readwithhaze_'s review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
sc104906's review against another edition
3.0
Willa's parents divorced awhile ago and she finally got used to these changes. Along the way, she got her own bedroom. This allowed her to self soothe in privacy, because when she is feeling overwhelmed it doesn't help when she thinks others are around watching her. Willa hasn't told her best friend about her sensory disorder and wants to keep it a secret, but when she finds out that her dad is dating her best friend's mom, she will do anything to keep them apart and keep her home world separate from her friend world. However, her rejection of this relationship is causing trouble in her family and with her friend. These changes are hard and Willa is struggling to cope. With compromises from both her and her loving family and friends, they may find a way to peacefully exist in this new family space.
I think this was an approachable novel into a main character with sensory processing disorder. This book talks about the fact that you may have a friend with something more going on, but they can still be a friend and have likes/dislikes/and fun. I thought that there was a diverse element brought into the narrative without it feeling forced, but a reflection of the real world. It was a solid book that deals with changes.
I think this was an approachable novel into a main character with sensory processing disorder. This book talks about the fact that you may have a friend with something more going on, but they can still be a friend and have likes/dislikes/and fun. I thought that there was a diverse element brought into the narrative without it feeling forced, but a reflection of the real world. It was a solid book that deals with changes.
chrissireads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mmz's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.5
musingsofazebra's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Vomit
Minor: Bullying and Racism
suzannedix's review against another edition
3.0
Willa has a sensory processing disorder which she finds very embarrassing and keeps that part of her life a secret. Some sensations, like too tight socks or mushy foods, make Willa squirmy and physically ill at ease. She sees a therapist and is working to better handle things that she can’t control but this is not information she shares at school, even with best friend Ruby who she has known for years. Keeping her home and school life separate suddenly becomes much more difficult when Willa’s father and Ruby’s mother announce that they have been dating. Willa goes into a tailspin and because she doesn’t want to share why she is so upset (change can be overwhelming), Ruby feels rejected and confused. Middle school tests the best of friendships and Willa soon realizes that she needs to help Ruby understand her disorder so that the girls can help one another get ready for bigger changes to come. Once Willa opens up, she soon realizes that she isn’t the only one coping with anxiety. Pair with Guts, The Cure for Cold Feet or The Science of Unbreakable Things. This middle school novel opens up discussion on how difficult it is to know the burdens people are carrying around.
booksbecreads's review against another edition
2.0
2.5
Not the book for me, but good to see someone with sensory issues as the main character
Not the book for me, but good to see someone with sensory issues as the main character
jess_bergeman's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3 stars from me as an adult reader, but given this is a middle grade book with a target audience of probably 10-12 yr olds I would give it 4 stars for that audience. It’s a sweet and easy read. I loved the diversity of characters and the way the author tackled life with SPD. I liked that she demonstrates that we all have our own struggles and issues. There were of course some unbelievable/unlikely parts to this story—everyone in Willa’s life is uncommonly supportive, everything works out idyllically and all loose ends are packaged up by the end.
happyhippielinds's review against another edition
5.0
Oh. My. Goodness. I loved this book so, so much. I've been learning about Sensory Processing Disorder and reading this book gave me a whole new insight into it. There's finally someone like me :)
cbs5678's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. I learned a lot about Sensory Processing Disorder through Willa’s experiences. About divorce, life changes, friendship, family and love. Good message about the challenges we all have and how we deal with them.