Linus and Etta Could Use a Win
Caroline Huntoon
Feiwel & Friends
Published
Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads
About Linus and Etta Could Use a Win
Linus is the new boy at school, and he’s trying to keep it quiet. After coming out as trans last year and managing the attention that came with it, he’s more than happy to fade into the background of his new middle school.
Etta isn’t like other kids at school, and she’s proud of it. The class misanthrope and the owner of the greenest hair at Doolittle Middle School, she’s still reeling from a painful friendship breakup, making her more than happy to burn middle-school bridges before she heads off to the local alternative high school next year.
When Etta’s over-it-all attitude sparks a challenge from her ex-best friend, Marigold, to get Linus elected student body president, Linus is thrust back into the spotlight. But what started out as a bet quickly turns into a true friendship between Linus and Etta, one that could be in jeopardy if Linus finds out the real origins of his and Etta’s connection. Can Linus and Etta’s friendship withstand the betrayal of the bet?
My Review
This is the first book by Caroline Huntoon that I’ve ever read, but I can tell you it won’t be the last! This was so readable, and it’s short, too. I think it’s about 214 pages. The banter between Linus and Etta is fabulous. Puns and jokes abound. As a former 90s kid, I loved the 90s jokes that made it into the book, though mostly they leave Linus and Etta staring at one another in utter confusion. Honestly, I found that even funnier.
I also have to say that it was glorious to read a book about a transgender character that wasn’t about them being outed (though there was a near miss) or having to defend or explain his identity. Linus knows who he is, his parents accept him, and so does Etta, when he tells her. There’s absolutely space for stories exploring coming out and how people respond, and I’m grateful for those. But it was so great to read a story that primarily celebrated Linus’ existence without question and let him be lots of other things, too: funny, kind, and a strong leader to name a few.
The friendship between Linus and Etta was also charming. She’s a prickly cactus in the opening pages, but it doesn’t take long for him to win her over with his humor and sincerity. I also loved seeing a student council race in a middle grade novel.
Overall, I’m adding a new favorite author to my list! I’ve already found a copy of Huntoon’s next release, Going Overboard, which came out earlier this year. Can’t wait to read it!
If you enjoy quick, uplifting middle grade novels, definitely put this one on your list. It’s such a fun read.
Content Notes
Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.
Profanity/Crude Language Content
One instance of mild profanity.
Romance/Sexual Content
One brief kiss on the lips.
Spiritual Content
None.
Violent Content
A relative misgenders Linus. Other adults in the room don’t correct this person. Eventually, the person apologizes and tries to do better.
Drug Content
None.
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Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday
Today is Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday! MMGM is a weekly round-up of middle-grade posts called Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday. Check out other blogs with posts about middle-grade books today on Marvelous Middle-Grade Mondays at Always in the Middle.
Why are the comments off?
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