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.
briarrose1021's review against another edition
5.0
Willa is in fifth grade and has Sensory Processing Disorder. Though things haven't always been great, life has been pretty good recently. Yes, she can't stand tags in clothing, or seams in socks, or the texture of yogurt, and various other things as a result of the SPD, but she has her best friend Ruby and the occupational therapist, Maureen, that she sees twice a week, and she's going to be getting a dog (finally!!!!) at the end of the school year.
Once thing that Willa definitely doesn't like is change. And, suddenly, change is all Willa is experiencing. Especially when her dad tells her that he's been dating Ruby's mom, for almost 2 years, and they're in love. As the changes begin to roll in, it's more that Willa can handle. She's not going along with these changes. Absolutely NOT! Not if she can help it!
Mackler did such a great job with Willa's characterization and the description of what it's like to have Sensory Processing Disorder, as well as the anxiety of other people finding out. The character descriptions and development of the other characters are also done exceptionally well. It's so great to see kids with disabilities, especially disabilities that are often invisible, as the protagonists of books.
I really enjoyed the growth that Willa goes through over the course of the book. I don't want to say too much about the changes, because I don't want to spoil anything from the plot, but seeing her get hit with all the changes that crop up and learn how to deal with them was great; her growth was made even better by the self-reflection she engages in throughout the novel. This is definitely a great book that would be great for any middle-grades reader.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Taylor Meskiman, and loved it. Meskiman's performance was spot on, and the voice work for the characters was perfect - even down to the voice of the teacher actually sounding like she was congested from allergies. It was the first audiobook that I've listened to with her as a narrator and after this audiobook, I've added her to the list of narrators that I don't question before getting the audiobook.
Once thing that Willa definitely doesn't like is change. And, suddenly, change is all Willa is experiencing. Especially when her dad tells her that he's been dating Ruby's mom, for almost 2 years, and they're in love. As the changes begin to roll in, it's more that Willa can handle. She's not going along with these changes. Absolutely NOT! Not if she can help it!
Mackler did such a great job with Willa's characterization and the description of what it's like to have Sensory Processing Disorder, as well as the anxiety of other people finding out. The character descriptions and development of the other characters are also done exceptionally well. It's so great to see kids with disabilities, especially disabilities that are often invisible, as the protagonists of books.
I really enjoyed the growth that Willa goes through over the course of the book. I don't want to say too much about the changes, because I don't want to spoil anything from the plot, but seeing her get hit with all the changes that crop up and learn how to deal with them was great; her growth was made even better by the self-reflection she engages in throughout the novel. This is definitely a great book that would be great for any middle-grades reader.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Taylor Meskiman, and loved it. Meskiman's performance was spot on, and the voice work for the characters was perfect - even down to the voice of the teacher actually sounding like she was congested from allergies. It was the first audiobook that I've listened to with her as a narrator and after this audiobook, I've added her to the list of narrators that I don't question before getting the audiobook.
kristinakg's review against another edition
hopeful
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
4.0
elliotiscool's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
medium-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? Yes
5.0
I loved this book, it was so good! good plot, characters and style. Definitely recommend!!
sharonrose's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. This was a very sweet book that tackled the topic of blended families (as well as Sensory Processing Disorder) in an interesting and sweet way. With the main character thrust into the unique situation of having her dad begin dating her best friend's mom, she has to deal with change and how to accept both the good and bad of her new reality. I liked how it balanced treating divorce as both an awful thing for a kid to deal with while also some of the beautiful things that can happen in any situation.
omgitsyelhsa's review against another edition
A very cute middle-grade book about an 11 yr old girl with a sensory processing disorder. I’m not rating it because I’m not the target demographic. But I recommend it to middle school and even upper elementary school kids.