In this follow-up to 2020’s The One and Only Bob, Ruby the elephant is still living at Wildworld Zoological Park and Sanctuary. The cast (including students of color) represents a spectrum of genders and sexualities with an emphasis on self-identification and encouragement of exploration. Although the book shares characters with Gino’s Stonewall Award–winning George (2015), it stands alone. Gino seamlessly introduces language to describe a variety of sexualities and gender identities through the perspective of Rick, who is learning many of the words for the first time. Adults in the story model moments of vulnerability and admit mistakes. Grandpa Ray reassures and supports Rick when he comes out as asexual.

An honest relationship develops between Rick and his cosplay-loving grandfather. The more Rick learns about himself, the more he realizes he needs to hold Jeff accountable for his behavior. Despite their connection, Rick knows he can’t tell Jeff that he wants to join their school’s Rainbow Spectrum, a safe space for LGBTQIAP+ students, or that he’s questioning his own sexuality. When they’re alone, Jeff shares his video games, but at school Jeff picks on other kids and talks about girls with ostentatious lasciviousness.

White, cisgender boys Rick and Jeff have been best friends since the third grade. As he explores his identity and finds his footing in middle school, a sixth grader stands up to his bully best friend.

Rick alex gino