Common Sense Media Review
By Julian Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Boy explores sexuality, faces bullies in tender finale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
FRUITCAKE catches up with Rex Ogle as he begins his eighth-grade year of middle school. Romantic sparks fly between fellow students but Rex is confused. When he spent the last days of summer with his long-term childhood friend, Drew, his heart raced, making him question his sexuality. But he also really likes new classmate Charlotte. His journey is not an easy one. Between dealing with homophobic bullying, a pastor who says homosexuality a sin, and the paranoia of trying to "fit in," Rex makes some hurtful choices he'll need to learn from in order to become the confident, assured person he wants to be. But one thing's for sure: these are days he'll remember for the rest of his life.
Is It Any Good?
This heartfelt, funny, and endearing conclusion is the best of the series yet. Fruitcake shows young Rex to be an introspective, complicated kid readers will relate to as he tries to figure out his sexuality. Ogle's sensitive narrative and art by Dave Valeza and Ash Szymanik will delight readers as they paint a true-feeling picture of the highs and lows of middle school romance. Readers who have faced bullying or feared being bullied by their peers, or queer and questioning readers who've struggled to find a safe way to come out (and safe people to come out to) will find this story comforting and hopeful. Based on the author's real-life memoirs of his middle school years, Ogle crafts a charming, relatable character throughout all three books of the series. Fruitcake makes Rex even more sympathetic as he agonizes over his attractions and how people may perceive him as a queer person, and makes big mistakes when it comes to friends. The positive example of Rex discovering pride for who he is, finding the courage and empowerment to express himself, standing up to bullying, and persevering in the face of homophobia will help inspire readers to do the same. An intensely satisfying and sincere conclusion to the Four Eyes trilogy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Fruitcake is a story about perseverance. Rex continues to explore who he is, learns more about himself, and finds the confidence to live his life the way he wants. Reflect on a time when you had to work hard to figure out something important about yourself. How have things worked out? What character strengths did you use to figure things out?
Rex's curiosity about his sexual identity drives the narrative of the story. What was a moment in your life that sparked your curiosity about yourself? How has it shaped your life moving forward?
Near the end of the story, Rex inspired courage, integrity, and compassion among his friends when he stood up to Chase and Ramon who were bullying Kyle. Have you ever stood up for another student who was bullied? How did it affect others? If not, was there ever time you wanted to but didn't? What did you learn from that?
Rex learns to communicate honestly with his peers. Rex was pulled between acting ‘straight' to avoid anti-gay bullying and accepting his sexuality with confidence. When he does finally come out as queer, he's able to find the words to apologize to Charlotte and Kyle for wronging them while he was figuring things out for himself. What do you find difficult about sharing your feelings honestly? When has open and honest communication repaired a friendship or relationship?
Have you ever been teased or bullied by someone who doesn't like your skin color or your body, chastises your religion, or who doesn't want you to express your sexuality? If so, how did you manage? What has helped and what hasn't? Who can you got o for support?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrators : Dave Valeza , Ash Szymanik
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Courage , Curiosity , Gratitude , Humility , Integrity , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Graphix
- Publication date : April 7, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 12
- Number of pages : 240
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated : April 8, 2026
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