Thanks a Lot, Universe

This moving middle-grade debut follows Brian, an anxious thirteen-year-old whose world collapses when his dad flees the law and his mom struggles with depression, forcing him and his little brother into foster care. His closest connection is Ezra, a popular classmate who is secretly grappling with a crush on another boy and the fear of how his friends will react if they find out. As Brian's anxiety intensifies into panic attacks and Ezra wrestles with questions about his sexuality, the two boys must decide whether to risk being vulnerable with each other. The book thoughtfully explores mental health and anxiety, family crisis and foster care, and LGBTQ+ identity through Ezra's same-sex crush, all woven into a heartfelt story about friendship and belonging.