It’s the season of school fairs and carnivals so let’s celebrate with an Orca Currents title from the incomparable Paul Coccia. I Got You Babe will have you deep diving into Cher’s music and filmography.

Mac has convinced his father and the school parent association to make this year’s school carnival a Pride themed event. He is so excited about the day and his ideas are as big as Cher’s headpiece at the 1986 Oscars. Unfortunately, Mac totally goes overboard trying to micromanage the adults responsible for the event, to the point where he disappoints his father and alienates his best friend. 

For myself, a reader who was alive during the 1980s, this book fills me with nostalgia. For young readers now, this story will give them something to talk about with their parents. Perhaps they will start going through Cher’s filmography, Mermaids being a particular favourite. Not only that but will remind them that they have a voice and they can use that voice to make positive changes in their communities.

I love this story because it has so much heart. For a book that is short on text, it is big on story and drama. Readers who are looking to make changes at their schools will be inspired by Mac’s drive to make the school carnival more inclusive and celebratory of all the students in attendance. I love that there is a big learning moment between Mac and Amy. Mac is such a big personality and assumes Amy loves being in the background, always the sidekick. Throughout the story Amy learns not to dim her own shine, a reminder to all readers to stand up for what they want, even when it is hard confronting your best friend.

Paul Coccia has written a story that will appeal to a wide variety of readers. Readers on the whole spectrum of middle grade can access this book and will find the appeal within each of them.