5 stars
What a great read. I loved this book! It tackles so many great issues (misunderstandings with parents, fights with friends, bullying, sensory sensitivities) along with an entertaining plotline about secret internet fame.
Burgess provides a great example of a parent trying to look out for their child and doing what others tell them is best. Nice focus on needing to listen to Mia’s actual needs rather than worrying about other people’s opinions. They have some really great conversations.
Mia is such a wonderful character. Flawed, but still doing her best to figure things out. I really loved how capable and creative she is. It was also nice that Mia doesn’t necessarily “struggle” with autism itself, but how people view her and her diagnosis. She deals with various issues such as sensory overload and needs accommodations because of it, but many of the problems in the book center around people’s misunderstandings of autism and their lack of empathy. She doesn’t have to “overcome” her autism but rather her fear of how people will view her and treat her if they know her secret. This was such a refreshing storyline and I love that Mia can just be herself.
Absolutely stunning artwork with gorgeous colors. I especially loved Elle-Q’s and Charlie’s outfits.
A fantastic story about being your authentic self, compassion for others, and the beauty of a diverse world.