The Anti-Book

Lively interstitial illustrations show the White tween in both realistic and fantastical settings . . . Short sentences and a fast-moving plot will especially appeal to reluctant readers. A bubble-gum story disguising some real substance. 

A sweetly silly but satisfying concoction. 

Twelve-year-old Mickey, portrayed as pale and freckled in Scruton's cartoonish b&w art, is constantly angry--at his 15-year-old sister Alice and her cruel 17-year-old bodybuilder boyfriend, at his divorcing parents and their new partners, at nearly everything. Then, in a pack of bubble gum, he finds a coupon for the Anti-Book, a blank journal with the inscription "to erase it, write it." Whatever Mickey lists in the book vanishes: his house, school, and family, until he's transported to the bizarre Anti-World, where he encounters twisted reflections--often opposites--of everything he erased. For one, his big sister is now little: three inches tall. To escape the Anti-World, the siblings must travel through the realms of Bad, Sad, and Mad to confront its ruler, the Bubble Gum King. With this fast-paced, humorous adventure, Simon (also known as Pseudonymous Bosch) explores the complicated interplay of negative emotions as Mickey learns to confront his shifting "states of mind" and cope with the world around him. Uneven writing strengthens once Mickey enters the Anti-World, and a subplot in which Mickey deals with "the word 'gay' (as a dis)" opens the door for conversations about identity and tolerance. Ages 8-12. Agent: Sarah Burnes, the Gernert Co. (Apr.)

Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 5 Up--"Get lost!" is Mickey's regular response to his parents, older sister Alice, and even his dog Noodle. The 12-year-old's attitude stems from his sister's bullying boyfriend who constantly taunts Mickey, claiming everything he does is "gay," as well as his parent's recent divorce announcement. Mickey's one joy is chewing Bubble Gum King gum, and occasionally using the mail-in coupons for cheap prizes such as the "Anti-Book." When he receives this journal-like book it states only, "To erase it, write it." Mickey quickly scribbles down hundreds of people, places, and things, awakening the next morning to find himself in his created Anti-World, where things are not gone but topsy-turvy. His sister's boyfriend has turned into a car, his big sister is now the size of his thumb, and cacti are attacking him. Is this a dream or a nightmare? And how will Mickey fix it all? This is a contemporary, quirky escape from the adolescent doldrums. From page one, tween readers are ensnared with Mickey's relatable life. Simon's omniscient narrator speaks to readers with equal parts humor, sarcasm, and intrigue. Short, quick-moving chapters, filled with dialogue and action, will keep the interest of its target audience. Mickey's Anti-World is confusing, weird, and defies logic, authentically mimicking a tween mindset while also working as Mickey's emotional catharsis. Simon focuses on Mickey's development as a whole person, of which sexuality is a minor component. Reminiscent of Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Mickey eventually comes to terms with his sexuality and his parents' divorce, ultimately achieving self-confidence. VERDICT Highly recommended for libraries; the strange, fantastical nature of this book is a fresh and welcome remix of the coming-of-age genre.--Mary-Brook J. Townsend, The McGillis Sch., Salt Lake City

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"This book will move you, make you laugh, and change the way you think. A mind-bending experience, unlike anything you've ever read before." —Adam Gidwitz, author of The Inquisitor's Tale

"This exciting, clever, and ultimately moving book deserves a place on the same shelf as our most beloved children's fantasies." —Trenton Lee Stewart, author of The Mysterious Benedict Society

"Wildly original. Witty. Whimsical. This book is clever and full of good humor. Kids (and their parents) will love it. —Holly Goldberg Sloan, author of Counting by 7s

"Quirky, snarky, and fast-paced. I'm very much pro The Anti-Book. I loved it!" —Chris Grabenstein, author of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library

"Rafi Simon has created a wildly inventive world and a story that is both deep and deeply funny." —Stuart Gibbs, author of Spy School