This is my favorite book of the year by far. Mark Oshiro has such a talent with their writing of developing these unique, hilarious main protagonists and they always feel so REAL. The book explores deeper themes in an approachable way.

Eleven year old David Bravo is starting at a new middle school this year and sadly, his first few days don’t go exactly as planned. David and his best friend Antoine aren’t in any classes together, he has to deal with bullies, and he finds a talking dog that comes to take him on a time travelling journey because David’s somehow already ruined his life in eleven short years. Normal middle school kid things, really.

This book was a delight truly. As someone who is very much Not eleven years old I thought I would be saying “this book is great for its age group” in this review, but I was so enthralled I finished in a day. Truly got me out of my reading slump! Not many books are able to deal with the idea of time travel or flashbacks well but I found writing for younger audiences might be the trick. I didn’t find the world building confusing at all; the reader gets to fully enjoy the wonderful characters and heartfelt storyline without trying to decode a confusing plot line. David and his family are lovely— it was so nice to get a story about an adopted child that involved him loving his adopted parents while still wanting to know more about his culture and heritage.

Antoine and David were so adorable this entire book! I really cannot express how lovable each character was. I think they were all so enjoyable because of how emotional they were all able to be. No characters were one-dimensional and they all got to really be their own person. You go into a book for this age group and don’t expect emotional depth but so many scenes had me almost crying on the Disney resort bus (true story). You only live once, David Bravo had me crying in the most magical place on Earth.

I especially loved Fea which is why she’s getting her own paragraph (I make the rules in this review). She was such a powerful central character that wasn’t just there to teach but to learn, as well. Her storyline and back story were wonderful to read about— it was so compelling and unexpected with a wonderful bittersweet conclusion. Her and David played wonderfully off each other. They both make mistakes, they both have reasons, and they help one another. Okay, Fea rant over. Let’s continue.

Not to take away from David Bravo and this novel in ANY way but I learned about Mark Oshiro from the fact that they are writing the upcoming Nico DiAngelo and Will Solace novel. As a long time Percy Jackson fan, I wanted to see their writing style before that book released because Nico DiAngelo raised me. If you are wondering if Oshiro as an author is going to be a good fit for the Percy Jackson universe, look no further: they absolutely are.

To sum it all up, sometimes a friend group isn’t normal— sometimes a friend group is two middle school boys and a dead lesbian spirit guide just trying her best.

Thank you to NetGalley and Mark themself for this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins Children's Books for this eARC!

I absolutely adored this book. It was funny, it was sweet, it kept me on my toes.

David Bravo is your typical 6th grader- a bit awkward and nervous about his transition to middle school. To make it worse, he isn't even in any classes with his best friend, Antonio! After a series of poor choices and worse coincidences, David is in a bind, and unsure if his friendship with Antonio can even survive. Luckily (or so we think at first), this is where his time travel guide comes to the rescue! After a series of mishaps though, David isn't sure if he'll ever be able to salvage his friendship.

There is so much to love about this book. First of all, a big theme of the book is finding out 'who you are'. This is especially important to David, as he is adopted. His parents try their best to be supportive, and have him connect with their different likes and cultures- but some things David has to figure out himself. This is something all middle schoolers go through, adopted or not.
Secondly,

(SPOILER)

I lovvvvved David's exploration of his feelings for Antonio, and the mutual crush that was revealed at the end. It all felt VERY sixth grade (I teach sixth grade, so this isn't just based on my memories from ages ago). I think this type of book is SO important for our queer kids- David doesn't rush into his feelings, but it takes time for him to understand them (which serves as an implicit guide).

This is definitely a book I'll want on my classroom shelf.

Thank you so much Harper Collins Children's Books, for allowing me to read You Only Live Once, David Bravo, early!

Mark Oshiro is a talented author and once again, he didn't dissapoint. This book was sweet and touching and everything I expect a Middle Grade book to be. And I really loved the ending!

A sweet and exciting story about finding out who you are placed at the perfect time--the beginning of middle school. Mark Oshiro, as always, puts so much of himself into his books in a way that make his worlds and characters real and a lot of fun.