katiewhocanread's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Grief
Moderate: Death of parent, Car accident, Medical content, and Bullying
geckosaurus's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I won't let my brain - you know, the most important central organ we all have - I won't let that define me. I'll be defined by my pancreas instead.
I loved Elle McNicoll's book, A Kind of Spark, so I was excited to read this one. Being AuADHD myself, Show Us Who You Are hit me in the feels. Both Cora and Adrien are highly relatable as characters and their friendship was so perfect. It was that magic that happens when we find our neurokin - those folks with similar neuro-type who just get us and are easy to be with.
At first I wasn't entirely sure how the sci-fi element would fully come into play, but when it did it made complete sense with the overarching themes of the book (friendship, grief, neurodiversity, self-acceptance). Having lost a loved one a little less than two years ago myself, grief experienced through the lens of an autistic character was very relatable and comforting.
I loved it.
At first I wasn't entirely sure how the sci-fi element would fully come into play, but when it did it made complete sense with the overarching themes of the book (friendship, grief, neurodiversity, self-acceptance). Having lost a loved one a little less than two years ago myself, grief experienced through the lens of an autistic character was very relatable and comforting.
I loved it.
saramoo's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
isabookabel's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
4.5
Had me in tears multiple times, I love the exploration of friendship, grief and of the neurodivergent experience. Similarly how the ideas of AI in the near future and the ethics surrounding it are examined. What it means to be you. A great introduction into complex ethical and philosophical ideas in a digestible way. Very immersive read yet again. Nearly rated this 5* but think A kind of spark has the edge.
bardicbramley's review against another edition
5.0
Wow.
Once again, Elle McNicoll has absolutely ruined my heart in the best possible way.
I have so many thoughts and emotions right now.
This is why I love reading. Everything about Show Me, and Spark before it, reminds me why I love to read.
I started this book today, and I just didn't want to put it down. I've been struggling to focus on reading (or really anything) since Christmas, so that says an awful lot about this story.
By a third of the way I could feel my eyes watering, and for the remaining two thirds, it persisted with a strength I had forgotten I could feel. The emotional roller coaster that I went on reading this was intense; but also, beautifully raw. It maintained such a careful and perfect balance that never tipped into numb or confusing, but constantly prised just a little bit more empathy as you worked your way through the mystery.
Knowing that this book was written during the covid-19 pandemic, as well as still living in lockdown during reading, likely made this story that much stronger for me. The pain that the world collectively had been though, as well as the grief of those individuals greatly affected, can be felt with every word.
I have been following Elle McNicoll on twitter since I read Spark, and I am aware that she suffered a painful loss that led to writing this. I can feel that honest love in every word. The creation of this book feels to me to be so much more than a beautiful story; it is an act of love. Both to those the author has lost, and of self love.
I can't honestly tell you if McNicoll is simply a genius with her skill for writing, or if reading a fellow autistic author's work somehow connects to me in a different way, but I am utterly in awe of her art.
I will likely read this again from the viewpoint of a teacher once I have recovered, but for now, I would highly recommend for anyone, of any age, as a novel or power, grief and self-acceptance alone.
Once again, Elle McNicoll has absolutely ruined my heart in the best possible way.
I have so many thoughts and emotions right now.
This is why I love reading. Everything about Show Me, and Spark before it, reminds me why I love to read.
I started this book today, and I just didn't want to put it down. I've been struggling to focus on reading (or really anything) since Christmas, so that says an awful lot about this story.
By a third of the way I could feel my eyes watering, and for the remaining two thirds, it persisted with a strength I had forgotten I could feel. The emotional roller coaster that I went on reading this was intense; but also, beautifully raw. It maintained such a careful and perfect balance that never tipped into numb or confusing, but constantly prised just a little bit more empathy as you worked your way through the mystery.
Knowing that this book was written during the covid-19 pandemic, as well as still living in lockdown during reading, likely made this story that much stronger for me. The pain that the world collectively had been though, as well as the grief of those individuals greatly affected, can be felt with every word.
I have been following Elle McNicoll on twitter since I read Spark, and I am aware that she suffered a painful loss that led to writing this. I can feel that honest love in every word. The creation of this book feels to me to be so much more than a beautiful story; it is an act of love. Both to those the author has lost, and of self love.
I can't honestly tell you if McNicoll is simply a genius with her skill for writing, or if reading a fellow autistic author's work somehow connects to me in a different way, but I am utterly in awe of her art.
I will likely read this again from the viewpoint of a teacher once I have recovered, but for now, I would highly recommend for anyone, of any age, as a novel or power, grief and self-acceptance alone.
bigfriendlygeek's review against another edition
5.0
This book was gifted to me by my wonderful friend Lucy Knott - something I've gratefully written before - and whose books you absolutely have to check out - something else that I've also written before and that I will keep writing! Now that I've plugged my awesome friend, I have to say she's even more awesome for getting "Show us who you are" for me!
The story revolves around a neurodivergent young girl with autism named Cora, who struggles to form friendships at school due to other children either not understanding or, worse, mocking her due to her being autistic. However, everything changes when she meets another neurodivergent child by the name of Adrien - the son of Cora's brother's boss - whom has ADHD and is also isolated due to being homeschooled. Forming a fast connection with Adrien is not the only thing that sends Cora's world changing - as Adrien's CEO father's company - Pomegranate Technologies has an interest in Cora which is not quite as virtuous as it first seems.
It was actually serendipitous timing because I received a diagnosis for ADHD not long after receiving this book from Lucy, so it took on a completely different tone for me than it might've done had I read it last year. I've always felt that there's been something not "neutotypical" about me, but I've never been able to pinpoint what it is until now. For so long I thought there was something wrong with me, but there's not. I'm just wired differently. Not wrongly. Just differently. And this is the case with Cora and Adrien in "Show us who you are" - it showcases how those with neurodivergent conditions are often made to try and "fit in" with society, rather than have society work to make us feel part of it. Our conditions give us our own gifts - as well as struggles - and we contribute more to society as we are than when we're trying to be molded into something we're not. The more I got into the book, the more I connected with Cora and Adrien and the more I came to absolutely love both them, the writing and the story. I also love there's a bit of a sci-fi element brought into the story too which made for a very interesting and exciting twist.
I don't know whether it was the connection I had with the book, the wonderful story and characters the message it gives or a combination of them all, but I finished "Show us who you are" with tears in my eyes - not of sadness, but of joy and empathy. I'm very early in my ADHD diagnosis journey, but being seen like this for the first time really struck a chord with me. But I don't think you need to be neurodivergent to absolutely love this amazing book. Thank you Elle McNicol for writing it and thank you Lucy, again, for sharing it with me and for always seeing me, encouraging me and for caring for me as I am and have always been.
The story revolves around a neurodivergent young girl with autism named Cora, who struggles to form friendships at school due to other children either not understanding or, worse, mocking her due to her being autistic. However, everything changes when she meets another neurodivergent child by the name of Adrien - the son of Cora's brother's boss - whom has ADHD and is also isolated due to being homeschooled. Forming a fast connection with Adrien is not the only thing that sends Cora's world changing - as Adrien's CEO father's company - Pomegranate Technologies has an interest in Cora which is not quite as virtuous as it first seems.
It was actually serendipitous timing because I received a diagnosis for ADHD not long after receiving this book from Lucy, so it took on a completely different tone for me than it might've done had I read it last year. I've always felt that there's been something not "neutotypical" about me, but I've never been able to pinpoint what it is until now. For so long I thought there was something wrong with me, but there's not. I'm just wired differently. Not wrongly. Just differently. And this is the case with Cora and Adrien in "Show us who you are" - it showcases how those with neurodivergent conditions are often made to try and "fit in" with society, rather than have society work to make us feel part of it. Our conditions give us our own gifts - as well as struggles - and we contribute more to society as we are than when we're trying to be molded into something we're not. The more I got into the book, the more I connected with Cora and Adrien and the more I came to absolutely love both them, the writing and the story. I also love there's a bit of a sci-fi element brought into the story too which made for a very interesting and exciting twist.
I don't know whether it was the connection I had with the book, the wonderful story and characters the message it gives or a combination of them all, but I finished "Show us who you are" with tears in my eyes - not of sadness, but of joy and empathy. I'm very early in my ADHD diagnosis journey, but being seen like this for the first time really struck a chord with me. But I don't think you need to be neurodivergent to absolutely love this amazing book. Thank you Elle McNicol for writing it and thank you Lucy, again, for sharing it with me and for always seeing me, encouraging me and for caring for me as I am and have always been.
maireador20's review against another edition
2.0
2.5/5 I really wanted to love this as much as A Kind of Spark but it just didn’t hit the mark for me. The idea is an intriguing one and would definitely be an excellent prompt for discussion in a middle grade/ senior primary classroom (ages 11+) about digital immortality, neurodivergence, grief and much more. I also thoroughly enjoyed the friendship between our main characters Adrian and Cora which was joyous and fun. Unfortunately there were elements of the setting that confused me which was very distracting as a reader (why can’t people fly any more? Why is that the only thing that seems different to our current world? When is this supposed to be taking place?!). Also some parts of the story seemed overly laboured, and the ending was a bit too neatly wrapped up to be credible, so I’ve been left unexpectedly disappointed by it. Still worth a read but not as enjoyable as other work from the author.
(AudioBook available on BorrowBox)
(AudioBook available on BorrowBox)
lspignese's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this middle grade novel.
Appropriate for upper middle grade readers, this book takes a hard look at ethics associated with the possibilities of artificial intelligence and digital preservation. It does a great job dealing with grief, neurodivergence, friendship, and everything in between. Though it's very different from McNicoll's first book, A KIND OF SPARK, it's equally powerful in a dramatically different way.
Appropriate for upper middle grade readers, this book takes a hard look at ethics associated with the possibilities of artificial intelligence and digital preservation. It does a great job dealing with grief, neurodivergence, friendship, and everything in between. Though it's very different from McNicoll's first book, A KIND OF SPARK, it's equally powerful in a dramatically different way.
thebooksareeverywhere's review against another edition
5.0
I knew this was going to be good because I’ve heard so many amazing things about it, but wow. What a book. What I didn’t expect was to be quite so blown away by this, or quite so reeling with emotion throughout and especially in the last 10 or 20 pages. I was not prepared for or expecting the emotional rollercoaster that this book is, and trust me Elle McNicoll does not hesitate to discuss some really deep and important issues.
Our main character, Cora, is neurodivergent and has autism. She quickly becomes friends with Adrien, who has ADHD. Their friendship was so real and heartwarming to read about, and I loved the portrayals of both of them individually and together. This book is own voices as I believe the author has autism themselves, and it makes the portrayal of Cora’s autism all the more authentic. Not only will this book be amazing for neurodivergent kids, who will finally see themselves on the pages, it will also hopefully serve as an educational tool for all children and help them understand their friends and classmates. Although I am not neurodivergent, I did see myself a lot throughout this book because of Adrien’s homeschooling. I was homeschooled myself, specifically because I struggled in school, and some of the comments made me feel seen in a way I never have before in relation to homeschooling.
I have every right to be here. As me. Exactly as I am. I might be different to you, I might be different to every person in this room, but you have no more of a right to exist than I do.
What I expected from this book was two neurodivergent kids having Scooby-Doo style adventure. And while there are certainly aspects of this throughout, Show Us Who You Are runs so much deeper than I could have expected. It is such an important story that genuinely hit me hard in places and made me really emotional. Seeing Cora explore her own identity and grow in confidence throughout this book really warmed my heart. I rooted for her the whole way.
The characters were amazingly written and great to read about, some cleverly planned to be turned against you when you least expect it. Although I did guess one of the major plot points towards the end, a lot of this book left me reeling with the reveals. I loved the wider cast of characters, especially some of the more heartwarming parents and teachers. Cora’s situation as a child who has recently lost her mother not only allows for some amazing, heart-wrenching discussions about grief, but also single parent rep, which I found really important.
You don’t get to pick and choose which bits of me are fine. All of me is fine.
On top of all of the aspects of this book I adored is that the writing is truly excellent. This was so fast to read, and I read in a couple of sittings over 24 hours, but is also hard-hitting, beautiful and sometimes poetic. It is just perfect for this rollercoaster of a story. I’m so glad I picked it up and I can’t wait to recommend this to people around me, adults and children alike.
★★★★★
5 out of 5 stars
-Beth
May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽
Our main character, Cora, is neurodivergent and has autism. She quickly becomes friends with Adrien, who has ADHD. Their friendship was so real and heartwarming to read about, and I loved the portrayals of both of them individually and together. This book is own voices as I believe the author has autism themselves, and it makes the portrayal of Cora’s autism all the more authentic. Not only will this book be amazing for neurodivergent kids, who will finally see themselves on the pages, it will also hopefully serve as an educational tool for all children and help them understand their friends and classmates. Although I am not neurodivergent, I did see myself a lot throughout this book because of Adrien’s homeschooling. I was homeschooled myself, specifically because I struggled in school, and some of the comments made me feel seen in a way I never have before in relation to homeschooling.
I have every right to be here. As me. Exactly as I am. I might be different to you, I might be different to every person in this room, but you have no more of a right to exist than I do.
What I expected from this book was two neurodivergent kids having Scooby-Doo style adventure. And while there are certainly aspects of this throughout, Show Us Who You Are runs so much deeper than I could have expected. It is such an important story that genuinely hit me hard in places and made me really emotional. Seeing Cora explore her own identity and grow in confidence throughout this book really warmed my heart. I rooted for her the whole way.
The characters were amazingly written and great to read about, some cleverly planned to be turned against you when you least expect it. Although I did guess one of the major plot points towards the end, a lot of this book left me reeling with the reveals. I loved the wider cast of characters, especially some of the more heartwarming parents and teachers. Cora’s situation as a child who has recently lost her mother not only allows for some amazing, heart-wrenching discussions about grief, but also single parent rep, which I found really important.
You don’t get to pick and choose which bits of me are fine. All of me is fine.
On top of all of the aspects of this book I adored is that the writing is truly excellent. This was so fast to read, and I read in a couple of sittings over 24 hours, but is also hard-hitting, beautiful and sometimes poetic. It is just perfect for this rollercoaster of a story. I’m so glad I picked it up and I can’t wait to recommend this to people around me, adults and children alike.
★★★★★
5 out of 5 stars
-Beth
May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽