A shining and rare example of boy friendship in the MG world. The fact Matt and Eric never succumb to hiding or changing their friendship to please others shows how strong it really is. The world can look a little different than they describe. Their discussions around Matt leave him with a a lot to think about. 
Matt’s parents are great supportive characters (and not divorced!). What is being masculine? It’s what every boy must face in our society and they need to read this book to make it easier for them. 
He’s a bright, sensitive, normal kid with fears and a quest to be a good person.
Matt’s first person narration is a perfect look into the mind of a sixth grade boy. Was that me wiping my eyes?īOOK BIRTHDAY: 10-06-20 PAGE COUNT: 272 FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT THE BOYS IN THE BACK ROW by Mike Jung The final scenes as the two say goodbye are ones to cherish. Well, what could go wrong does go wrong in the last 25% of the story. What’s more important is making sure the plan to meet their comic book author-hero will work. Matt and Eric survive the taunts because they have to in their honest kid like way. The other bully is more likeable but also has a mean side. He also pours on the racist comments to Matt who is Korean American. One makes the loud, but wrong assumption they are gay. 
But the year has a few bumps in the road given the nature of two bullies. They both play bass drum in the back row. The first three fourths of The Boys in the Back Row is about their sixth grade year-playing in the K-8 school’s band and orchestra, right where they first became friends in 4th grade. Of course, their final adventure together is more than just that-really, it’s a way for the boys to celebrate their friendship, and their honest love and support for one another. Here’s the official synopsis:īest friends Matt and Eric are hatching a plan for one big final adventure together before Eric moves away: during the marching band competition at a Giant Amusement Park, they will sneak away to a nearby comics convention and meet their idol-a famous comic creator. Narrator Matt is on the right with best buddy Eric sitting next to him. What makes this new entry into the category even better: It’s a rare look at the deep friendship between two sixth grade boys. One of my favorite genres is a good old present day contemporary.
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