An important and timely middle grade memoir of a boy who doesn't fit in because of others preconceived notions of what a boy should be like. At times, this was hard to read. His trauma and loneliness of his family situation with his mom and grandfather was exacerbated by the bullying and cruelty of his peers and adults around him. I'm pleased that it ended on a hopeful note, because I think that is important to balance with the difficult times of his life.

Damian has not had an easy childhood- with his mother dead, his father gone, and his school days filled with bullies, Damian just wants to avoid all of it. Avoiding speaking is the best plan Damian has- after all, if he doesn't talk, what could anyone make fun of him for? Unfortunately, his plan doesn't work at school or at home. At school, the kids think it is weird that he doesn't talk and at home, his extended family thinks it strange that he prefers Barbies to GI Joe. Damian's internal struggles continue to grow as he deals with all of this along with his growing realization that he has a crush on one of the boys at school.

Other Boys is a great look at how trauma can affect young people. We all process and handle things differently and Damian's silence is just one of the ways that trauma can manifest. The story gives a little insight into what middle school may be like for someone like Damian who is struggling to find where he fits in the world. (As a middle school librarian, I think it is important to note that even the most confident of kids is still searching for that fit). The illustrations are lovely and draw the reader into the story with Damian as he learns how to deal with middle school.