Book: Paul, Big, and Small by David Glen Robb
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
This is a cute story, that deals with all the hot button topics in a sensitive not in-your-face way, something you know I always appreciate.
We have Paul, who is like a junior (I think, now I forget how old he is) in high school, but he's so short he looks like a little kid to everyone. His method of survival is to blend in and not make a big scene and hope everyone ignores him. He's suffered a lot from bullying and his goal is to avoid that as much as he can.
And he kinda sorta likes this girl who he's known since he was 7... but she doesn't know he exists until things get going in this story. She is very big... very tall, and very black. But her last name is Small... which of course, everyone finds extremely funny. But, turns out this unlikely pair end up being quite likely to become friends.
And then we have Big, a nickname given to our third character because he is.... big. A big Polynesian dude with an extremely sunny disposition who everyone likes. He can dispel any tension in a room by just walking in. He's great!
And so these three become friends and deal with the craziness of high school life... including the bullies that cross their paths. We learn some backstories regarding the bullies that deals with depression and mental health. And we also deal with some cancer sickness with our own trio.
All of this is set to the backdrop of not only high school, but a climbing school that Paul loves and where he excels and feels himself.
It's all very heartwarming despite some of the heavy topics it deals with. I kinda loved that. And these characters are especially great.
