I am always looking for more books with asexual and/or aromantic representation. I question a lot about myself, so I like finding books that help me feel more seen. I also just really enjoy seeing those identities get more attention! This book has been on my list for a while, since I first heard about it, and I'm thrilled to have finally read it. This review was originally posted on YABooksCentral, so make sure to check it out there as well!
If you're looking for a book with: a lot of self-discovery and doubt, old friends and some new ones, and more emotions than I can handle; this book might be a good choice! Stay safe and happy reading!
Author: Ciera Burch
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: March 17, 2026
Genres: Middle Grade, Magical Realism
Pages: 272
Seventh grade has just started, but Olivia Gray already knows this year is different. Her brother ignores her for his crush, and all her friends talk about is who likes who, something Olivia has never cared about—even when Robbie, the most popular boy in school, asks her to the fall formal. After unknowingly rejecting him, Olivia goes viral on the social app KruShh. As the chatter about Robbie and dating grows, Olivia starts to feel left out to the point of feeling invisible—literally.
Seen only by her new librarian and a friendly kid named Jules, Olivia flickers in and out of sight whenever the topic of romance comes up. As she begins to realize she might be asexual, Olivia struggles to actually use the label because of the negative perception behind it. All she wants is to be normal, but can she really fit in without disappearing completely?
Finish Date: May 24, 2026
Format: Physical
Source: YABooksCentral
Representation: Asexual, Aromantic
Purchase: Publisher, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop
Overall:
Plot:
Writing:
Characters:
Emotions:
It's like everyone started speaking a different language I've never even heard of one day...
Olivia Gray is a fantastic character to follow because she isn’t perfect. She makes mistakes, snaps at people, chooses things that she probably shouldn’t. Not because she’s a bad or selfish character, but because she’s 13. She’s confused and scared and lonely. Ciera Burch gives Olivia Gray the honor of feeling real. It’s fascinating how much you can love and enjoy a character, even when they make decisions that you know aren’t going to end well. Some of her decisions are a bit infuriating, but the author makes sure to center and develop it in a way that makes sense for Olivia as a character. I don't have to like the choices to understand where Olivia is coming from with them.
The supporting characters in this book are fun, but they don’t always feel fully fleshed out and real. There are hints to them, but not enough for them to feel like real people in the same way that Olivia does. However, I still enjoyed the variety of supporting characters we are given in this book. Jules is a personal favorite of mine, but I found myself interested in all the supporting characters at one point or another. I wish there had been more details given about these characters, because I feel like it might have added a bit more to the story and the resolution especially.
This book was a roller coaster of emotions. Moments of joy, but also moments of crushing pain and heartache. I was pleasantly surprised by just how impactful the emotions are. Ciera Burch manages to draw the reader into Olivia's mind, making them understand how she is feeling. It was fantastic, even though I usually prefer books that make me cry less.
The pacing of this book was off, but not enough to make me dislike the book. The first like three-quarters felt evenly paced. It flowed like a nice little river, occasionally disturbed by bumps but never throwing anyone off the raft. The ending though...was not handled the best. The whole situation with Jules progressed way too suddenly and got wrapped in a neat bow with very, very little of explanation and actual resolution. The same thing with Olivia's other friends. I know this book is meant for middle grade readers and friendships can grow and break apart at a rapid pace in middle school. But I still think it's important to have the rough conversations. The apologies not always being accepted.
Ciera Burch manages to approach the topic of asexuality in a very age-appropriate way. I don't see too many books with asexual main characters, even less aimed towards the middle grade demographic. But Ciera Burch manages to tackle this topic beautifully. It never ventures into being inappropriate, centering the feeling of being asexual through a middle grade lens. It focuses more on not having crushes or romance, Olivia wanting to draw and spend time with friends more than go on dates. It's a relatively simple approach to asexuality/aromanticism, but one that fits the vibe and age rating.
Using invisibility to show Olivia's feelings with asexuality and fitting in was fun and brilliant. Olivia feels tingly when her friends describe romance, eventually seeming to disappear entirely. It plays into Olivia’s fears, but it also echoes a feeling that a lot of “different” kids felt. When you don’t see people like you, when you’re told that you’re different or wrong for being who you are, it leaves you feeling invisible. This book just took that feeling and made it literal.
About the Author:
Ciera Burch is a lifelong reader, writer, and ice cream aficionado. She has a B.A from American University and an MFA from Emerson College.
When she’s not reading or writing, she can be found playing Dungeons & Dragons, eating ice cream, and thinking up more spooky stories with Black girls at the center. While she is originally from New Jersey, she currently resides in Washington, D.C with her stuffed animals, plants, and far too many books and D&D dice.
You can find her on her website and on Instagram.
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