Livvie Owen Lived Here

August 9, 2010
Told from the perspective of an autistic 14-year-old, this poignant first novel explores the frustrations that come with being different. Since their house burned down years ago, the Owens have moved from one rental property to another, and now, after receiving their latest eviction notice, they may be forced to relocate to a neighboring town. But Livvie doesn't want change ("It was hard to start fresh with a new group of neighbors when your daughter was a kid like me"). Her desperate attempts to cling to the familiar lead to angry outbursts and secret late-night excursions, which create even more problems for the family. It takes a lot of love, patience, and understanding from Livvie's parents, her two sisters, and her new substitute teacher to calm her frazzled nerves and help her accept hard truths. Dooley, a special education teacher, offers readers a rare opportunity to experience the day-to-day struggles of a special-needs student. Livvie's internal growth is convincing, and her ultimate triumphs are inspiring. Ages 10–14.

Angela Rogers portrays 14-year-old Livvie Owens, who is autistic. Livvy's methods of finding comfort are quirky--she arranges mugs in the middle of the night, sleeps beneath nine blankets, and writes "Livvie Owen Lived Here" in every home she's lived in. Rogers expertly depicts the complex responses of Livvy's family--her sisters' frustrated compassion, her father's barely restrained temper, and her mother's exhausted gentleness. Between Livvy's words and the reactions of those around her, listeners grow to understand that the family is coping not only with Livvy but also with economic stresses that have led to one eviction after another. The story's poignant details and Rogers's excellent narration give listeners empathy for Livvy's inability to understand emotions--her own and those of others. S.W. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine