Opting Out portrays the usual middle school woes of puberty, friendship drama, crushes, (mutual) bullies, but through the alienated perspective and feelings of 7th grader Saachi, who is agender and aromantic/asexual and doesn’t want to take part in any of those aspects typically associated with growing up and doesn’t want anything to change. Told with deep understanding and groundedness, Opting Out shows positive family relationships during tumultuous times, and how writing and new friendships can offer places to make sense of the world and yourself.
Opting Out by Maia Kobabe, (List Price: $14.99, Graphix, 9781339012247, May 2026 )
Reviewed by Julie, Hub City Bookshop in Spartanburg, SC