A review by jennywithaz
Find Layla by Meg Elison

4.0

This is a great fictional readalike to Rex Ogle's [b:Free Lunch|43726584|Free Lunch|Rex Ogle|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1555688327l/43726584._SY75_.jpg|68053706], with a similar subject matter, length, and easy readability for reluctant readers. But really this book is for anyone - it tells the story of a whip-smart fourteen year old girl who aspires to be a scientist and observes the world around her as both subject and observer. Her story is a resonant one, defty tackling issues of poverty, abuse, neglect, and resilience in the span of under 200 pages, and reminding readers that one never knows what's going on behind students' and classmates' closed doors. Layla's powerful, distinctive voice will keep readers engaged and rooting for her the entire time.