Michael Leali’s Matteo is a contemporary spin on Pinocchio and The Giving Tree, but in a less-problematic, overall better way.

Eleven year old Matteo just wants to grow a little so he can be a better baseball player. But the leaves, twigs, and bark growing out of his body is not what he had in mind. Matteo sets out to discover why this is happening, all while keeping it from his overprotective parents.

Matteo isn’t just dealing with treeing out, he’s also facing bullies, learning how to stand up for himself, and figuring out his feelings for his friend/former friend, Omar. That’s an awful lot for any eleven year old, let alone one who starts sprouting anytime he’s hiding something.

Each of these themes is handled in an age-appropriate and accessible way for young readers. While treeing out may not be on the average ten or eleven year old’s radar, learning the difference between friend feelings and crush feelings certainly is, along with dealing with unkindness and figuring out how to tell your parents who you are when you’re worried they won’t accept you.

Also, can we just take a moment to appreciate the eleven year old narrator here? So often, especially in books featuring boys as the main character, the character is much older. These younger middle grade readers really need this age group represented, and I’m grateful to have Matteo modeling what to do– and what not to do (if the main character always does the right thing, there’s not a lot of story there and kids are way less likely to relate!).

Matteo and his friends are delightful to spend time with. From Azura, the burgeoning filmmaker, to Omar, the former friend who could maybe be a friend again, Matteo’s world is populated with well-developed characters whose paths overlap in interesting and unique ways.

The town of Creekside isn’t just the setting, it’s practically a character unto itself (and those who have read the book will get this wink!). It’s a small town where everyone knows everyone else’s business, and that can be a good thing and a not so good thing. The pros and cons of living in, and leaving, this small town are explored.

Overall, this is a fun read with a thought-provoking plot. Matteo is perfect for fans of Luca (small town adventures with high stakes and great friends, plus being true to oneself) and stories with a bit of magic set in our world.

Matteo is available now. You can purchase this title from Bookshop.org here. Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org. I will earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you click through and make a purchase.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Children’s Books, and Michael Leali for an e-arc such that I could share my honest opinions.