Review by Booklist Review
Sixth-grader Felix Fine is shorter than average. It doesn't bother him; he enjoys displaying his collection of T-shirts with snappy one-liners about being short. At a doctor's appointment, his mother mentions that Felix's biological father wasn't very tall, which reignites his curiosity about the father who left when he was a baby. His mother puts him off--again--but Felix won't give up this time. Bolstered by the skills he picks up at the forensic-science club at school, Felix starts his investigation while keeping his activities secret from his mother and stepfather, Paul. He feels a little bad about this because he likes Paul, and he's looking forward to meeting his new baby sister when she is born. Still, he searches anyway. It's risky, and he manages to hurt or annoy just about everyone he knows. He redeems himself, however, through sheer honesty and accepting responsibility. Felix's personality meshes perfectly with the story; he has grit to spare. This is a fresh and funny read that sells itself, and it demonstrates that there is more than one way to grow.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3--6--Ever the optimist about his short stature, 11-year-old Felix has a growth hormone deficiency that requires shots to help him grow. Unsure as to why he's so short, Felix asks his mom about his biological father whom he's never met. Felix's mother isn't ready to talk about it as she is preoccupied with a baby on the way and with her husband, Paul. Paul does his best to include Felix in the family activities, but Felix can't help wondering if he'll ever stop feeling like "an extra puzzle piece." At school, things seem to be clicking with the Forensic Science Club he's joined; he's made new friends and learned a lot about gathering evidence and clues. He's hoping to use those skills and locate his biological father before he has to decide if he wants to take his stepfather's last name. Written from Felix's perspective, the story keeps a steady pace as it alternates between school and home, giving a firsthand account of what it's like to be young and faced with decisions that are difficult to navigate. VERDICT Engaging and heartfelt, Van Vleet's title delivers big on the feels. Anyone who's ever been made to feel small will benefit from hearing Felix's story.--Tracy Cronce
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Felix has many T-shirts poking fun at his small stature: "YOU GOTTA HAND IT TO SHORT PEOPLE (BECAUSE THEY USUALLY CAN'T REACH ANYWAY)." Sixth grader Felix has a lot going on. There's a baby sister due in a few months, he's taking growth hormones (for a pituitary deficiency) although he is perfectly happy being a short kid, and he knows nothing about his biological dad, though he really wants to. Felix joins the Forensic Science Club at school (their motto: "To a great mind, nothing is little.--Sherlock Holmes") and realizes he can apply what he learns there to finding out more about his father. He also sets his sights on going to the district tournament; he and his teammates each have their reasons for wanting to succeed. Felix hopes his father will see him in the newspaper and come find him. Ray wants to persuade his accountant father that Math Club isn't the only thing of value. Casey, who lives in the shadow of her sister's softball successes, would love to finally win her own trophy. And Priya just wants to prove to her other friends that becoming a medical examiner isn't a weird ambition. But what happens when winning matters too much? The author's afterword about growth hormone deficiency is an informative, insightful addition to an empathetic and well-told story. Most characters present White. A captivating, humorous, and heartfelt story of friendship, family, and crime-solving. (Fiction. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
