Starred Review ALA Booklist

Starred Review Electro-sensitive Ollie and eyeless Moritz and his pacemaker return in a sequel that is darker than Because You'll Never Meet Me (a 2016 Morris Honor Book), and the boys' affectionate epistolary relationship continues. As Ollie bravely travels out of his Michigan woods to meet other blunderkind, or blunderkids like himself, he is eager yet apprehensive about his mission to write their stories. In Chicago, he meets Arthur, who is bizarrely tall and has regenerative bones that are as brittle as chalk; and in suburban Ohio, he meets Bridget, who removes her heart from her body when she no longer wants to feel. Meanwhile, Moritz bumps into dual-mouthed Molly, who is the most popular actress at Myriad, their creative-arts high school. Ollie and Moritz, in unforgettable and distinct voices, discover worlds they never dreamed they could be part of. Their raw emotions and new confidences tumble out in a more intimate and personal exchange as they realize their capabilities and cross boundaries. In this character-driven installment that cries for a third volume, Thomas allows her characters to be like any other teens ever, fearful, curious, and determined, while questioning their place in society. A fantastic novel that will be especially resonant for readers who struggle with being or feeling outside of "normal."

Horn Book

Ollie and Moritz leave their relatively secluded lives to find more "Blunderkinder," genetically engineered young people with strange disabilities and enhanced abilities. They need help from Moritz's scientist mother, but neither Ollie in America nor Moritz in Germany can track her down. A meandering, less-memorable sequel to Because You'll Never Meet Me.

Kirkus Reviews

Two mutant boys search for answers about their increasingly erratic powers as they continue the correspondence begun in Because You'll Never Meet Me (2015). Readers may wish to review the previous novel before starting this one, as Ollie, a white American teen, and Moritz, a German boy of Turkish descent, pick up bickering and pep-talking right where they left off, and preceding events and characters receive little introduction. This time, the literally electromagnetic Ollie's exuberant letters are written from the road as he and Dr. Auburn-Stache drive across America to meet other "Blunderkids," including a boy who regenerates his brittle bones and a girl with a removable heart. (Their back stories are brief but fascinating.) But roadblocks ensue; his power has become conspicuous and destructive, and everyone seems to know more about the Blunderkids than he does. Eyeless Moritz's emotional echolocation, meanwhile, is suddenly broadcasting his turbulent feelings to everyone he meets. Worst of all, Blunderkids are dying. The boys' communication is fraught with secrecy, frustration, and sympathetically awkward tension (Moritz is gay and loves Ollie, but Ollie is straight). Even so, they rely on each other for courage and perspective. Their letters alternately withhold and reveal critical information, culminating in a shocking revelation that will leave readers waiting eagerly for the next letter. Part mad science, part convincing portrayal of the volatile, resilient nature of friendship and grief—and that, as Ollie says, is not science fiction. (Science fiction. 14 & up)

School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-This follow-up to Morris Award finalist Because You'll Never Meet Me picks up the story of pen pals Ollie and Moritz right where the previous novel left off. Separated by an oceanand by unusual health conditions that could threaten both of their lives should they ever meetthe teenage boys continue to exchange letters as they encounter new challenges and uncover more secrets about the laboratory where they spent time as children. For the first time in his life, Ollie has left his isolated cabin in the woods to join his doctor on a road trip to visit other experimental "Blunderkids" from the lab. Meanwhile, Moritz is adjusting to life at a new school as well as a burgeoning relationship with fellow student Owen, who is deaf. As in the first book, the strength of the tale lies in the unique bond between Ollie and Moritz, both of whom are forced to confront their limitations and face their fears about their relative places in the world. The boys' voices remain distinct, and the dual narration once again helps to build tension, though the story loses some of the freshness and novelty of the first one. More firmly rooted in science fiction, the tale also ventures toward the allegorical, which feels a bit heavy-handed at times, and the ending leaves loose a few threads that beg for a third installment. VERDICT Fans of the first volume will likely enjoy reading this new chapter in Ollie's and Moritz's lives.— Lauren Strohecker, McKinley Elementary School, Elkins Park, PA

Voice of Youth Advocates

In her sequel to Because You’ll Never Meet Me (Bloomsbury, 2015/VOYA August 2015), Thomas expands on the friendship between Ollie and Moritz as Ollie leaves the woods and travels to meet other teens who are the products of Moritz’s mother’s mad-scientist lab. This sequel cannot be easily understood without having read the first book. New readers will enjoy getting to know Ollie and Moritz, but there are unexplained references and missing background. Ollie and Moritz continue to be compelling characters, struggling to figure out how to use their talents while living within their limitations. In many ways, they are no different than most teens, just a few steps further along the continuum. Thomas leaves the ending open for another book: Moritz is still in the middle of his quest to find his mother, and Ollie has returned to the woods, but it seems unlikely he will stay there. In addition to the eternal question about finding a place in the world, the book raises questions about disability, medical ethics, responsibility, and love. It is similar to Ambelin Kwaymullina’s The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf (Candlewick, 2014/ VOYA April 2014) in its exploration of how the exceptional fit into our world. It is also similar to A.S. King’s I Crawl Through It (Little, Brown, 2015/VOYA August 2015) in its use of the voices of multiple teens in extreme situations. Students who enjoyed those books or Mary Pearson’s The Adoration of Jenna Fox (Macmillan, 2008/ VOYA August 2008) will find this series equally enthralling.—Suzanne Libra.