THE PROBLEM WITH GRAVITY

Can a space-obsessed seventh grader really do a school community service project with the baton-twirling eighth grader she’s crushing on?

Tatum works hard at both baton twirling and schoolwork, but since her twin brother is a legit genius—Evan’s a 14-year-old college student—her parents denigrate or ignore every one of her accomplishments. Maggie, an autistic girl with ADHD who wants to be an astronaut, is stressed by her fighting parents and by her assignment to work with gorgeous, friendly, organized Tatum. Tatum wants to excel at Project Responsibility, a school initiative, in order to prove herself to her parents. Maggie, for her part, is so overwhelmed by Tatum’s wonderfulness that every time Tatum approaches her, Maggie actually runs away. If Tatum helps Maggie with her project to win a visit from an astronaut for the school, will that earn her her parents’ love? Will their work distract Maggie from her father’s demands she choose which parent she prefers? (Hint: He’s very clear it should be him.) Maggie and Tatum are two of the few white kids mentioned, and multiple characters have physical or developmental disabilities. This is a joyful (and often painful) quick read, about as subtle as an astronaut in a middle school, that explores a sweet queer romance.

Likable protagonists, great friends, and genuinely awful parenting make for a delightful read.