Can You See Me?

December 1, 2019
A girl with autism confronts the terrors of sixth grade. Eleven-year-old Tally is fierce, brave, funny, and kind; but she also wants desperately to fit in, so she keeps her autism secret from her new classmates at Kingswood Academy. But the harder she tries to act "normal," the more the bullies call her "weirdo" until even her friends start to pull away. Tally's story--based on Scott (herself 11 and autistic) and co-written with the neurotypical Westcott--shines with authenticity. Even the lengthy "Autism Facts" in Tally's interspersed diary entries avoid didacticism via their un-self-conscious honesty. The deceptively simple prose sticks tightly to Tally's point of view, conveying her courage and quirky charm while rendering with painful acuity her struggles with anxiety and sensory overload. It also portrays compassionately the sometimes-stressful effects of her particular needs and odd-seeming behaviors on her loving, supportive family. There are no villains here: Her teachers are (mostly) receptive and sympathetic, and even the bullies come off as more clueless than cruel. Nor is there any magic resolution: Tally's situation may improve but only at the cost of her privacy; and her social relationships remain tentative. Instead, her triumph comes in her resolve to present as her own unique, different "normal." Recommended for readers with autism who will feel genuinely seen and for those desiring to see others more clearly. (Fiction. 9-12)

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Starred review from January 20, 2020
An autistic preteen struggles to navigate the demands of an allistic world in this powerful collaboration between Scott, an autistic 11-year-old, and established author Westcott, who is neurotypical. Funny, self-aware Tally is about to start sixth grade, and that means an overwhelming new school with lots of new people. To fit in, she chooses to keep her autism a secret, avoiding her usual coping mechanisms in order to fit in. Bullying and abandonment by her best friend ensue, but just when she can’t take it anymore, people close to Tally—including her sister and a teacher—learn to offer understanding and support in myriad ways. This is a sweetly appealing story of finding oneself in a time of change, and it’s heartening to see an autistic protagonist who finds happiness through the growth of those around her and not via learning to hide herself. Occasional first-person diary entries narrate Tally’s experiences, offering “Autism Facts” about anxiety, demand avoidance, meltdowns, and stimming, among other topics. Alongside a compelling heroine, vividly accurate portrayals of stressful situations and specific needs offer a rare and valuable window into one autistic point of view. Ages 8–12.

February 28, 2020

Gr 4-8-Starting sixth grade can be a little scary for anyone. For Tally, hiding her autism while trying to adapt to a whole new set of middle school expectations is especially challenging. Adapting isn't really Tally's thing. Her new uniform itches, her shoes pinch, and the crowded, noisy hallways are impossible to navigate. It would be easier if she could be Tiger Girl, but she knows that disappearing behind her rubber tiger mask is something she can't do if she wants to fit in. She also pushes down stimming behaviors like flapping her hands because, while they help her cope, they also make her stand out. Her elementary school friends are all in different classes, making new friends and developing new interests, leaving Tally feeling abandoned. She pours out her frustrations in journal entries that are interspersed throughout the narrative. Each entry is broken down with a situation, Tally's anxiety rating, Tally's Autism Facts, and how they affected the situation. She sometimes offers the pros and cons of having a particular spectrum-associated behavior. The narrative and journal entries combine to give readers an authentic depiction of what it is like to walk in Tally's shoes. The ending offers hope that there is space for children like Tally to be themselves. Author notes are included from co-authors Westcott, a teacher and special needs coordinator, and Scott, a writer, blogger, and autistic student. VERDICT Give this to children on the spectrum and families, teachers, and classmates of children on the spectrum. In short, give to everyone, because a little understanding can go a long way.-Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2020
Grades 4-7 Starting middle school is a daunting prospect for anyone, but for Tally, who is autistic, it is terrifying. Every day is a struggle for her as she navigates the social structure, tries to decipher idioms that make no sense to her literal mind, and endures overwhelming sensory input. Her best friend, Layla, the only other student who knows about Tally's autism, provides as much support as possible, but Tally's unconventional behavior puts a strain on the friendship. When other students see Tally as "weird" or "crazy," her fragile support system breaks down. A subplot concerning a three-legged dog her family has taken in for a neighbor underscores Tally's troubles. One of the outstanding features of this novel is that the third-person narrative is punctuated by Tally's first-person journal, where she discusses different aspects of autism, such as meltdowns, stimming, and masking, without disrupting the page-turning narrative. Scott, the middle-grade-aged coauthor, has autism herself, and her portrayal of Tally is thoughtful and authentic.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)