Review of Going Overboard by Ava Balas
From the moment I stumbled upon Going Overboard, I knew it was going to strike a chord with me. The blend of middle grade storytelling and themes of familial relationships is always a draw, and I was curious to see how Ava Balas would navigate a narrative that tackles both the chaos of adolescence and the complexities of changing family dynamics. With a clear voice and thoughtful insights, I found myself both entertained and reflective throughout the journey.
At the heart of Going Overboard is Piper, an engaging character whose voice shines brightly on the page. From the very beginning, I appreciated how realistic Piper’s motivations felt, especially as they were deeply tied to zir relationship with zir mom. This connection is particularly poignant for young readers who may be navigating their own challenges with parents who have begun dating again—there’s an undeniable fear of losing connection amidst change. Balas skillfully captures that turbulence, making Piper’s inner world relatable and vivid.
However, while Piper’s emotional landscape was well-constructed, I did encounter some plot-driven hiccups that detracted from my overall enjoyment. There were moments when Piper’s decisions felt oddly forced, like when ze latched onto the idea of breaking up the moms solely because a friend suggested it later. The resolution, too, felt rushed—as if the author was eager to tie up the dangling threads without giving us a deeper dive into the rich, complex relationships at play. I truly wished for a slower pace regarding character development; characters like Tru, who could have been compelling as a Black transfemme figure, ultimately felt underdeveloped and somewhat token.
The writing style was a double-edged sword for me. Piper’s clear and often mature voice made for wonderful moments of personal reflection, yet it also made some of the sillier plot points stand out awkwardly. Certain scenes seemed to rush by, glossing over opportunities for deeper introspection. I believe this choice aligns with the middle grade genre’s pace, but as someone who tends to favor character-focused narratives, I found myself craving more depth and exploration of moments that could have been rich in meaning.
Despite my critiques, I want to emphasize that Going Overboard is genuinely a lot of fun. It’s packed with humor and a charm that’s both engaging and relatable. At its core, the book celebrates friendship, identity, and the rollercoaster of family life, and for many readers, that will resonate deeply. The overall experience was enjoyable enough that I rounded my rating up to 3.5 stars; my disagreements are largely rooted in personal preference rather than flaws in the fundamental story.
I would recommend Going Overboard to middle grade readers eager to explore themes of change and self-identity while finding companionship in Piper’s journey. Young readers navigating similar familial transitions, or who simply enjoy humorous and heartfelt tales, will likely find a friend in this book. This experience has reminded me of the beauty in exploring personal journeys, even when the path isn’t perfectly paved. It’s a lively reminder of the messiness of growing up, and I can’t wait to see where Ava Balas’s storytelling will lead us next.