I am not a classroom educator (I am in the media center,) so I cannot speak to adopting it for classroom or curriculum use, but I guarantee you THANKS A LOT, UNIVERSE is going on our Fall book purchase list. Mr. Lucas treats emerging sexual orientation and mental health issues with such care and compassion. It is easy to see Brian’s and Ezra’s fully developed storylines igniting thoughtful and open conversations between peers, as well as being a great example for adults having those same conversations with their students or other young people in their lives. Shout-out to Nat, the best big sister character I’ve read in a very long time. 5/5 stars.

Brian, 13, with social anxiety and Ezra, coming to terms with his sexuality, confront family issues, bullying and the changes that accompany growing up.

I loved this book and have already been talking about it. This was such a thoughtful look at middle school boys, their friendships, and the changes in relationships as boys reach middle school. Themes of acceptance and self acceptance are explored.

Thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for the e-ARC of this one.

Brian Day’s thirteenth birthday is the worst day of his life. When his dad leaves unexpectedly, and his mom almost overdoses, Brian’s life turns upside down and his social anxiety turns into plain old anxiety in high gear.

I really liked this book and the way it was told. Brian’s challenges aren’t small, but he’s lucky enough to run into a couple of great advocates and friends along the way. Ezra’s story isn’t insignificant either, but that doesn’t diminish his ability to be a great friend to Brian when he needs it the most.

This is an interesting story that switches between two characters viewpoints. At first, is seems one character doesn't have much of a storyline and you wonder why he gets his own chapters. The character development timeline is different for the two main characters and they feel lopsided. But that does resolve as the book goes on and each viewpoint has a reason. I like that the LGBTQ character is supported by his friends and even his crush doesn't freak out when he finds out, but I wonder if this is misleading at all. Overall, a sweet book with a mostly happy ending.

Thank you so much NetGalley, ABRAMS Kids and Amulet Books, for the chance to read and review this book!

TW: attempted suicide, panic attacks, depressions, bullism

Brian has always been anxious, he suffers from social anxiety or, like he likes to call it, the Super Awkward Weirdo Syndrome, SAWS. He struggles to talk, to make friends and he's always quiet and reserved.
One terrible day something happens that will turn his life upside down and he starts to have panic attacks, after he and his brother are placed in foster care.
Ezra is a popular kid, he's friends with most of the kids on his basketball team, with Brian too, who alway keeps to himself, but everything is changing in his usual group of friends. His best friend is hanging out with girls and with the school's bully and Ezra is afraid that everything will permanently change, most of all since he starts to realized to have feelings for Brian. When Brian and his brother run away, Ezra decides is time to do something and help him, changing both their lives for good.

Thanks a lot, Universe is a moving middle-grade debut and it's brilliant, intense and deals with so many important and delicate themes with sensitivity and care. Told by Brian's and Ezra's POVs, the story follows the two boys struggling with growing up, school problems, changes, their lives weaving together, while they start to see one other and become more and more friends.

The author describes brilliantly Brian's social anxiety, his mom's mental illness and the struggles Brian and his brother have to face, while fighting against panic attacks, fears and the feelings of not belonging. Brian is a very relatable character, quiet, smart, reserved, struggling with his own problems, but forced, by life, to take care of his younger brother and worry about his family.
The school and the friend setting are, also, skillfully crafted, since it's clear both Brian, Ezra, Ty, Kevan and Colby are growing up and changing and the things will be different in the future.
The reader gets to know Brian's and Ezra's fears and insecurities, while they slowly find each other, helping, supporting and being there for one other.
The way the author talks about the importance of therapy and reaching out for help is really moving and I love this message so much. The importance of finding your own family, a found family of friends and supportive adults, to feel safe and be better, healing and fighting.

The story is moving, brilliantly written and I loved everything. It gave me hope that, even in the darkest of times, things can be better.

Thanks a Lot, Universe is a wonderful snapshot of the interior life of boys. Told in dual POV, we follow Brian (B-Man) and Ezra on their separate yet, interwoven journeys toward healing, understanding and deepening (or disappearing) friendships. It affirms the often complicated but hidden lives of teen boys, as they try to figure out this thing called life. Lovingly crafted debut!

this story is one that middle graders will enjoy and I will admit that I am definitely not the target audience for this book. Nonetheless, it was a heart-warming story that I did like reading

I read this entire story in less than 24 hours; the book tackles heavy subjects but in a way that feels accessible to young readers. One of the main characters is forced to grow up too quickly after his father leaves and his mother lands in the hospital, but the support he finds in the community and a new group of friends pulls him out of a spiral of despair. The other main character has a seemingly perfect life, but through the dual POV perspective we learn that he's hiding an important part of his identity from his dearest friends––and his crush. This story was heart-wrenching, engaging, and perfect for anyone who has ever questioned whether they can handle what life throws at them

Easily one of my most anticipated books for 2021! The characters in Chad Lucas’ novel are real, empathetic, and moving. Young readers will find much to love and relate to in this story. It will also serve as an excellent starting point for meaningful discussions with students. Highly recommended!

If you're looking for a book that perfectly demonstrates kindness and compassion in a modern, engaging, non-preachy way, this is it. Poor Brian goes through so much in this story, and the way the other characters look out for him, give him space for his feelings, and support him brought genuine tears to my eyes. The relationships, interactions, and dialogue felt very authentic, and I can see this really appealing to both male and female MG readers. This is one of my favorite reads of 2020, and it will stick with me for a long time.

Middle grade reader that is sure to appeal to students that feel like they are the only awkward or weird student in their class. Bryan has family problems and is expected to carry the load when his dad ditches the family because of legal troubles. His mom overdoses on pills and Bryan has to call the ambulance, all on his 13th birthday. Now he must take care of his brother and navigate middle school all on his own. Bryan’s story is interwoven with 4 other boys in his class, all trying to make their way through middle school.
#ThanksALotUniverseBook #NetGalley

I love this novel!

Told in alternating first person points of view, this endearing and delightful story of Brian and Ezra, two boys turning thirteen and learning to navigate the often-confusing world of adolescence, will pull you in from the first page. When you reach the inciting incident (quite early on), you'll be hooked until you finish reading! No spoilers here, though.

Many one-sentence paragraphs help make the pace lightning-fast. I read this in two days, which is some kind of miraculous record for me. Especially since I was reading the e-ARC on my laptop. (No, I don't own a Kindle!)

The most diverse cast I've seen in many years of reading MG, and it's all handled in a smart, sophisticated way. Brian's social anxiety (which he calls his Super Awkward Weirdness Syndrome) comes across perfectly. The humor, especially in the dialogue, is wonderful! Chad Lucas is a writer to watch out for. I can't wait to read whatever he writes next!

Life is not going well for Brian, family, school and his anxiety are all spiraling out of control, leaving him feeling isolated and at sea.
Ezra on the other hand seems to have everything - friends, popularity, and a sunny disposition.
But like Brian, he's fighting doubts and trying his best to hide some truths from himself.
Told in alternating points of view, this wonderful debut is a celebration of compassion, growth, and the struggle to build resilience. Lucas tackles some very painful issues head-on with humor, warmth and great respect for his young protagonists.
This book would make a vital and important addition to any classroom library.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an E-Arc.

This story left me flat. I didn't find it engaging, and the characters seemed cliche. I wouldn't recommend it to our students or school ibrarian.

THANKS A LOT, UNIVERSE is a stunning story about finding your people and being real – with them and with yourself. Brian is holding up under the weight of so very much (no spoilers here, though). Your heart breaks for him as he tries to care for his younger brother under extraordinary circumstances while simultaneously managing his own anxiety (he calls it SAWS, or Super Awkward Weirdo Syndrome). Ezra is the popular kid who is afraid to reveal his crush to his friends. You will root for him as he finds his voice and the courage to use it. The story is told in the boys’ alternating perspectives, and while it deals with a lot of very heavy topics, Chad Lucas is masterful in that it never feels like too much for the reader to bear. The weighty subjects are handled sensitively and poignantly. The portrayal of Brian and Ezra’s friendship with each other and with their wider circle of friends is so heartfelt. You won’t be able to put this book down until you find out what happens to these unforgettable characters. Many, many thanks to Chad Lucas, Abrams Kids, and NetGalley for the eARC.

From the moment Brian's life implodes on the morning of his birthday, this story grabs you and doesn't let go. I loved 1) how the characters felt so real and relatable as they learn to embrace the "weird" stuff that makes them unique and 2) how the dual POV storytelling style lets you see the two main characters from within their heads and how they're seen by people around them. The author deftly balances the mix of heavy stuff and humor, and ends the story on a perfect note of hopefulness among brokenness without trying to manufacture a happily ever after.

Great characters, well written, and such a valuable story to tell! I love that the characters are so well developed and that we really get to see the perspectives of the two main characters as whole people. They're not caricatures or one dimensional. There are so many aspects of this story to love. I find very few works that really discuss some of the realities that many of our young people face.....criminal activity of the parents is one that often gets either overlooked or sensationalized. I love that it wasn't the focus, but was a major part of the story. Mental health is another thing that people really struggle with and I felt the author's treatment of various issues was tender and still shined a bright light on the subject. I recommend this one!

First off, I love the title of this book! It precedes the emotion you’ll experience as you read.

This is a very timely novel geared to the middle school reader who feels he/she just doesn’t have a place in the world. I guess that describes about 99% of the middle school population.

Brian is a worrier, he is anxious, at home, in class, and even on the basketball court. His dad who is quite the colorful guy, tries to get him to stand up for himself and his mom helps as much as she can. One day disaster strikes his family and Brian and his brother are placed in foster care. Brian begins to experience panic attacks. This doubles his already worrisome nature and he wonders if things will ever be normal again. In 2020, I guess a lot of us wonder that. Then there is Ezra who had always been popular. He’s friends with most of the kids on his basketball team, even Brian, who usually keeps to himself. But now, some of his friends have been acting differently, and Brian seems to be pulling away. Ezra wants to help, but he worries if he’s too nice to Brian, his friends will realize that he has a crush on him.

One day Brian grabs his younger brother and they run away from the foster home. Ezra feels he has no choice but to take the leap and reach out to Brian who have feeling for each other. Now both boys must make the decision if they willing to risk honesty about their feelings or would if be easier to keep it hidden.

This title just may be the book to help a reader discover that is is okay to come out. Of course we all know that life instantly becomes a bigger challenge when you are considered different. The book ends before we know much about the boys decision and how life goes on from there.

Maybe Chad Lucas will write a sequel to this fine novel. I really enjoyed the character development.

After all it’s okay to...
“Be brave, Be real Be weird”

Thanks A Lot, Universe
By Chad Lucas

Thanks A Lot, Universe follows two first-person POVs. Brian, a shy boy, suffering from social anxiety, and Ezra, a boy on Brian’s basketball team, who’s friend group is going through some changes. The two boys had a lot of fun together while serving as benchwarmers during the winter basketball season but grow apart as the school year nears its end.

This heartfelt middle-grade novel swept me off my feet. After I got my NetGalley ARC, I finished the book in just three days! The characters in this book are warm and constantly remind you of what it was like to be an awkward teen in middle school.

*Spoilers*

At the start of this novel, Brian’s life gets flipped completely upside down as his father skips town after running into some trouble, and his mother needs to be hospitalized. Brian finds himself in charge of his little brother, Richie, as the two are sent to live with foster parents.

While Brian is going through a complete crisis, Ezra watches from afar. He wants to be friendlier with Brian but can’t seem to figure out how.

After receiving an emergency fund from his father, Brian plans to run away with Richie. They spend a night in a hotel and book an isolated cabin to lay low in. At this point in the novel, I felt that it was a little unrealistic for the kids to run off like this. To book the hotel room, Brian uses his foster parent’s credit card. He eventually pays them back, but it all felt so out of character for Brian—though I still enjoyed the story that unfolded.

Ezra notes Brian’s absence, wishing he had done more for him after a couple of bullies picked on him. Determined to make things right, he finds out a little bit of the trauma that has swamped Brian. He, and his teacher’s son, Gabe, launch an investigation of their own to help find Brian and Richie. This, for me, is where the story really picks up. Bit by bit, we start to see why Ezra is so motivated to find Brian, and I found it impossible to put down the book at this point.

I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a heartwarming middle-grade read! I can’t wait for it to come out in May so I can buy the hardcover!!