4.25 ( )

This book is a delightfully queer middle grade novel about a relatable and sweet feminine protagonist, with some neurodivergent qualities. I will handsell this, and particularly recommend it for classrooms. ( )

Due to redistricting, Hazel is starting a new school while her best friend Becca is staying at the old one.

Also, Hazel's mother, Mimi, is pregnant for the third time. The first two babies didn't come to term so Hazel is worried about Mimi's health and what will happen if the same thing occurs.

Hazel's Theory of Evolution is a very readable book discussing friendship, sexual orientation, pregnancy, self confidence, self discovery. ( )

Y'all I'm in tears right now. In a lot of ways, Hazel's asexuality and aromanticism were such a small part of this book but god I wish I had this rep as a kid. I wish I had someone like Mimi who could recognize what I was(n't) feeling and tell me "There are so many good ways to be in this world." I love that even if Hazel doesn't fully get it yet, Mimi is still determined not to let it go unsaid because she'll get it eventually. And she'll remember that conversation and know her mom supports her and who she is and what she wants and just. This is some damn fine aroace rep for kids. I'm not gonna get over it anytime soon.

Like this is basically everything I've wanted to see in a kid's book since I figured out my sexuality. Representation at all stages of life is so. fucking. important. Finding your place in the world and a full understanding of yourself is so hard when you don't know what all the options are. When no one tells you it's okay to just opt out. That other people's experiences don't have to be your own. I'm just so glad this book exists for kids today. It's a gift to the world that I'm so grateful we were given. ( )

As I began reading, I thought I’d be rating this 4 stars. But by the end of the book, I thought, “4.5, or even 5, stars are more accurate!” This novel covers a lot of ground (loss of friendships, blended families, issues faced by the LGBTQ community, miscarriages, etc), and I wondered if the story would lack depth due to this breadth, but it is so feel-good and honest that I genuinely loved it by the end. It will be a great addition to my MG library. ( )