Five Things About Ava Andrews

Yes the themes are transparent, the educational value obvious. But it's still an engaging and fun read. What I found particularly noteworthy is that the author is challenged with the same conditions as Ava, but even though that would (one assumes) give her an informed perspective, she also reached out to her communities to get more background & details. I also see that she's written works for adults... I wonder if I'd like to consider them (her other children's book is on my list).

So, one thing it got right is minding the difference between social anxiety and introversion. Thank you, Ms. Dilloway.

It also made the complex challenge of becoming a long-distance friend believable. Not always do kids who move drift apart, but not always is show more it easy to stay friends, either.

I was a bit exasperated that so few people actually showed up to the first hearing about the development - not even the shop owners? I suppose they were cynical and felt defeated, instead of motivated. Kids tend to have more optimism and energy, thank goodness.

This would be a good book for group discussion. Thinking about the pov of Luke, and Ty, and the shop owners, the classroom teacher, and even the different perspectives of Jichan & Nana Linda, would give youngsters plenty of ideas to share.

Bonus is that two excellent improv exercises (games) are described in the back matter.

Highly recommended to anyone who wants to make friends or be a better friend, or who wants to fight developers or other bullies. show less

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