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Martin McLean, Middle School Queen
In this bighearted middle-grade debut, Martin McLean struggles to find his voice—and his inner diva—as he navigates friendship, family, first crushes, and a whole lot of glitter.
Seventh-grader Martin McLean has always been surrounded by people who can express themselves. His mother is an artist, his colorful Tío Billy works in theater, and his best friends Carmen and Pickle are outgoing and don’t care what other people think. But Martin can only find the right words when he’s answering a problem at a Mathletes competition—until his tío introduces him to the world of drag. In a swirl of sequins and stilettos, Martin creates his fabulous drag queen alter ego, Lottie León.
As Lottie, he is braver than he’s ever been; but as Martin, he doesn’t have the guts to tell anyone outside of his family about her. Not Carmen and Pickle, not his Mathletes teammates, and definitely not Chris, an eighth-grader who gives Martin butterflies. When Martin discovers that his first-ever drag show is the same night as the most important Mathletes tournament, he realizes that he can only pull off both appearances by revealing his true self to his friends—and channeling his inner drag superstar.
Seventh-grader Martin McLean has always been surrounded by people who can express themselves. His mother is an artist, his colorful Tío Billy works in theater, and his best friends Carmen and Pickle are outgoing and don’t care what other people think. But Martin can only find the right words when he’s answering a problem at a Mathletes competition—until his tío introduces him to the world of drag. In a swirl of sequins and stilettos, Martin creates his fabulous drag queen alter ego, Lottie León.
As Lottie, he is braver than he’s ever been; but as Martin, he doesn’t have the guts to tell anyone outside of his family about her. Not Carmen and Pickle, not his Mathletes teammates, and definitely not Chris, an eighth-grader who gives Martin butterflies. When Martin discovers that his first-ever drag show is the same night as the most important Mathletes tournament, he realizes that he can only pull off both appearances by revealing his true self to his friends—and channeling his inner drag superstar.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 7, 2020
17 people are currently reading
2605 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa Zaczek
1 book46 followersAlyssa Zaczek grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, where she spent her childhood writing stories about nervy girls and slowly amassing a landslide of books beneath her bed. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Playwriting, which she uses to justify her love of banter. When not reading or writing, she enjoys cooking, curating vintage clothing and making her partner laugh. She currently lives in St. Cloud, Minnesota, with said partner and their four animals. MARTIN MCLEAN, MIDDLE SCHOOL QUEEN is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
October 19, 2020
A few quick thoughts:
A) This book occasionally explores the drag scene in Bloomington, Indiana, a.k.a. the first place I truly embraced my identity. Shout out to Ginger Ale, Della Licious, Richard Cranium, Uncle Elizabeth's, my friend Kris (I regret not hanging out with you more), and the organizers of Miss Gay IU, the first student-sponsored collegiate drag competition.
B) I almost gave this book 2 stars. As far as I know, the author is a straight, cisgender woman, and there were many times where it felt like she was appropriating queerness. The book definitely dips into "but aren't queer people soooooo cuuuuute?" territory, and treats drag like a quirky hobby without celebrating its political importance (I blame RuPaul's Drag Race). Queerness is not cute, or quirky, or exotic. At times I felt like the author was engaging in a sort of... benign othering that's just as ugly as when bigoted writers treat us like freaks and degenerates. It made me uncomfortable.
C) I get that the characters are in seventh grade, so they're close to attending high school, but the writing felt more appropriate for a YA novel.
D) I appreciate that Martin is half Hispanic. Modern drag is dominated by white men, despite being historically championed by black and Hispanic performers; one of the grosser aspects of the modern drag scene (again, thanks, Drag Race) is that white performers have totally co-opted slang created and used by queens of color. This book is guilty of the same thing.
E) Please, please, future authors, I'm begging you -- don't ever name a major character "Pickle." Please don't make me endure that again.
F) The only reason I didn't give this book 2 stars is because I desperately want queerness to be normalized for younger generations of readers. If books like this one, however imperfect, can help queer kids avoid the physical, mental, and emotional pain I went through at Martin's age, nothing else about them matters.
G) It filled my heart with glee to see Hartzell's Ice Cream in this book. They make my favorite ice cream of all time: a scoop of red bean over a scoop of green tea.
A) This book occasionally explores the drag scene in Bloomington, Indiana, a.k.a. the first place I truly embraced my identity. Shout out to Ginger Ale, Della Licious, Richard Cranium, Uncle Elizabeth's, my friend Kris (I regret not hanging out with you more), and the organizers of Miss Gay IU, the first student-sponsored collegiate drag competition.
B) I almost gave this book 2 stars. As far as I know, the author is a straight, cisgender woman, and there were many times where it felt like she was appropriating queerness. The book definitely dips into "but aren't queer people soooooo cuuuuute?" territory, and treats drag like a quirky hobby without celebrating its political importance (I blame RuPaul's Drag Race). Queerness is not cute, or quirky, or exotic. At times I felt like the author was engaging in a sort of... benign othering that's just as ugly as when bigoted writers treat us like freaks and degenerates. It made me uncomfortable.
C) I get that the characters are in seventh grade, so they're close to attending high school, but the writing felt more appropriate for a YA novel.
D) I appreciate that Martin is half Hispanic. Modern drag is dominated by white men, despite being historically championed by black and Hispanic performers; one of the grosser aspects of the modern drag scene (again, thanks, Drag Race) is that white performers have totally co-opted slang created and used by queens of color. This book is guilty of the same thing.
E) Please, please, future authors, I'm begging you -- don't ever name a major character "Pickle." Please don't make me endure that again.
F) The only reason I didn't give this book 2 stars is because I desperately want queerness to be normalized for younger generations of readers. If books like this one, however imperfect, can help queer kids avoid the physical, mental, and emotional pain I went through at Martin's age, nothing else about them matters.
G) It filled my heart with glee to see Hartzell's Ice Cream in this book. They make my favorite ice cream of all time: a scoop of red bean over a scoop of green tea.
June 15, 2020
When I was nine, I read ARE YOU THERE GOD, IT'S ME MARGARET by Judy Blume and I had an epiphany - I wanted to do THAT. I wanted to write books that would sit next to Judy Blume's on the shelves. Books about real stuff. Hard stuff.
When Martin McLean was twelve-years-old, he saw his first drag show and he had an epiphany - he wanted to do THAT. He wanted to be on that stage with all the lights, and make-up, and glitter and he wanted to strut his stuff.
I hope you've had that feeling. I hope you understand exactly how it feels to find the thing you want to do. And I hope you find the courage to do it. I hope reading MARTIN McLEAN, MIDDLE SCHOOL QUEEN helps you to be brave.
When Martin McLean was twelve-years-old, he saw his first drag show and he had an epiphany - he wanted to do THAT. He wanted to be on that stage with all the lights, and make-up, and glitter and he wanted to strut his stuff.
I hope you've had that feeling. I hope you understand exactly how it feels to find the thing you want to do. And I hope you find the courage to do it. I hope reading MARTIN McLEAN, MIDDLE SCHOOL QUEEN helps you to be brave.
June 1, 2019
Holy Normalizing Queerness for Kids, Batman!
more when I don't have to leave for work, but uh. Don't sleep on this one, kids. The casual diversity and representation of ALL kinds is fantastic, the focus on friendship and family is amazing, the conversations about exploring and discovering yourself and who you are and how you want to present that to the world are beyond wonderful--and really hit home for those of us who didn't know what the heck we were back in middle school.
This book is fabulous, and everyone should read it. Especially kids. Especially kids. I just. *hearteyes* repeating infinitely.
more when I don't have to leave for work, but uh. Don't sleep on this one, kids. The casual diversity and representation of ALL kinds is fantastic, the focus on friendship and family is amazing, the conversations about exploring and discovering yourself and who you are and how you want to present that to the world are beyond wonderful--and really hit home for those of us who didn't know what the heck we were back in middle school.
This book is fabulous, and everyone should read it. Especially kids. Especially kids. I just. *hearteyes* repeating infinitely.
February 2, 2020
At first I was skeptic because I realized the book wasn't own voices and it had an irish cuban boy questioning his sexuality as a main character. Can this author tell this story? It was enjoyable and I was happy to read in the acknowledgments how many different people helped her built this book.
I've been to a few drag shows and I've been present when the magic, the transformation, happened. And it's truly magical. Drag queens are fierce and you feel it just being in the same room with them. I loved how our young mc found his calling after a show.
There were tons of mentions of delicious food I too eat since I'm Ecuadorian, but not so often since I live in Italy and italian food is much faster to cook, and my mom thinks ecuadorian food is really fat. Which it is, but that's one of the reasons it's delicious!! The random spanish in the conversation can be off putting but I realized that's exactly how my parents talk. It felt like home.
So, I say you give this little book a chance even if you had your doubts. It can be a pleasant surprise. I will still try, as always, to support own voices. There are just so many books to read, I need more time!!
I've been to a few drag shows and I've been present when the magic, the transformation, happened. And it's truly magical. Drag queens are fierce and you feel it just being in the same room with them. I loved how our young mc found his calling after a show.
There were tons of mentions of delicious food I too eat since I'm Ecuadorian, but not so often since I live in Italy and italian food is much faster to cook, and my mom thinks ecuadorian food is really fat. Which it is, but that's one of the reasons it's delicious!! The random spanish in the conversation can be off putting but I realized that's exactly how my parents talk. It felt like home.
So, I say you give this little book a chance even if you had your doubts. It can be a pleasant surprise. I will still try, as always, to support own voices. There are just so many books to read, I need more time!!
May 31, 2021
Middle schooler Martin McLean feels like he doesn't really know himself or have a voice until he discovers drag and his inner diva, Lottie Leon. And then it feels like he's living a double life.
With the help of his friends Pickle and Carmen, they Lau a "Calcu-Yaaas" plan to bring Martin's two separate halves together. Can Martin snag the Mathletes Junior Championship award and an amateur drag queen contest prize all in one night?
With the help of his friends Pickle and Carmen, they Lau a "Calcu-Yaaas" plan to bring Martin's two separate halves together. Can Martin snag the Mathletes Junior Championship award and an amateur drag queen contest prize all in one night?
November 24, 2020
0.5/5
CHOCK FULL OF DIVERSITY BINGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's one of the biggest issues I have with this book. Absolutely every single character was of a different ethnicity and not even some of them are similar ethnicities, every single one was a completely different ethnicity. Don't even get me started on the adopted Vietnamese paraplegic in a wheelchair Jewish girl - I mean, I'm sure there are people like that but this was really the cherry on top of the Bingo cake. It wasn't authentic at all and every time a character was introduced I found myself heavily rolling my eyes.
The writing was also pretty poor. Every time a new character was introduced we got a full run down on their family, ethnicity, and everything they were wearing. Every time the characters go to a new location we get a run down on every inch of that location. It was exhausting.
The dialogue was unrealistic, the inner thoughts of a twelve year old were too mature/poetic/unrealistic. There was too much 'this is a lesson you need to learn' instead of naturally writing in something meaningful.
I want to appreciate that this brings queer culture and characters to young kids but this was written by a woman. This story needed to be written by someone who does drag, I think it would have sounded much more realistic.
CHOCK FULL OF DIVERSITY BINGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's one of the biggest issues I have with this book. Absolutely every single character was of a different ethnicity and not even some of them are similar ethnicities, every single one was a completely different ethnicity. Don't even get me started on the adopted Vietnamese paraplegic in a wheelchair Jewish girl - I mean, I'm sure there are people like that but this was really the cherry on top of the Bingo cake. It wasn't authentic at all and every time a character was introduced I found myself heavily rolling my eyes.
The writing was also pretty poor. Every time a new character was introduced we got a full run down on their family, ethnicity, and everything they were wearing. Every time the characters go to a new location we get a run down on every inch of that location. It was exhausting.
The dialogue was unrealistic, the inner thoughts of a twelve year old were too mature/poetic/unrealistic. There was too much 'this is a lesson you need to learn' instead of naturally writing in something meaningful.
I want to appreciate that this brings queer culture and characters to young kids but this was written by a woman. This story needed to be written by someone who does drag, I think it would have sounded much more realistic.
May 17, 2019
I had the distinct pleasure of reading this début: it's funny, it's heart-warming, it's human, and it's incredibly touching, with messages of being true to yourself and learning to trust the people who care about you. Martin is sure to captivate and dazzle readers old and young!
October 15, 2020
"Sometimes you can know who you are and what you want in your heart, but try and smother it because you know it's different from what the world wants you to be...But nobody knows you better than you do. Yours is the only voice you need to listen to."...Don't mind me...I'm just over here cheering through my tears for Martin McLean, middle school drag queen, who learns to listen to his own voice in this fabulous MG book. I think we all need a reminder to listen hard for what our own heart is telling us to do. I know I do. (I actually cried while finishing this book during my morning duty in the hallway!) ...Martin has two best friends, a hardworking Afro-Cuban artist mama, a position as captain of the Mathletes team, and a burgeoning interest in trying out drag. Martin is mixed race (Afro-Cuban and white) and is introduced to drag by his Tio Billy who is a longtime drag queen, gay, and in the theater business. Martin instantly loves drag; as soon as he becomes Lottie Leon, all anxiety and fear disappears. When Martin gets the opportunity to perform as Lottie in an all-ages drag show, he is dismayed to discover it's the same night as his Mathletes championship. He'll need the support of his entire community to pull this off!...Fabulous readalike for Tim Federele's Nate Better than Ever series....#middleschoollibrarian #middleschoollibrary #library #librarian #futurereadylibs #iteachlibrary #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #librariesofinstagram #librariansofinstagram #librariesfollowlibraries #librarylife #librarianlife #schoollibrarian #middlegrade #middlegradebooks #iteach #librarylove #booksbooksbooks #amreading #bibliophile #schoollibrariansrock #bookreview #bookrecommendation #igreads #malibrary #msla #mediaspecialist
September 26, 2020
I ended up liking this middle grades book about a shy but spunky teen drag queen a lot more than I expected. Martin is the main character and we get to know him the best, but his interactions with his friends and family had me literally grinning and/or laughing out loud at times. There are a couple group text message transcripts that were just so perfectly written. All of the main and secondary characters come off authentic. (Some tertiary characters are pretty 2D, but I'd be nitpicking if I counted that against the book.) I felt the pacing was great and the situations genuine. Even the ending was great. Being a middle grades book you know things will work out on an upswing, but it wasn't unrealistic in this book. Oh, and the scenes in the coffeehouse where the drag shows take place were respectfully done, I think. (I haven't actually been to the drag scene.) The reader learns a good bit about the culture and how to be respectful of the talented performers. And the same sex relationships alluded to are not discussed in great detail. To be fair, cis relationships alluded to are not discussed in great detail either. Bonus points for the author squeezing in a differently-abled relationship between two great secondary characters and body positivity with others.
(Small heads up if you're selecting for younger readers in a conservative setting: just as the title implies, there is discussion of drag queens, drag culture, and same sex relationships.)
(Small heads up if you're selecting for younger readers in a conservative setting: just as the title implies, there is discussion of drag queens, drag culture, and same sex relationships.)
February 28, 2020
“What would you call a group of drag queens anyway? A sparkle? A monarchy? A glamour?”
“So who cares who you love? What matters is that you do love”
Martin McLean, Middle School Queen is such a gorgeous book. I needed this book in middle school! I loved the representation of a questioning child and how well it explored that knowing or not knowing your sexuality is a journey. There was so much in this book that I related to (adoption rep, anxiety rep), and so much that I know my students will connect to as well.
Martin is being raised by a single mother, and when he has a panic attack at school she invites his uncle to live with them so he has a male influence around. What Martin doesn’t know is that his uncle is a well-known drag queen. Martin decides that he wants to enter a drag competition to see if it will help him enhance his confidence and maybe figure out his sexuality. But the drag competition is the same day as his regional mathlete tournament, so he must figure out how/if he can do both. He’s also struggling with keeping his new drag life a secret from his closest friends and his mathlete team, because he fears they won’t accept him.
I will recommend this book to so many of my middle school students, as well as any adult who wants to read an adorable, fun, affirming book! Also bonus points for the author being a Columbia College alum!
“So who cares who you love? What matters is that you do love”
Martin McLean, Middle School Queen is such a gorgeous book. I needed this book in middle school! I loved the representation of a questioning child and how well it explored that knowing or not knowing your sexuality is a journey. There was so much in this book that I related to (adoption rep, anxiety rep), and so much that I know my students will connect to as well.
Martin is being raised by a single mother, and when he has a panic attack at school she invites his uncle to live with them so he has a male influence around. What Martin doesn’t know is that his uncle is a well-known drag queen. Martin decides that he wants to enter a drag competition to see if it will help him enhance his confidence and maybe figure out his sexuality. But the drag competition is the same day as his regional mathlete tournament, so he must figure out how/if he can do both. He’s also struggling with keeping his new drag life a secret from his closest friends and his mathlete team, because he fears they won’t accept him.
I will recommend this book to so many of my middle school students, as well as any adult who wants to read an adorable, fun, affirming book! Also bonus points for the author being a Columbia College alum!
September 27, 2022
What a sweet and wonderful story of 7th grader Martin McLean. Questioning himself, shy, unsure of his sexual orientation. Supported by family and friends through bullying and mathletes, he begins to find his courage and voice when he discovers the world of drag. Through his explorations he gains confidence and the captainship of the mathletes.
The twist comes when his first drag performance is on the same night at mathletes regionals. What is a confident drag queen to choose?
This is an excellent book, handled with grace and compassion. I highly recommend. I’m sure it’s on some banned books lists. So, more reason to read it, embrace it, and LOVE IT!
The twist comes when his first drag performance is on the same night at mathletes regionals. What is a confident drag queen to choose?
This is an excellent book, handled with grace and compassion. I highly recommend. I’m sure it’s on some banned books lists. So, more reason to read it, embrace it, and LOVE IT!
June 20, 2021
This book was so adorable and heartwarming. I loved Martin. I loved his uncle. I loved his friends. The audiobook narrator did a phenomenal job. He is easily one of my favorite readers. My only issue was that there were a number of text conversations in the book, which didn't translate well over audio. It got a little annoying at times listening to the characters' user names and the timestamp read for each message. That's not the fault of the author or the narrator, just something I didn't care for.
February 28, 2020
A smart, funny and compelling book. The characters are well defined and real. Great small town life details and amazing chemistry between these middle school friends. And...Celia Cruz!? Holy Cow! How on earth does a young twenty something author know about Celia Cruz? One whole star is just for that. Go directly to YouTube and look you up some Celia Cruz before, during or after you read this book. Yo Vivre!
July 11, 2020
This one is definitely unique. I've never read a middle grade novel like it.
November 11, 2020
This was a great story about finding your voice.
March 30, 2020
A wonderfully written first person perspective from a boy who is confused about who he is and who he believes he should be. This is a must read for anyone who has ever felt lost and confused in a world which tries to fit everyone into behaviors that fit the norm.
June 22, 2020
“So who cares who you love? What matters is that you do love”
This book was everything that I needed and didn't even know it.
I don't typically read a lot of Middle Grade but man was this book so so good. Take my word for it and don't wait on this one.
Not only is the writing easy flowing and realistic but the story is fun, honest, relatable and so damn good. This book is chalk full of diversity and representation. It focuses on family dynamics, friendships, found family, and exploring and discovering yourself. It's funny, it's heart-warming, it's human, and it's incredibly touching. Honestly, I couldn't find one thing wrong with this story even if I wanted to.
As someone who comes from a predominately Cuban family, this was such a fun read and was so familiar and relatable.
If you have a middle school age kid, give them this book, like YESTERDAY. And then talk to them about it, have a fun but honest and open conversation.
This book was everything that I needed and didn't even know it.
I don't typically read a lot of Middle Grade but man was this book so so good. Take my word for it and don't wait on this one.
Not only is the writing easy flowing and realistic but the story is fun, honest, relatable and so damn good. This book is chalk full of diversity and representation. It focuses on family dynamics, friendships, found family, and exploring and discovering yourself. It's funny, it's heart-warming, it's human, and it's incredibly touching. Honestly, I couldn't find one thing wrong with this story even if I wanted to.
As someone who comes from a predominately Cuban family, this was such a fun read and was so familiar and relatable.
If you have a middle school age kid, give them this book, like YESTERDAY. And then talk to them about it, have a fun but honest and open conversation.
August 25, 2019
Read to see if I could recommend to other students, especially GSA students. Great book for all students, especially GSA. Deals with drag/cross-dressing issues and transgender issues. Great explanations, very informative, and humor to keep it light, informative, and interesting for all students. I am going to recommend to the school librarian and buy more copies for my own room. Thank you, Ms. Zaczek for a book that belongs on all middle school shelves!
June 12, 2020
I cannot recommend this book highly enough! It is an eye-opening, feel-good read. I feel all ages should read this book. I wish this book existed when I was in middle school. I'm grateful that it exists now. Please, let there be a sequel! I want more!!!!! In the meantime, I will happily reread and this book again and again. The message is that good. It is something we all need to hear. Basically, I feel like reading this book made me a better person, and I am so grateful for that.
January 2, 2022
This was my second time reading this, and I had remembered the plot was spot-on, however I forgot that the writing was witty, humorous, and all-around so enjoyable. This book needs to be on everyone’s self. Sparkle on queens! 👑
January 23, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! It was fun, it was funny, heartwarming, just all around adorable!
June 18, 2020
I would love to see this book made into a movie. It has heart. It has drama. I absolutely love the ending.
June 20, 2020
Martin, you’re awesome.
June 26, 2020
Not only is Martin fabulous, so are his family and friends!
June 2, 2020
Martin is a shy, brainy seventh grader. His favorite part of the day is math club, Junior Mathletes, that is. He's hoping his team makes it to the regional competition again this year. Math class should be a breeze, since his best friends Pickle and Carmen are in his class. The only problem is Nelson, the kid who thinks he's funny but he's more of a bully who says hurtful things when teachers can't hear. One day Nelson slings a zinger, and Martin is horrified that Nelson seems to think he likes boys. Martin doesn't know who he likes. He's never even had a crush.
The incident makes Martin moody, and his mom can tell something is amiss. She just can't get Martin to talk to her about it. Martin's dad is out of the picture. He left years ago, so Martin's mom invites Tio Billy, her brother, for a visit. Tio and his husband are moving to Chicago, and Bloomington is right on his way. Tio ends up taking Martin under his wing and out to a hip coffee house near the University, and Martin gets his first chance to see a drag show. It stirs up a lot of feelings for Martin, and pretty soon he's sure that he wants to compete in the upcoming amateur night drag competition.
Turns out the drag show event is also on a big night for the Mathletes. What's a kid to do?
I loved the Latinx flair of this book. Little bits of Spanish are popped in here and there making the culture come through without feeling contrived. I also loved the texting interludes that Martin has with his friends which make the book all the more authentic for today's connected kids and the target audience. More than that, though, I enjoyed the honest portrayal of a kid trying to explore his creative side with the acceptance of his mother and the wisdom of an uncle who has literally walked the walk down the proverbial catwalk. The middle school friends have the typical misunderstandings and awkward moments, but ultimately the book turns the cringeworthy moments into life lessons that make it relatable to anyone who's been to middle school.
Put this book on your lists of Pride-worthy LGBTQ titles, but don't hesitate to just recommend it for its realistic portrayal of adolescence. So many good lessons for equity and inclusion here. Every library needs a copy.
The incident makes Martin moody, and his mom can tell something is amiss. She just can't get Martin to talk to her about it. Martin's dad is out of the picture. He left years ago, so Martin's mom invites Tio Billy, her brother, for a visit. Tio and his husband are moving to Chicago, and Bloomington is right on his way. Tio ends up taking Martin under his wing and out to a hip coffee house near the University, and Martin gets his first chance to see a drag show. It stirs up a lot of feelings for Martin, and pretty soon he's sure that he wants to compete in the upcoming amateur night drag competition.
Turns out the drag show event is also on a big night for the Mathletes. What's a kid to do?
I loved the Latinx flair of this book. Little bits of Spanish are popped in here and there making the culture come through without feeling contrived. I also loved the texting interludes that Martin has with his friends which make the book all the more authentic for today's connected kids and the target audience. More than that, though, I enjoyed the honest portrayal of a kid trying to explore his creative side with the acceptance of his mother and the wisdom of an uncle who has literally walked the walk down the proverbial catwalk. The middle school friends have the typical misunderstandings and awkward moments, but ultimately the book turns the cringeworthy moments into life lessons that make it relatable to anyone who's been to middle school.
Put this book on your lists of Pride-worthy LGBTQ titles, but don't hesitate to just recommend it for its realistic portrayal of adolescence. So many good lessons for equity and inclusion here. Every library needs a copy.
December 20, 2020
Martin McLean's father left him and his mother when Martin was young, and Martin has always wanted to know more about him, and why he left. He's struggling with a lot of feelings he doesn't quite understand, but at least at school he has his best friends Pickle and Carmen, and he's a killer mathlete who's just been chosen as their new team captain. But after Martin has a panic attack at school after a bully made some uncomfortable implications, Martin's mother asks her brother Billy to come stay with them for a few months and be a male presence for Martin. Although resentful at first, Martin really does love Tio Billy, who is openly gay and married. And when Tio Billy takes Martin to a drag show, Martin falls in love with the idea of becoming the confident, sassy, Lottie Leon. But how can he ever tell his friends? And more importantly, how can he participate in the mathletics regional championships and his first all-ages drag show when they're happening on the same night?
This was just delightful! I loved Martin and all his worries and his hating his propensity never to have anything to say, and how becoming Lottie helped him out of that. I thought the friendships and all the quirky characters were so much fun, and the author really captured the painful feelings of not wanting to lose your friends if you told them the truth versus not wanting to lose your friends because you didn't tell them the truth, etc. The struggle is real! The world building is wonderful--so many fabulous details. I thought it was a little obvious to have the two competitions on the same night (I mean, really?), and the ending got a bit aspirational (as someone who works at a school, no way would it be that easy to take a bunch of unaccompanied students a side field trip to a drag show!), but I loved it anyway. Two thumbs up!
This was just delightful! I loved Martin and all his worries and his hating his propensity never to have anything to say, and how becoming Lottie helped him out of that. I thought the friendships and all the quirky characters were so much fun, and the author really captured the painful feelings of not wanting to lose your friends if you told them the truth versus not wanting to lose your friends because you didn't tell them the truth, etc. The struggle is real! The world building is wonderful--so many fabulous details. I thought it was a little obvious to have the two competitions on the same night (I mean, really?), and the ending got a bit aspirational (as someone who works at a school, no way would it be that easy to take a bunch of unaccompanied students a side field trip to a drag show!), but I loved it anyway. Two thumbs up!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2021
This was a super gentle treatment of what could be a very mean bullying scene in middle school, but I loved the way the author presented it, with the main character, Martin McLean, getting plenty of friend, parental and Tío support for exploring first, whether he wanted to do this, and then once he decides he does.
Martin McLean is in 7th grade. He's a member of the Mathletes team and has real gems of best friends in Pickle and Carmen. But this is the year that everyone seems to like someone else, especially Pickle who has a major crush on Violet, who uses a wheelchair. The class bully insinuates that Martin likes boys, and Martin has a panic attack and runs out of math class. He doesn't know what he likes.
His single-parent artist mom brings in her brother, Tío Billy, to spend some quality time and talk to Martin about guy things, and he takes Martin to see him perform in a local drag show. This opens up a whole new world of possibilities for Martin, who is encouraged to create his own drag persona, Lottie Leόn (means lion in Spanish).
Through Lottie, Martin finds his courage to go on stage and perform, and that courage carries over to dealing with the middle school bully, as well.
This is definitely a best-case scenario, full of supportive family and friends for a young person exploring drag.
Looking for more book suggestions for your 7th/8th grade classroom and students?
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
Martin McLean is in 7th grade. He's a member of the Mathletes team and has real gems of best friends in Pickle and Carmen. But this is the year that everyone seems to like someone else, especially Pickle who has a major crush on Violet, who uses a wheelchair. The class bully insinuates that Martin likes boys, and Martin has a panic attack and runs out of math class. He doesn't know what he likes.
His single-parent artist mom brings in her brother, Tío Billy, to spend some quality time and talk to Martin about guy things, and he takes Martin to see him perform in a local drag show. This opens up a whole new world of possibilities for Martin, who is encouraged to create his own drag persona, Lottie Leόn (means lion in Spanish).
Through Lottie, Martin finds his courage to go on stage and perform, and that courage carries over to dealing with the middle school bully, as well.
This is definitely a best-case scenario, full of supportive family and friends for a young person exploring drag.
Looking for more book suggestions for your 7th/8th grade classroom and students?
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
September 13, 2021
When Martin is called gay by a bully at school, he has a panic attack. Is he gay? What would that mean? His uncle, Tio Billy, has been a strong male role model, so his single mom asks him to make an extended visit. They go to a drag show at a local LGBTQ-friendly coffeehouse, Hoosier Mama, where Tio Billy performs! Martin is mesmerized and sets out to compete in the All-Ages Drag Competition in a few months. As Martin discovers his fierce drag-persona, he learns what happens when he shares all of who he is with his friends.
This is such a feel-good book. Despite the big feelings, the deep issues, and the daring choices the characters deal with, the overall feeling of the book is warm, safe, fun, and fierce! You'll boo and cheer and probably shed a tear. The characters are unique, interesting, and endearing. We get a look inside the world of drag with enchantment and excitement. This book is simply wonderful and reminds us all to be true to our hearts.
I recommend this book to:
everyone- i mean unless you are too serious, too narrow-minded, too boring in which case you most likely aren't talking to me and won't care about my opinion anyway.
specifically to any kid who is feeling confused by their identity or orientation, kids feeling like they don't fit in, kids being raised by a single parent, or who are deathly shy.
to any adult who is around kids of the above or who loves to root for kids to find the thing that lights them up and gives them the confidence to stand in their own spotlight.
LGBTQ+ positive, inclusive & diverse cast, mixed race, single parent, Mathlete- positive,...
This is such a feel-good book. Despite the big feelings, the deep issues, and the daring choices the characters deal with, the overall feeling of the book is warm, safe, fun, and fierce! You'll boo and cheer and probably shed a tear. The characters are unique, interesting, and endearing. We get a look inside the world of drag with enchantment and excitement. This book is simply wonderful and reminds us all to be true to our hearts.
I recommend this book to:
everyone- i mean unless you are too serious, too narrow-minded, too boring in which case you most likely aren't talking to me and won't care about my opinion anyway.
specifically to any kid who is feeling confused by their identity or orientation, kids feeling like they don't fit in, kids being raised by a single parent, or who are deathly shy.
to any adult who is around kids of the above or who loves to root for kids to find the thing that lights them up and gives them the confidence to stand in their own spotlight.
LGBTQ+ positive, inclusive & diverse cast, mixed race, single parent, Mathlete- positive,...
January 19, 2020
I'm so grateful to have won a copy of Martin McLean, Middle School Queen.
Martin is my favorite kind of introspective and curious protagonist. We meet him as he's entering seventh grade. Everyone else seems to have their lives figured out: his best friend Carmen is an outspoken and determined drama queen, Pickle is hilariousy nerdy and in love with Violet. So why can't Martin figure himself out? When he has a panic attack on the first day of school, Martin's mom calls her younger brother, Tio Billy, to the rescue. Martin is thrilled to see his uncle, but less than thrilled that his mom thinks he needs rescuing at all. Turns out, he does.
Tio Billy gives Martin permission to not know exactly who he is or where he sees himself yet. And just knowing that Tio Billy once felt the same way is a relief to Martin. After some time watching Martin mope around, Tio Billy decides to bring him to something new and exciting: a drag show. This changes everything for Martin.
Readers will root for Martin from the first page and every page thereafter. His uncertainty about who he is will bring you right back to those middle school days of judgment and scorn for anyone outside the norm. All Martin wants to do is fit in, but in drag he learns to stand out in the best possible ways.
I am so excited to booktalk this book with my students!
Martin is my favorite kind of introspective and curious protagonist. We meet him as he's entering seventh grade. Everyone else seems to have their lives figured out: his best friend Carmen is an outspoken and determined drama queen, Pickle is hilariousy nerdy and in love with Violet. So why can't Martin figure himself out? When he has a panic attack on the first day of school, Martin's mom calls her younger brother, Tio Billy, to the rescue. Martin is thrilled to see his uncle, but less than thrilled that his mom thinks he needs rescuing at all. Turns out, he does.
Tio Billy gives Martin permission to not know exactly who he is or where he sees himself yet. And just knowing that Tio Billy once felt the same way is a relief to Martin. After some time watching Martin mope around, Tio Billy decides to bring him to something new and exciting: a drag show. This changes everything for Martin.
Readers will root for Martin from the first page and every page thereafter. His uncertainty about who he is will bring you right back to those middle school days of judgment and scorn for anyone outside the norm. All Martin wants to do is fit in, but in drag he learns to stand out in the best possible ways.
I am so excited to booktalk this book with my students!
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