Naked Mole Rat Saves the World

Gr 3-8–Kit (with a small “k”) is a tiny middle grade student who harbors a secret: when she is stressed out, she turns into a naked mole rat, or so she believes. Afflicted with alopecia, kit is commonly compared to the unattractive animal by her mother. Having a dysfunctional mother only causes kit more stress. Clem, kit’s best friend, is a member of her family’s acrobatic team. After Clem becomes badly injured in a live performance with her family, she goes goth. Like many young people, kit copes with anxiety, which is mostly caused by her mother. Turning into a naked mole rat and scurrying for cover are her way of coping. Clem also hides secrets of her own. The two friends find it increasingly difficult to handle their transformations, and the transformations within each other. Readers might find this narrative difficult to follow. The beginning is slow, and the book’s lighthearted cover does not convey the more serious themes. That said, students might enjoy the magical realism.