Wow, what a fantastic book about three boys: Manny who loves writing song lyrics, Calvin who loves to draw comics, and Liam who wants to be a doctor. All three end up in detention for either missing class(Manny is bored ) being late all the time (Calvin has to get his younger brothers fed and off to school) or Liam, hiding from a bully. In time, they start passing notes when the detention monitor falls asleep. They begin learning about each other, and Manny saves Liam from being bullied. Calvin wants to enter an art contest but dad says no, but Calvin still enters it. Liam becomes friends with the librarian and finds out it’s panic attacks he’s having. Manny is encouraged by his teacher to keep writing his poetry because she sees potential in him. In the end, the three seem happier to go to school.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

An excellent middle grade story told in a variety of formats (prose, poetry, and comics) about the unlikely friendship between three young, impoverished boys who attend the same middle school. Each boy's perspective is distinct and their overlaps are both touching and compelling. They're also each heroes in their own way. Plus, bonus, this is one of the few times I have seen school librarians accurately portrayed!

Rex Ogle is always an automatic have to read for me and he’s captured the heart of so many of my patrons, especially with his “Four Eyes” series. I am beyond thankful to have an opportunity to dive into the world of Rex Ogle once again with his latest book “Absent”. This book isn’t just a book for our younger readers, this book is MUST read for adults, especially educators. Beautifully told through prose, comics, journal entries and three distinct POVs, “Absent” leaves readers emotionally vulnerable as very real issues are explored. I have yet to leave an Ogle story with dry eyes and this one was no exception. Also, thank you for showing a librarian in a positive light. My heart needed it and it’s a great reminder to be a Ms, Funkhouser.
I will be adding multiple copies to my library and will be hosting a book club for it.

Rex Ogle combines verse, graphic novel, and first person narrative to bring three preteen boys to life on the page. Recommended for kids who love Jerry Craft's New Kid and the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, and especially kids with incarcerated parents or other difficulties of poverty.

When each boy is given detention for skipping class, they slowly learn that they aren't that different, and that they can make school a better and safer place if they can care about each other. Each boy also has to find the courage to talk to the adults in their lives that are still around and who want to help- a teacher who sees how smart, yet unmotivated Manny is; a dad, who needs to be reminded that Calvin is still a kid even though Dad relies on him for so much; and a librarian, who provides a safe space and the right words to help Liam get the protection from a bully and the treatment he needs for panic disorder.

Absent is the second book I've read by Rex Ogle and it won't be the last. The story follows three boys, each with very different lives, as they navigate school. Manny writes. He expresses himself by writing lyrics in his journal. Liam also writes, but his is a more traditional diary and Calvin draws. He records his life by creating comic books. The boys all meet in detention and initially want little to do with each other. As they spend more time together, they realise that they don't have to like the same stuff or behave in the same way, to be friends and that sometimes, just being there for each other is enough.

I really liked this book. I liked how the three characters all told their own stories in their own way in alternate chapters. I also like how the author takes characters who aren't always liked by others in the story and shows us who they really are and why they might behave in certain ways. They aren't perfect and they get stuff wrong but they are real and you celebrate their wins with them all the more for it.

This book is such a powerful middle grade story, though it could definitely be enjoyed by teens and up too.

Manny tells his story in verse, but think less poetry and more raps. His thoughts are half lyrics and half reflections on his life filtered through those lyrics. His favourite class - English - is suddenly soured when his teacher leaves suddenly.

Calvin expresses himself in comics, often depicting what’s happening in his day, which is normally packed with taking on the responsibility of looking after his younger brothers. When his bike is stolen, taking away his ability to pinball between his brothers’ school, his own, and home, he’ll be lucky if he makes it by lunch.

Liam wants to be at school, wants to be a doctor, but between bullies and a tendency towards severe anxiety, it’s hard. His problems aren’t so much IN class as between them in the hallways.

When all three are brought to detention for skipping class, they realise that - despite how different they all are, and how varied their reasons for skipping are - they have a lot to learn from one another.

I think a lot of children who maybe wouldn’t normally see themselves in literature will do in this book. That’s why characters like all three of the boys in this story are so vital - not only do they encourage kids who may not otherwise read for fun to see themselves reflected in the text, but also because it’s nice to see a wide range of characters.

“Absent” is the story of the unlikely intersection of the lives of 3 middle school boys. Each boy is facing a challenge that is invisible to most of the adults around them. Through these challenges, Ogle grapples with absentee parents, grandparents raising children, mental health challenges, bullying, anger, fear, and the misunderstandings with the adults in their lives. It’s a lot to tackle, but I believe it will boost empathy in readers and make a lot of students feel seen. Each boy’s perspective is told in a different way, through verse, graphics, and prose, so it is easy to keep track of their voices.

As a teacher it reminded me of times I have been helpless to solve underlying issues our students face, but Ogle uses teachers and librarians in the story to really make a difference and I appreciated that. Even if we can’t fix everything, we can absolutely do all that we can to help.

While this cover and the tone of the book is attractive and would appeal to 8-12, I could not get away with having it in a lower elementary library because of the language. I’d say 5th grade and up, and in Tennessee maybe 6th grade to be safe. Absenteeism is a HUGE issue and Ogle handles it with care.

This is probably one of the best books I've ever read; it's because I know these characters in real life-----they're so relatable---great protagonists, each with their own story and issues, and each showing growth through their friendship----so well balanced, so great for reluctant readers, so engaging I couldn't put it down, and as much as I do like realistic fiction, it is not always my favorite---but THIS was----like one of the best I have ever read, and I've read a lot---Ghost, And then Boom!, Diary of a Wimpy Kid---it's like all of those in some way, and somehow better----I have loved Rex Ogle's memoirs, and what he did in the nonfiction realm----but he needs to be writing middle grade/YA fiction like all the time-----this is sooooo everything!!!! Even the way it shifts between verses, songs, art, all of it----it's such a great narrative and just phenomenal----can't say enough good things-----but this literally may be the best book I've read for this demographic...like...EVER!

Ogle has done it again! Absent is an endearing look at three different reasons students are avoiding school. I loved the organization of each narrator’s story - it will be easy for students to keep track of the multiple narrators. I look forward to sharing with fans of Fipps’ “And Then, Boom!” and Reynold’s Ghost.

Received e-ARC from NetGalley for review.

Rex Ogle is always an instant read for me. His books are always insightful and powerful no matter what audience they're written for or how old you are reading them and "Absent" is no different. The three main characters are from the same neighborhood, in similar life situations, but are all different in how they think and express themselves. Detention forces them together and they learn they're not alone in their problems and encourage each other to keep going.

I loved the different media styles of this book showing the characters stories through verse, comics, and prose. Truly unique!

As always, Rex Ogle writes characters that are so honest, kids can relate but also allows adults to understand young people in a new way. As a librarian, I will be recommending this to students- especially those that I know live similar lives. I will definitely be suggesting this to every teacher I know. It’s the stories behind the behavior educators often miss and those stories are all it takes to impact a student

Thank you to NetGalley and Norton Young Readers for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. As a school media specialist, I am always looking for stories that speak to the real, complex lives of students, and I think my middle school students will appreciate Absent by Rex Ogle.

In Absent, Ogle weaves together the perspectives of three boys who all keep missing school for various reasons. The data might lead the school to view them as chronic truants or as kids who don’t care, but their stories reveal the complex realities that keep them out of the classroom. Each boy’s voice is distinct, authentic, and deeply moving as he tells the story of transportation challenges, family responsibilities, and trauma.

What makes this story so compelling is its use of mixed media and each boy’s distinct form of self-expression. Young readers will enjoy the engaging format told through prose, comics, and lyrics. By exploring the boys’ creative outlets, the reader gains an intimate look into their inner worlds. Through storytelling, Absent builds perspective and empathy. It is easy to judge a classmate who frequently misses school, but Ogle challenges that by showing the hidden burdens and talents students might be carrying.

Absent is a timely and hopeful book that highlights the lifesaving power of connection and self-expression. It reminds us all that every student has a story that doesn’t end when the school bell rings.

I will be recommending this to my middle school students and their teachers. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to see the kids who are too often left invisible by their absences.

"Absent" is a mixed-format middle grade novel by Rex Ogle about three middle schoolers who are often absent due to various reasons. Told in verse, prose, and in graphic novel format, we learn why many kids are often absent and what little help there often is to get them to school. Emotional and sometimes humorous, this is an absolute must-buy for all library collections.

Another great read by author Rex Ogle. Through the use of novel in verse, graphic novel format, and traditional text, Ogle gives the accounts of three boys that are serving detention and why they skip school. characters are well developed and provide great diversity as to their reasons for skipping school. A must read!

Rex Ogle is so masterful at addressing tough issues and how they affect young kids with empathy and creativity. Reading this made me tear up about how much I miss working in schools, especially in a school library. This is a really interesting story that follows three boys who each narrate using different formats (verse, comics, journal entries), and I think that's a really creative tool to show how student absenteeism impacts students of all walks of life for different reasons. Really well done, was already planning on buying for my collection before reading the ARC, but this just solidified Ogle will always have a place in my library.

Rex Ogle's middle grade novel, "Absent" infuses novel in verse, drawings, and journal entries to shed a light on absenteeism through the lives of three young men: Liam, Manny and Calvin. All three have skipped classes at their school -- and their reasons why are not what you think.

Liam, who dreams of becoming a doctor, skips class to avoid Grady, the bully who picks on him. He finds safety in the back room of the school's library. Calvin wants to be an artist - and he's good at it. The problem? He misses his art class because his father leaves Calvin in charge of getting his younger siblings up and ready for school. Their school is clear across town - and Calvin must travel from their school to his school - causing Calvin to miss his art class.

Manny, an inspiring Hispanic rapper, misses class because his favorite English teacher left - and he doesn't see the point of going. His father is in prison, and Manny would rather write rap lyrics in his notebook and hang at the skatepark, His antics haven't settled well with his grandparents who are raising Manny. The three young men are sent to detention for skipping, where they meet and strike up an unlikely friendship.

I LOVED this book! Manny, Calvin (who's Black) and Liam's voices felt so distinct. Ogle's writing is relatable and the different use of images, poetry, and journal entries will appeal to middle grades. This book stuck with me long after the last page.