Bubble

Sometimes it’s hard for stories about kids with illnesses to be relatable, especially rare diseases. But Bubble, by Stewart Foster, a middle grade realistic fiction story about a kid stuck in one room for his entire life, proves that it can be done.

Everything in it feels relatable, from main character Joe’s interactions with Beth, his older sister, to loving superheroes to wanting to be free. That’s the main theme, this sense of freedom; what child--or adult, for that matter--doesn’t wish they had more control over their lives? It helps Joe come out as human and gives him his fatal flaw, for that sense of freedom gets him in trouble.

Speaking of characters, I loved every one of them. This could have been a boring book, but Foster envelopes Joe’s world with lively people that help bring out the best in him. My favorite is Henry, Joe’s pen pal of sorts. He makes that world feel alive in a way the adult characters can’t.

Get ready to cry at that ending; it pulls at the reader’s heartstrings in ways only a little boy can. Its conclusion stuck with me for weeks to come, and it worked well for the story.

Recommended for anyone who feels trapped.

--Grace Nask