Ben Washington is the Newbie on the Block

Spiritual Themes

While I had trouble trying to find one single verse to connect with the novel, Ben Washington is the Newbie on the Block conveys a good deal of wisdom.

The plot interacts with questions about what it means to be popular, as well as what it means to have friends. Additionally, while he sometimes misses the point, Ben demonstrates a willingness to listen to his parents’ instruction.

What I Liked

The first title in the new Ben Washington series is simply delightful. It was a quick read and I usually enjoy the satisfaction of finishing a book in one sitting. About half-way through this one, I asked myself if I wanted to gulp the rest down or save some for later. I decided to finish reading, and it was such a fun book!

A new author, Mullens has a fantastic command of voice. Even though she’s writing from the perspective of a twelve-year-old boy, the voice is thoroughly believable. As an adult reader who regularly interacts with kids who are just a little bit older than Ben, I feel that Mullens does a great job evoking the way kids speak, today. The writing felt strongly “familiar” to me, in the sense of resembling conversations with teens. I think readers in this age group will have no trouble relating to Ben Washington!

Message

As the “new kid on the block,” Ben spends a lot of time grappling with feelings of displacement. This experience is heightened by the fact that his new community is almost entirely white. Ben finds a friend in his classmate Kenny, but also encounters stereotyping (his peers start calling him “Lebron,” for no apparent reason).

As Ben balances the double-challenges of being new and being profiled, the book’s message about dignity is beautiful. Ben’s parents consistently remind him about his value and identity.

Likewise, the message of dignity is illustrated through a subplot involving a stranger that Ben encounters.

Own Voices

This is an Own Voices novel, and I’m happy to see the representation with an African American family, especially in the context of an all-white neighborhood. I think this is a valuable read for Black kids, as well as for kids of other races/ethnicities who may benefit from reading about another experience.

Family Relationships

Ben’s story showcases his relationship with his parents. I enjoyed reading about the familial relationship, and I also appreciate books, in this cultural moment, that aren’t afraid to offer a family emphasis. We meet Ben’s mom and his dad, we learn about his “expected” baby sister (and there’s a really sweet passage about that term being used for pregnancy), and we even get some detail on Ben’s extended family: his late great-uncle, plus the family members with whom he usually shares Thanksgiving.

I really liked watching Ben interact with his parents. While he occasionally feels tempted to talk back, it’s clear that his parents are raising him well. (And there are some funny lines about why he wouldn’t dare talk back). Ben’s mom is loving, encouraging and funny, with solid boundaries. His dad is doing an excellent job of teaching him what it means to be a man.

Booker, Tea, Washington

The Washingtons move to Radnor Falls because Ben’s dad is taking over his late uncle’s bookstore: Booker, Tea, Washington. This shop is absolutely delightful and a place I would very much like to visit. It was one of my favorite things about the book.

Content Notes

As mentioned above, Ben occasionally feels tempted to talk back to his parents, but does not. It is clear that this behavior would NOT be condoned.

Ben experiences frequent bullying and eventually retaliates. I think the author handled this well! (Spoilers below)

Recommendation Status

Ben Washington is… The Newbie on the Block is an excellent debut novel from Jasmine Mullen. I’m certainly looking forward to the second book in the series!

Recommended for middle grade readers, in general! I think this title would appeal to boys and girls, especially those who enjoy books about friendship or who are also experiencing a family move.