An upper middle grade story with three distinct alternating viewpoints. Each main character shares the reasons for their frequent absences from school, each choosing the format that suits them best.

Manny conveys his world through lyric based words. He loves to write those lyrics and skateboard. His dad is in jail, mom disappeared many years ago and he doesn’t receive much motivation from teachers. He lives with his grandparents.

Calvin’s passion is drawing cartoons. His father has given him too many responsibilities like caring for his two younger brothers. He rarely makes it to school on time, if at all.

Liam wants to be a doctor so school should his thing. The problem is a relentless bully has him frequently hiding out in an unused janitor’s closet and missing class. His emotional thoughts are told in the familiar text-based format.

The three boys normally wouldn’t have anything to do with each other, but now are in after-school detention together. They begin to share their own lives and discover new friendship with the others.

This way of communicating the plot is unique, utilizing three very different formats that each make the tale move along nicely. Once I got used to the story telling changes, it turned into an emotional ride. Absenteeism continues to be a problem in schools. Although this particular middle school didn’t handle the situation like many real ones do, the emotions of each character won me over. ABSENT is best for 6th grade and up due to the occasional use of inappropriate words.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: Sept. 1, 2026. PAGES: 304

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: ABSENT by Rex Ogle

1. A librarian becomes the helpful adult for Liam. She initially doesn’t report the bullying, which is rather opposite of what happens in today’s schools, but the end result is positive.
2. The story might help others who face absenteeism. A perfect starting point for discussion is accomplished by reading ABSENT.
3. Readers will have their favorite story telling method but mine had to be Liam’s emotional journal entries.
4. A great reminder to teachers that life at home and school can be very different. Support on both sides is the key.
5. The subject of absenteeism has never been so thoroughly explored in any middle grade book. I applaud the author for taking this issue and putting it in a format that will be popular with upper middle graders.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

REX OGLE is an award-winning author of more than a hundred books, comics, graphic novels, and memoirs—most notably Free Lunch (winner of the ALA/YALSA award for Excellence in Non-Fiction), Abuela Don’t Forget Me (ALA/YALSA award for Excellence in Non-Fiction finalist), Road Home (a Micheal Printz Honor and Stonewall Honor book), and middle grade graphic novels Four Eyes and Pizza Face.  

Under his pseudonym REY TERCIERO, he also re-imagines classics as modern and diverse graphic novels, including Meg, Jo, Beth, & Amy, Northranger (nominated for both Harvey and GLAAD Media Awards), and Dan in Green Gables (nominated for a GLAAD Media Award).

Born and raised in Texas, Rex now lives in Los Angeles where he writes every day—when he’s not reading X-Men, gaming with friends, or chasing his dog, Toby, trying to score a hug. (AUTHOR WEBSITE)

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