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Description
When three middle school boys are thrown together in detention, they realize they might still have a lot to learn—not just from their teachers, but from each other.
With a dad in jail and a lack of teachers interested in helping him learn, Manny doesn't see the point in anything besides skateboarding and writing lyrics. Calvin has so many responsibilities to his father and little brothers that when his bike is stolen, he can't make it to school on time. And while Liam is studious and wants to become a doctor, he is tormented by bullies and hides out in an unused janitor's closet instead of going to class.
Absent tells the boys' stories in three distinct voices: Manny's in verse, Calvin's as a comic, and Liam's as a prose journal. Printz Award Honoree and YALSA Nonfiction Award winner Rex Ogle explores school absenteeism in a compelling, entertaining, and utterly distinct novel.
Publication date
September 01, 2026
Genre
Fiction
Page Count
304
ISBN-13
9781324124894
Publisher
Norton Young Readers
BISAC categories
JUV039060 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship JUV008000 - Juvenile Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | General JUV035000 - Juvenile Fiction | School & Education JUV057000 - Juvenile Fiction | Stories in Verse (see also Poetry)
Publishers Weekly
Starred Review
Alternating between rhythmic verse, introspective journal entries, and humor-infused comics by debut illustrator Baptiste, Ogle (Fruitcake) delivers an exceptional mixed-media novel narrated by three middle school classmates. After his father is imprisoned, 13-year-old Manny Fueyo doesn't see the point of going to school, instead skipping class to write in his Book O'Rhyme$ at the skate park. Honors student Liam Miller, meanwhile, loves learning ("Science is my jam"), though he spends more time hiding in a library storage closet from bullies--and enduring the terrifying "breathless sensation" he experiences following encounters with his tormentors--than in class. And while eldest child Calvin Johnson Jr. loves drawing, he often misses art class to care for his younger siblings while their single father works long hours. When the trio receive detention for their habitual truancy, their resulting bond inspires Manny to find his voice as a rap lyricist, Liam to seek help with his bullies and his panic attacks, and Cal to self-advocate at home. Empathetic depictions of supportive adults wrestling with their own challenges (kind grandparents, an apologetic father, a teacher who reveres Tupac, a tattooed librarian) combine with innovative storytelling and the kids' distinct voices, adding texture to a nuanced portrait of absenteeism that thoughtfully centers working-class families. Ages 10-14. Author's agent: Brent Taylor, Triada US. (Sept.)
Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
Kirkus Reviews
Starred Review
Brilliantly executed; a tender yet unflinching look at students who often, tragically, slip between the cracks.
Rex Ogle is the author of Free Lunch, recipient of the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults. His original graphic novel series, Four Eyes, is based on the highs and lows of his middle-school years growing up in Texas. Under the pen name Rey Terciero, he authored Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy as well as Swan Lake: Quest for the Kingdoms. Before becoming a full-time writer, Rex worked as an editor in New York for many years and championed a number of licensed titles, including the New York Times bestsellers Star Wars: Jedi Academy, Secret Hero Society: Study Hall of Justice, and Neil Patrick Harris's The Magic Misfits. Rex now writes full time from his home in California. When he's not busy writing, Rex can be found hiking with his dog, playing Mario Kart with his friends, or reading a new favorite book. Learn more about Rex at rexogle.com.
Dave Valeza grew up in Covina, California, after emigrating with his family from Manila, Philippines. Pursuing his love of drawing, Dave earned a bachelor's degree in illustration and a master's degree in sequential art. He's a passionate visual storyteller, and he especially loves drawing people, fashion, and technology. In his spare time, Dave enjoys biking and doodling around Savannah, Georgia, where he lives with his husband, cat, and dog. Find out more about Dave and his work at davevaleza.com.
Rex Ogle es el autor de Almuerzo gratis, galardonado con el Premio YALSA a la Excelencia en No Ficción para Jóvenes Adultos. Su serie original de novelas gráficas, Cuatro ojos, se basa en los altibajos de sus años de escuela secundaria en Texas. Bajo el seudónimo de Rey Terciero, es autor de Meg, Jo, Beth y Amy, así como de El lago de los cisnes: La búsqueda de los reinos. Antes de dedicarse por completo a la escritura, Rex trabajó como editor en Nueva York durante muchos años. Actualmente escribe a tiempo completo desde su casa en California. Cuando no está escribiendo, se le puede encontrar haciendo senderismo con su perro, jugando Mario Kart con sus amigos o leyendo un libro nuevo. Más información en rexogle.com.
Dave Valeza creció en Covina, California, tras emigrar con su familia desde Manila, Filipinas. Dave obtuvo una licenciatura en ilustración y una maestría en arte secuencial. Es un apasionado narrador visual y le encanta dibujar personas, moda y tecnología. En su tiempo libre, disfruta paseando en bicicleta y dibujando en Savannah, Georgia, donde vive con su esposo, su gato y su perro. Más información en davevaleza.com.
