This book is for everyone who has had that defining moment, that episode of utter humiliation that changes their lives for part of their life. I've got at least one of my own and bet you do too. This is about how, with a little humour and help from friends, you can rise above it.
Wilbur Nuñez-Knopf lives with his two moms, Mup and Mum. Until grade seven he was homeschooled. His first day in public school ended up in disaster. Their teacher, Mr Markowitz, asked students to write a letter to themselves that he would return to them the day they graduated high school. Wilbur wrote honestly about his goals and dreams. Mr Markowitz accidently dropped the letter while taking it to the school's time capsule. It was picked up by the school bully, Tyler Kertz, and posted online.
Wilbur calls that his defining moment. Two years later, he tries his best to stay under the radar of everyone, especially Tyler, who hasn't let up on the name calling and snarky remarks.
While most people avoid him, Wilbur has a couple of best friends. Sal is Wilbur's 86 year old next door neighbour. Alex has been his friend since grade 7. Being one of the queer kids makes him an outsider too. Wilbur writes poetry and Alex sets it to music.
Wilbur's family struggles to make ends meet. Mup works a number of part time jobs while Mum tries to build a career as an actor and refurbishes old furniture to sell. Wilbur has a part time job at a Submarine Sandwich shop. When the school band ends up doing an exchange with a French school group, finding the money is a serious issue. It isn't a problem right away though because the French contingent is coming to Canada first.
Wilbur's billet, Charlie, turns out to be a girl instead of a boy. Charlie is independent, smart and very classy. Wilbur ends up with a huge crush on her. At a dance at the end of the visit, she ends up making out with Tyler. It isn't that she likes him, she just doesn't like Wilbur in that way.
Mortified and heartbroken, Wilbur decides not to go to France. Thankfully, Sal, Alex, and Fabrizio, Alex's boyfriend, stage an intervention. What follows is like an episode from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. They revamp his wardrobe, get him repeating affirmations and improving his French. Alex and Wilbur take up running. In the process of all this Alex and Wilbur address issues between the two of them, and Alex becomes friends with Fabrizio.
Wilbur works extra shifts to make extra money to cover the cost of the trip to France. His boss made him shift supervisor rather than increase his salary. As Wilbur's self confidence grows he eventually fires a lazy, entitled employee. This backfires and Wilbur ends up getting sacked. With money tight, it looks like Wilbur might not make it. Thankfully his mom's come through for him and he is ready to head off to Paris.
Paris is spectacular. Charlie's academic father is stern, compassionate, and hilarious. Together Charlie and Wilbur stand up to her estranged overbearing mother. No matter how the relationship between the two of them turns out, Wilbur is going to be ok.
I liked so much about this book.
The characters and their relationships with each other are real. Their development is authentic. Wilbur reminds me of one of my adorably geeky library monitors. Like Wilbur he was tall for his age with unique interests. Sal reminds me of the old men in my family. The parents and other adults (except for Charlie's mother) are supportive strong role models. I liked reading Wilbur's poetry. The connection to Charlotte's Web, my favourite book, delighted me completely. Wilbur started out as William, but loved the book so much he asked to change his name. This book is full of heart and humour. I laughed out loud numerous times - way more frequently than I cringed.
Ultimately this is a book about friendship. It’s about being friends across ages and cultures. I adore the honesty that Alex and Wilbur build. I love the advice that Sal gives Wilbur. I had a tear in my eye reading about their back story. I love the acceptance between all of them. I appreciate that Fabrizio makes an overture towards Wilbur to begin their own relationship. I especially appreciate that Charlie sets boundaries that ensure their continued connection no matter what the future brings. It’s a little bit about finding romance when you least expect it. This is also a book about becoming the best kind of person you can be. All you need is a little help from your friends.
I've never read a Susin Nielsen book that I didn't love. This one might be the best so far.
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