Chad Lucas’ debut middle grade novel, Thanks A Lot, Universe is a coming of age story told in two voices.

Ezra and Brian are seventh grade students who couldn’t be more different. Besides their physical differences, Brian is extremely quiet and mostly keeps to himself while Ezra surrounds himself with lots of friends and exudes confidence. When Brian’s life falls to pieces on his birthday, he finds himself in unfamiliar territory and tries to take on the role of parent to his younger brother Richie. Ezra can see that Brian needs some help and makes it his mission to reach out and be a friend…or maybe even something more.

Thanks A Lot, Universe is a story with a lot going on. Criminal activity, mental illness, sexuality and foster care all make an appearance in this gripping story. If you just read that and thought, whoa! Too heavy for me, Chad Lucas treats all of these themes with care and frames them in a way that is perfect for middle grade and teen readers. We know that there are times when each of us will need mental health support. This story validates the feelings of many, many middle graders, especially now since many have been isolated from their extended friend and family networks. In this book, Chad Lucas shows readers that reaching out for help is important and sharing yourself, all of yourself, with others is a gift.

I’m a sucker for stories told from two different perspectives. This story told alternately by Ezra and Brian allows the readers to really understand the struggles they are both experiencing. The surrounding cast of characters brilliantly support the story and become outlets for Ezra and Brian at key moments in the story. Both are facing their paths branching in unexpected and different ways. Chad Lucas was able to explore so many different things incredibly relevant to young people right now by choosing to highlight both voices.

I also really appreciated the Ezra-Colby dynamic and their changing friendship. Middle school and high school are times of huge change for children and often that comes with growing apart from childhood friends. It’s natural but can be incredibly difficult in the moment. He treats the changing friendship in a very real way that will offer comfort for readers.

A brilliant debut middle grade novel!