Young Carlos Gomez is having trouble fitting in at his new school. He's the only Hispanic student in his class. He likes to do things with flair, especially when it comes to his fashion choices. Though not very athletic, he's an amazing artist. Carlos has a lisp and along with his love of the color pink, his sister's wigs and glam rock, he's bullied and called 'gay' by most of his peers. The lad also has some sort of panic disorder or is epileptic, because he often has to calm his breathing and sometimes faints.
Carlos' dad has just joined a civic group similar to the Lions Club. His first task is to manage the upcoming talent show which is a big fundraiser for the group. This means dad picks who gets to perform in the talent show and Carlos really wants to be a part of it. Sadly, Carlos is quite a bit clumsy and all of his ideas don't turn out as planned.
When Carlos meets a new kid in school with amazing feathered hair, instantly, Carlos feels that he has found a kindred spirit. One day after following his new friend home, Carlos learns that the new kid is a skilled BMX biker and arranges for both of them to perform stunts in the talent show. Only Carlos doesn't know any stunts and despite still having training wheels on his bike, he can't stay upright on it! So maybe Carlos needs to hang out in the back of the stage. But at least he'll get to be a part of the talent show. Now if he can just come up with an amazing costume for the event.
Carlos Gomez Freestyles ... Heavy on the Styles is a semi-autobiographical. Creator Chuck Gonzalez based the story on his own life as the only Hispanic kid when his family moved to a new place. I appreciate at the beginning of this book that Chuck Gonzalez lays out his background in this book. He talks about his early struggles figuring out gender identity. He tells the reader that he is gay and happily married to another gentleman in the Chicago area. Plus he dives into how he was bullied and ostracized by a mostly white community.
So there should not be anything in this book that is a surprise for any parents. If a parent or guardian reads the back cover description and the author's forward, they will know immediately if the book's subject matter is right for the young readers in their life or not.
As for me, I thought that the quality of the artwork was lively. A mix of Mexican, New Mexican and Midwest art styles. The story wasn't preachy. Considering how everything wraps up in a nice tiny package of acceptance, I do feel like the story was a bit too much of a fairy tale. But I liked the optimism that promotes a possible future where people's differences don't divide with hostility as in today's current culture.
I was a big fan of the dialogue between Carlos and his older siblings. They make a great team. And the closing scene where they tease Carlos during the mouse funeral was one of the most cleverly written scenes in comics and graphic novels. Still, after all of this, I have no idea why the kid keeps fainting. Is it just nerves or is it something a bit more worrisome?
This was an adorable book that covers a lot of topics that aren't appropriate across the board for all age groups. This is definitely a book that should be read by adults before they decide if their children should. Do one better and read it with them and when questions come up, be ready to answer them openly and honestly. You as a parent may not agree with the subjects in this book. That's okay. Explain to your young readers the reasons why for those differences. Willingness to talk about uncomfortable things is better than sticking your head in the sand waiting until they forget the conversation and move on to something else. As a parent or guardian, wouldn't it be better if little ones hear your opinion instead of from someone else who might not even have a clue what they are talking about.
Worth Consuming!
Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.
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