Libby Scott

This is a really powerful read, the more so because one of the authors is an autistic teen. I found parts of it quite upsetting -- the angry explosions, and how Tally's family and school deal with them; the very concept of oppositional defiance disorder; and the general pain of being a middle school kid and experiencing the trials and tribulations of the age. I find those things upsetting, because I see myself in them, especially as a child. It wasn't fun the first time around, and it isn't fun this time either. It never occurred to me that I might be on the spectrum, but as a colleague has pointed out in the past -- the point of a spectrum is that we are all on it. Anyway, I identify with that feeling of being out of control of my actions because of hypersensitivity or tone of voice. I think it's really interesting that our society is evolving to look at that differently than when I was a child. I respect the book for representing this so clearly, and also for not offering easy solutions. This family is struggling, and they are also getting by, but it's not fun for any of them. I hope it gets better.

Advanced Readers Copy provided by Edelweiss.… (more)

Can You See Me is a novel about Tally, a young girl with autism, and her struggles with starting sixth grade. Not only is she starting in a new building with new teachers, Tally now feels like she needs to act "normal" to fit in with her classmates - but what is "normal"? Told in both third person and prose via diary entries, this novel is a middle grade level read inspired by coauthor Libby Scott's own experiences with autism. It's an honest and moving story of friends, family, and finding one's place in the world.

I really, really liked this book, it's such a good representation of what it's like to be autistic, from the point of view of someone with autism. I've read a few books in the past from a point of view of a family member who had a sibling who was autistic, but this is the first novel I've read where it's the main character.

I adored Tally in this, the authors did an amazing job at writing to where I felt such a connection with her. I was able to understand when she was frustrated and upset and why she reacted the way that she did. I emphasized with her.

I also really enjoyed Tally's family. Her older sister, Nell, who is 14, gets frustrated with Tally, as any sister does honestly, but she's still protective of Tally, and even helps Tally, even if she does it in secret. Her parents are also pretty understanding, even if they slip up and forget certain things, they still really try. Tally's Mom especially, you can tell is always trying.

This book just came out when I read it, but it's going to be so important. So many kids are going to be seen and understood when they read this. Others are going to have new light shown on their understanding of autism. Please read this book!… (more)