For parents, educators, and anyone who wants a glimpse into the challenges faced by adolescents, this book is a gem. Inspired by real-life experiences from 15 years of teaching in Los Angeles, the author's understanding shines through every page. Gilbert is not just a book; it's a window into the hearts and minds of young students, reminding us of the importance of empathy and providing a safe space for them to navigate the complexities of growing up.

In this heartfelt and poignant tale, Gilbert delves into the harsh realities of middle school life, addressing themes of bullying, neglect, and the absence of a safe space. The story resonates with authenticity, offering a relatable portrayal of the challenges many adolescents face. As the author and illustrator, the personal touch shines through, creating a raw and genuine narrative that captures the essence of middle school struggles.

Kid At School, is a short book, detailing what the author describes as a true experience, of a lonely child experiencing bullying, as well as vivid and upsetting dreams. I went into this book without reading the description, and struggled to understand the purpose behind the storyline, beyond just telling a few sequential days in Gilbert's life. The picture-caption-paragraph style felt redundant in it's formatting, and made the already simple text feel monotonous. Only after finishing the book did I understand the purpose behind both the novel, and it's formatting.
With new understanding, I liked the book a little more. While unusual, the art style is expressive. While repetitive, the caption-paragraph is provided for accessibility for kids of varying reading levels. I would recommend the information in the author's description be included within the book's content.
Reviewing it by the standards I expected to set the book against, I wouldn't recommend it, as it doesn't tell a cohesive story, the lack of proper punctuation throws off the flow of reading, and the imagery can be quite jarring, without it seeming to be making a statement. Reviewing it by 'art' standards, it becomes a much more interesting work, that I can appreciate the value in, though still not one I would choose to read again.