Secret Saturdays ought to be required reading at middle schools everywhere. Maldonado gives us both voice and heart. His young characters navigate a challenging world with endearing earnestness, lively style, and a heartening desire for true friendship and dignity.

“I'm so disgusting,' I try to argue, but his hands and his voice and his marble …”

“Nah,' I tell her after a while. 'He is more like a brother, you know?'The good …”

“Grace,' my mother tries, just before my frozen hot chocolate comes. I don't ans…”

“I shrug, and then we sit awhile without saying anything. Then he goes, 'Where'd…”