A parent might reach for this book when their teen is navigating the complex grief of losing a parent and feels like an outsider. Kids of Appetite follows Victor, a boy with Moebius syndrome which paralyzes his face, who runs away with his father's ashes to complete a final, cryptic quest. He falls in with a group of misfits, the 'Kids of Appetite,' who help him on his journey, creating a found family as they uncover secrets about Vic's parents and themselves. For older teens (14+), the book tackles profound themes of loss, belonging, friendship, and identity. It’s a powerful choice for its unique voice, authentic representation of disability, and its hopeful message that connection can be found in the most unexpected places.
A murder is a key plot point, and past abuse is described.
LanguageModerate
Contains profanity and swearing consistent with the older YA age range.
Romantic ContentModerate
Includes kissing and conversations about sex.
Substance ReferencesMild
Characters engage in some underage drinking.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with the death of a parent and the grieving process. The approach is secular, focusing on memory, legacy, and the emotional turmoil of loss. The resolution is realistic but hopeful. The protagonist's disability is also handled directly and serves as a key part of his identity and social experience. The story includes a murder and references to past child abuse, making the content serious and mature. The resolution to the central conflict is bittersweet.
Ideal Reader
An older teen (14-17) who feels like an outsider, is processing a significant loss, or enjoys character-driven stories with a blend of humor, romance, and philosophy. A perfect fit for a reader who appreciates the works of John Green or Jeff Zentner and is looking for a story with emotional depth and a unique narrative voice.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware of the mature content, including profanity, underage drinking, discussions of sex, and a murder. The narrative structure, which jumps between the main story and police interviews, might require a moment to get used to. The book is best for a mature reader and can open up conversations about grief, morality, and what it means to build a family. A parent hears their teen say, "No one gets it," or, "I feel completely alone." The teen may be withdrawing from family after a loss or expressing a deep-seated feeling of not fitting in with their peers. This book can provide a mirror for those feelings.
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will likely be drawn to the adventure, the mystery of the quest, and the central romance. An older teen (15-17) will better appreciate the nuanced exploration of grief, parental fallibility, the philosophical questions about life and art, and the social commentary on being an outcast.
What Makes It Special
This book's unique structure, combining first-person narration with police interrogation transcripts, makes it a standout. The authentic and central representation of Moebius syndrome is rare and powerful. It masterfully blends a whimsical scavenger hunt plot with a gritty, realistic crime story, creating a tone that is unlike most other YA novels about grief.
Read plot summary
Victor Benucci, a teen with Moebius syndrome that paralyzes his face, is reeling from his father's recent death. When his mother remarries, Vic discovers his father’s ashes and a list of instructions for scattering them. He runs away and meets a group of outcasts: Mad, Baz, Zuz, and Coco, who call themselves the Kids of Appetite. Together, they embark on a quest to fulfill Vic's father's last wishes. The narrative is framed by police interrogations of Vic and Mad, revealing that their journey culminated in a violent crime.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Vic has Moebius syndrome, meaning he can't physically express emotion on his face. How does this shape his identity and his interactions with others? In what ways does he learn to communicate beyond facial expressions?
2
The Kids of Appetite have created their own 'found family.' What does each member contribute to the group, and what needs does the group fulfill for them? How does this compare to Vic's relationship with his biological family?
3
The story is told through both Vic's narration and transcripts from a police interrogation. How did this structure affect your reading experience and your understanding of the central mystery?
4
Vic's father left behind a very specific quest. Why do you think it was so important for Vic to complete it? What did he learn about his parents' love story, and how did that change his understanding of his father?
5
At one point, a character says, 'We are all part of a mystery, a story still being told.' How does this idea apply to the different characters in the book, especially as they uncover secrets about their pasts?
