MAKING PLANS FOR NIGEL BINTY

Alternating chapters chronicle the last months of sixth grade for a serious, anxious boy and a strong, angry girl.

Nigel Binty’s parents have split up. His longtime best friend, Milo Birch, has new friends now, and Nigel feels like he keeps failing the first step of their middle school survival plan: “Don’t Do Anything Weird.” Glory Bea Medford, newly arrived in Nigel’s class, tells her own part of the story in letters addressed to the father who’s deeply disappointed her, whom she addresses as “Rev.” Glory Bea left Tennessee to live with her Aunt Pauline in Maryland, far away from where Reverend Bartholomew Rhys Medford is serving time in prison after stealing from his church. When Glory Bea’s secret gets out at school—and it’s Nigel’s fault—he finds that his worries and chronic stomachaches surprisingly fade away as he tries to focus on a plan to repair the damage and show Glory Bea that she has an ally in him. Stout portrays Nigel’s introspection and anxiety authentically. His unhappiness is both deeply poignant and darkly humorous. Glory Bea’s forthright, essential goodness allows her to show Nigel the kindness and understanding both children need. Stout’s latest is a genuine, believable look at the way a single connection can be redemptive, even in what can feel like the worst time of one’s life. The cast largely presents white.

Beautifully wrought; convincing, affirming, and entertaining.