I related so much to this book, even as a 29 year old. Growing up, I wanted all the new shoes, clothes, and games the other kids were getting, but I'd have to wait for Christmas or not get them at all because my parents couldn't afford them. I think this is a good book for not only kids with not a lot of money, but also those that have parents with money. This can give them a different perspective as to why they might say no to getting a new game or going going somewhere that requires to pay for a ticket. It will open many kids' eyes to the reality of the world.

Thank you to Netgalley, Charis Mather, and Jolly Fish Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.

The problem with kids is that they don’t know how to communicate and they don’t want their friends to know about how much money their family makes, or what their situation is.

This is the case in this book, where Mason just wants to hang out with his friends, but his family lives hand to mouth, and don’t have extra money for new fancy sneakers, or a gym membership, or even a new computer gaming system.

But rather than admit that to his friends, to explain why he doesn't want to play games with them, or doesn't want to go to the gym, he lies, or stops talking to them.

Or course, talking and communicating is what is needed here, and when he finally does talk it out, his friends understand and try to play on the courts that are free, or play games for older systems.

It is a short quick book, that present the problem, and tries to find the solution, without too much fluff in between.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is being published the 1st of January 2026.