A review by jess_bergeman
Not If I Can Help It by Carolyn Mackler

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.