Brian Day’s 13th birthday does not go well. His father goes on the run, his mother is hospitalized following a suicide attempt, and Brian and his younger brother end up in foster care. Though Brian has always experienced social anxiety, this experience leads to his first experience with panic attacks. In an alternating perspective, Ezra is renegotiating his friendships, dealing with microaggressions from peers, and discovering his sexuality. When Ezra realizes he has a crush on Brian, things get a little more complicated.

Thanks A Lot, Universe, Chad Lucas’ debut middle grade novel, is phenomenal. In this novel, Lucas deftly handles a number of really difficult topics including anxiety, panic attacks, parental abandonment, parental criminality, a suicide attempt, foster care, running away, racism, homophobia, bullying, coming out, and grief/loss of a parent. With this number of content warnings, it’s odd to find myself pretty much universally endorsing this book, but Lucas’ handling of these topics makes them suitable for most readers: they aren’t presented in ways that are frightening.

I’m a therapist, and I’ve spent most of my career working primarily with children who have experienced trauma and/or disrupted attachment. As a result, I’ve worked a lot with children and families in the foster care/adoption kinship network. Brian’s storyline in Thanks A Lot, Universe is the most honest, heartfelt, and realistic portrayal of a child’s perspective of foster care that I’ve read to date. There were little nuances that seemed a bit convenient for the sake of the plot, but I also don’t know if they may be attributed to differences in foster care systems (the book takes place in Canada and I’m US-based). Unlike other books I’ve read about foster care, this one was always focused on the idea of reunification. Foster parents and social workers were problematic in completely realistic ways, and the underlying thoughts and feelings for Brian’s behavior were portrayed in a wonderfully trauma-informed way. When Brian experienced his first panic attack, it was so realistic that it brought tears to my eyes.

Ezra’s storyline was similarly impactful, important, and positive. Though Ezra experiences both racism and homophobia throughout the course of the story, the way that these issues were dealt with was fantastic. It’s also worth noting that while Ezra experiences some internal conflict about how/when to come out, his experience in doing so is met with overall support from all characters, creating safety for young readers who are experiencing similar journeys with their sexuality.

The adult characters in this book are flawed as people, but generally presented as trying their best. The teenage secondary characters are stellar, and are such great supports to Brian and Ezra.

I think this book should be mandatory reading for educators and potential foster parents, and I also think that it will be appropriate for most middle grade readers. For readers who share experiences with the main characters, I might suggest that an adult also read the book in order to be able to answer questions or provide support.

I don't think words can express how much I loved this book. I see myself using it a lot in my own work, and plan to discuss it widely with friends and colleagues closer to its publication in May.

This book handles some pretty deep topics in a very kid friendly way. I think this is a great book for young readers to learn about and hopefully open discussions about sexuality and mental health. I really enjoyed this one.

Thank you NetGalley and ABRAMS Kids for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I didnt expect anything from this book. And it blew me away! It was such a fun read, at least for me. And the characters were so adorable!

I am not a classroom educator (I am in the media center,) so I cannot speak to adopting it for classroom or curriculum use, but I guarantee you THANKS A LOT, UNIVERSE is going on our Fall book purchase list. Mr. Lucas treats emerging sexual orientation and mental health issues with such care and compassion. It is easy to see Brian’s and Ezra’s fully developed storylines igniting thoughtful and open conversations between peers, as well as being a great example for adults having those same conversations with their students or other young people in their lives. Shout-out to Nat, the best big sister character I’ve read in a very long time. 5/5 stars.

Brian, 13, with social anxiety and Ezra, coming to terms with his sexuality, confront family issues, bullying and the changes that accompany growing up.

I loved this book and have already been talking about it. This was such a thoughtful look at middle school boys, their friendships, and the changes in relationships as boys reach middle school. Themes of acceptance and self acceptance are explored.

Thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for the e-ARC of this one.

Brian Day’s thirteenth birthday is the worst day of his life. When his dad leaves unexpectedly, and his mom almost overdoses, Brian’s life turns upside down and his social anxiety turns into plain old anxiety in high gear.

I really liked this book and the way it was told. Brian’s challenges aren’t small, but he’s lucky enough to run into a couple of great advocates and friends along the way. Ezra’s story isn’t insignificant either, but that doesn’t diminish his ability to be a great friend to Brian when he needs it the most.

This is an interesting story that switches between two characters viewpoints. At first, is seems one character doesn't have much of a storyline and you wonder why he gets his own chapters. The character development timeline is different for the two main characters and they feel lopsided. But that does resolve as the book goes on and each viewpoint has a reason. I like that the LGBTQ character is supported by his friends and even his crush doesn't freak out when he finds out, but I wonder if this is misleading at all. Overall, a sweet book with a mostly happy ending.

Thank you so much NetGalley, ABRAMS Kids and Amulet Books, for the chance to read and review this book!

TW: attempted suicide, panic attacks, depressions, bullism

Brian has always been anxious, he suffers from social anxiety or, like he likes to call it, the Super Awkward Weirdo Syndrome, SAWS. He struggles to talk, to make friends and he's always quiet and reserved.
One terrible day something happens that will turn his life upside down and he starts to have panic attacks, after he and his brother are placed in foster care.
Ezra is a popular kid, he's friends with most of the kids on his basketball team, with Brian too, who alway keeps to himself, but everything is changing in his usual group of friends. His best friend is hanging out with girls and with the school's bully and Ezra is afraid that everything will permanently change, most of all since he starts to realized to have feelings for Brian. When Brian and his brother run away, Ezra decides is time to do something and help him, changing both their lives for good.

Thanks a lot, Universe is a moving middle-grade debut and it's brilliant, intense and deals with so many important and delicate themes with sensitivity and care. Told by Brian's and Ezra's POVs, the story follows the two boys struggling with growing up, school problems, changes, their lives weaving together, while they start to see one other and become more and more friends.

The author describes brilliantly Brian's social anxiety, his mom's mental illness and the struggles Brian and his brother have to face, while fighting against panic attacks, fears and the feelings of not belonging. Brian is a very relatable character, quiet, smart, reserved, struggling with his own problems, but forced, by life, to take care of his younger brother and worry about his family.
The school and the friend setting are, also, skillfully crafted, since it's clear both Brian, Ezra, Ty, Kevan and Colby are growing up and changing and the things will be different in the future.
The reader gets to know Brian's and Ezra's fears and insecurities, while they slowly find each other, helping, supporting and being there for one other.
The way the author talks about the importance of therapy and reaching out for help is really moving and I love this message so much. The importance of finding your own family, a found family of friends and supportive adults, to feel safe and be better, healing and fighting.

The story is moving, brilliantly written and I loved everything. It gave me hope that, even in the darkest of times, things can be better.

Thanks a Lot, Universe is a wonderful snapshot of the interior life of boys. Told in dual POV, we follow Brian (B-Man) and Ezra on their separate yet, interwoven journeys toward healing, understanding and deepening (or disappearing) friendships. It affirms the often complicated but hidden lives of teen boys, as they try to figure out this thing called life. Lovingly crafted debut!

this story is one that middle graders will enjoy and I will admit that I am definitely not the target audience for this book. Nonetheless, it was a heart-warming story that I did like reading

I read this entire story in less than 24 hours; the book tackles heavy subjects but in a way that feels accessible to young readers. One of the main characters is forced to grow up too quickly after his father leaves and his mother lands in the hospital, but the support he finds in the community and a new group of friends pulls him out of a spiral of despair. The other main character has a seemingly perfect life, but through the dual POV perspective we learn that he's hiding an important part of his identity from his dearest friends––and his crush. This story was heart-wrenching, engaging, and perfect for anyone who has ever questioned whether they can handle what life throws at them

Incredible! I absolutely LOVED this book. It has one of the best middle grade voices I've read in a while and is a masterclass in characterization. All the characters are so real and so well balanced, I related to them all. It never once gets preachy or repetitive, ends realistically, and after I finished I continued to hope the characters went on to be happy. Brilliant!

Easily one of my most anticipated books for 2021! The characters in Chad Lucas’ novel are real, empathetic, and moving. Young readers will find much to love and relate to in this story. It will also serve as an excellent starting point for meaningful discussions with students. Highly recommended!

If you're looking for a book that perfectly demonstrates kindness and compassion in a modern, engaging, non-preachy way, this is it. Poor Brian goes through so much in this story, and the way the other characters look out for him, give him space for his feelings, and support him brought genuine tears to my eyes. The relationships, interactions, and dialogue felt very authentic, and I can see this really appealing to both male and female MG readers. This is one of my favorite reads of 2020, and it will stick with me for a long time.

Middle grade reader that is sure to appeal to students that feel like they are the only awkward or weird student in their class. Bryan has family problems and is expected to carry the load when his dad ditches the family because of legal troubles. His mom overdoses on pills and Bryan has to call the ambulance, all on his 13th birthday. Now he must take care of his brother and navigate middle school all on his own. Bryan’s story is interwoven with 4 other boys in his class, all trying to make their way through middle school.
#ThanksALotUniverseBook #NetGalley

I love this novel!

Told in alternating first person points of view, this endearing and delightful story of Brian and Ezra, two boys turning thirteen and learning to navigate the often-confusing world of adolescence, will pull you in from the first page. When you reach the inciting incident (quite early on), you'll be hooked until you finish reading! No spoilers here, though.

Many one-sentence paragraphs help make the pace lightning-fast. I read this in two days, which is some kind of miraculous record for me. Especially since I was reading the e-ARC on my laptop. (No, I don't own a Kindle!)

The most diverse cast I've seen in many years of reading MG, and it's all handled in a smart, sophisticated way. Brian's social anxiety (which he calls his Super Awkward Weirdness Syndrome) comes across perfectly. The humor, especially in the dialogue, is wonderful! Chad Lucas is a writer to watch out for. I can't wait to read whatever he writes next!

Life is not going well for Brian, family, school and his anxiety are all spiraling out of control, leaving him feeling isolated and at sea.
Ezra on the other hand seems to have everything - friends, popularity, and a sunny disposition.
But like Brian, he's fighting doubts and trying his best to hide some truths from himself.
Told in alternating points of view, this wonderful debut is a celebration of compassion, growth, and the struggle to build resilience. Lucas tackles some very painful issues head-on with humor, warmth and great respect for his young protagonists.
This book would make a vital and important addition to any classroom library.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an E-Arc.

This story left me flat. I didn't find it engaging, and the characters seemed cliche. I wouldn't recommend it to our students or school ibrarian.

THANKS A LOT, UNIVERSE is a stunning story about finding your people and being real – with them and with yourself. Brian is holding up under the weight of so very much (no spoilers here, though). Your heart breaks for him as he tries to care for his younger brother under extraordinary circumstances while simultaneously managing his own anxiety (he calls it SAWS, or Super Awkward Weirdo Syndrome). Ezra is the popular kid who is afraid to reveal his crush to his friends. You will root for him as he finds his voice and the courage to use it. The story is told in the boys’ alternating perspectives, and while it deals with a lot of very heavy topics, Chad Lucas is masterful in that it never feels like too much for the reader to bear. The weighty subjects are handled sensitively and poignantly. The portrayal of Brian and Ezra’s friendship with each other and with their wider circle of friends is so heartfelt. You won’t be able to put this book down until you find out what happens to these unforgettable characters. Many, many thanks to Chad Lucas, Abrams Kids, and NetGalley for the eARC.