10/18/15 ** Thank you to Scholastic for sending FREE copies of the finished book (not an ARC) to everyone who attended NErD Camp-Michigan.

Sunny is unexpectedly sent to spend a month of her summer vacation with her grandfather in Florida. At first she's bored - no other kids in the retirement community her grandfather lives in. Then she finds a friend and they embark on adventures involving an alligator, comic books, and cat location. However, Sunny is keeping a secret. 

Through flashbacks, the reader begins to see the events that led to the cancellation of the family vacation and Sunny's relocation to Florida.

Students unaccustomed to graphic novels may need support to attend to the changing dates/locations. I found myself flipping back to previous chapters several times to orient myself in the timeline.

Likewise, reading mentors (teachers/parents) should be aware that the big secret is that Sunny's teen-aged brother is struggling with substance abuse. This book is semi-autobiographical and the Holms want young readers to be aware that there are many places they can reach out for help if a loved one is struggling with abuse; they don't need to keep secrets. 

A valuable addition to any classroom or library collection.

10/5/2015 ** An absolutely beautiful middle grade story about a girl who wants to play Charlotte in the class play - but isn't allowed to audition for the part. This is a book in which we can all find ourselves. There is a best friend who accepts George for who she is; there's a class bully who taunts and fights George for acting differently than he believes she should; there's the class queen who attempts to sway others' opinions.

Oh, and the reason George isn't allowed to audition - she's in a boy's body. This is story about a fourth grader who happens to be transgender. It's lovingly told and highly empathetic. While this is a book about an important issue, it is also a beautiful middle grade novel for all children.

9/24/2015 ** Given the buzz I've heard from educators I respect about this book, I expected to feel a punch in the gut. I thoroughly respect the message, but I wasn't especially struck by lyrical prose.

At first glance, I felt this was simply an homage to teachers, and that the primary audience would be teachers. However, I think many kids would connect with the feelings of alienation conveyed by the protagonist. Though not all kids struggle with reading, many feel that they don't fit it - because they don't do sports, or feel geeky, or don't have the right clothes. 

As a read-aloud, this book could be the flint that sparks important conversations about kindness, acceptance, and celebrating everyone's ability to think outside society's boxes.

Read-alike books might by Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper or Wonder by R.J. Palacio.