book Review
Jo is a struggling 11-year-old who can't seem to fit in at her new school. Bullied for living in a trailer park, she's finding it impossible to make new friends in sixth grade. When Jo frees a one-eyed cat from a trap on her way to school (strangely similar in appearance to a character in her favorite show, Magic Cat), it leads her to a junkyard where she meets Rus, a high school senior who lives and works there. The pair bond instantly over their love of the junkyard cats and shared affection for the Magic Cat series. Rus soon takes Jo under his wing and provides sage wisdom on how to make friends and survive middle school. Rus himself agonizes over how his family will be able to help him pay for college when they're barely getting by, and Jo is an empathetic and helpful friend. Rus and Jo have a sweet relationship appropriately devoid of romance, and Rus provides the kindness and mentorship that every middle schooler craves. Their support of each other throughout the story sends a hopeful message to young readers about the power of finding belonging. Jo presents White, Rus and his family are Puerto Rican, and friends of Rus and Jo represent a diverse spectrum of skin tones. A pure friendship story shines a beacon for kids going through difficult times. (Graphic fiction. 9-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
