This book is so much more than expected. At first, the dual narrators was a little off-putting because there is a natural contrast between the two. It's hard not to feel for Brian; he struggles with anxiety before his life is thrown into a chaos due to choices his parents make. Ezra's life seems wonderful by comparison. Of course, this is one of the many beautiful themes in this story: no one really knows everyone else's struggles.

As the story progresses, there are no bad or good characters. They are all just people with their own stories, aspirations, and mistakes. They can both hurt and help. Both Brian and Ezra grow to understand how complicated emotions can be and how those closest have the greatest ability to harm, despite intentions. For a book for middle grades, this book is full of painful, but important, lessons. Still, it's a book about hope and the healing possibilities of relationships.

This is not a book for every reader; it is a needed book.

OMG... This book sits with an intensity that I would not have expected in a middle-grade fiction about basketball. WOW!

First, the anxiety that Brian experiences is so real and super accurate for teens and preteens in our society - the obsession with likes and validation has led to huge increases in mental health concerns in middle grades. The depiction of teen culture as clique-y from the perspective of boys is such an important image to show. The progression of Brian's panic attacks and outlook is so natural in response to the events of the story.

Second, Ezra's realization of his identity and how he is affected by those around him is so important! He crossed a bridge from the blissful ignorance of childhood to the tentative awareness that comes with growing up - he identifies the problematic views of his peers independently, growing up in a way that isn't often discussed at that age. His strength of character shows so strongly in his interactions with the sensitive nature of Brian's changing life.

This is a must read for parents, educators, and those who regularly are in contact with middle school kids. Amazing debut novel!

A brilliant debut novel! There are so many great things to say about this book! It's complicated but easy to read, relatable but specific, each subplot and character is handled with nuance and care. This will be a very notable book in the upper MG space, prepare yourself for hearing about it often! Can't wait for more books by this author!

Thanks A Lot, Universe is told from the perspectives of two boys growing up experiencing challenges in their life and struggling with their identity. I enjoyed reading from Brian’s point of view as he navigated hardships with his family and coping with his anxiety. The author accurately and realistically portrays Brian’s anxiety with jumbled thoughts going through his head leading to more panicked thinking. It took me a while longer to connect with Ezra’s character and wondered how the two boys would relate to one another. Although Ezra was popular and had many friends, it was clear he felt uncomfortable sharing a part of himself with them and had trouble admitting how he was feeling. I think this book would be a little advanced for my fourth graders, but my more mature students may welcome this story. I think it is important for them to be exposed to stories like this to create awareness of difficulties kids face and acceptance of differences. While a wide variety of issues are presented, there is a sense of hope by the end through the support of friends and other central characters in the book.

I really enjoyed this book. This is an extremely strong debut, and I would definitely read from Chad Lucas again in the future. While Thanks a Lot, Universe might not be a perfect book for me, I know that the majority of people who will read this will absolutely adore it. I’ve already recommended it to people because I think that this will be a new favorite for middle grade contemporary readers.

This book started out extremely strong. I empathized with Brian and his family situation had me genuinely stressed out. He had a rough birthday to say the least. With that being said, I found myself less invested towards the middle of the book. I think I have to contribute this most to Ezra’s perspective. I felt way more connected to Brian’s chapters, and the imbalance led to me being less interested in Ezra’s chapters and consequently some parts of the book. I felt that Brian’s voice was much stronger. With Ezra, I felt that I was more so told how he was feeling instead of being shown, and it led to a disconnect with his chapters. There were also some times that I had to suspend my disbelief in this book, which I do not like doing when reading a contemporary as it’s meant to feel realistic.

Thanks a Lot, Universe has a lot of positives and important representation. I had never read about a parent getting incarcerated in a middle grade, and I think that this is such an important inclusion that will make lots of children feel seen. It absolutely broke me to know how much Brian was struggling with not only his father leaving but his mother being hospitalized on his birthday. And while this book was emotional, it was also just the right amount of funny. I laughed out loud many times during this book, and found that the humor will transcend all age levels despite being a middle grade. Lastly, the writing style was extremely readable and made the book flow effortlessly.

Charming, diverse, and important. 3.75/5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and ABRAMS Kids for providing me with a copy of Thanks a Lot, Universe to review.

I loved this. It made me laugh and cry. I read it twice in three days. I want to move to this neighborhood.
The best multi-ethnic, basketball-playing, music-loving, anxiety-suffering book I've ever read. I'll admit that Brittany is a bit of a deus ex machina (she's an expert barber?) but the suspense, the dual viewpoints, will hopefully make this a hit with the target audience.

A wonderful story about sexuality, mental health, and growing (and changing) friendships all while navigating junior high.