Reviews
"Filled with a delightful range of quirky characters and told with heart, the story also explores themes of family, friendship, and courage in its many forms. . . . It has something to offer for a wide-ranging audience. . . . Offering hope to those who struggle academically and demonstrating that a disability does not equal stupidity, this is as unique as its heroine." -- Booklist, STARRED REVIEW * "Mullaly Hunt again paints a nuanced portrayal of a sensitive, smart girl struggling with circumstances beyond her control. . . . Ally's raw pain and depression are vividly rendered, while the diverse supporting cast feels fully developed. . . . Mr. Daniels is an inspirational educator whose warmth radiates off the page. Best of all, Mullaly Hunt eschews the unrealistic feel-good ending for one with hard work and small changes. Ally's journey is heartwarming but refreshingly devoid of schmaltz." -- School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW "[Hunt's] depiction of Ally's learning struggles is relatable, and Ally's growth and relationships feel organic and real." -- Publishers Weekly, [Hunt's] depiction of Ally's learning struggles is relatable, and Ally's growth and relationships feel organic and real., Filled with a delightful range of quirky characters and told with heart, the story also explores themes of family, friendship, and courage in its many forms. . . . It has something to offer for a wide-ranging audience. . . . Offering hope to those who struggle academically and demonstrating that a disability does not equal stupidity, this is as unique as its heroine., * "Unforgettable and uplifting. . . . Deals with the hardships of middle school in a funny, yet realistic and thoughtful manner. Ally has a great voice, she is an unforgettable, plucky protagonist that the reader roots for from page one. This novel is a must-have." -- School Library Connection , STARRED REVIEW * "Filled with a delightful range of quirky characters and told with heart, the story also explores themes of family, friendship, and courage in its many forms. . . . It has something to offer for a wide-ranging audience. . . . Offering hope to those who struggle academically and demonstrating that a disability does not equal stupidity, this is as unique as its heroine." --Booklist, STARRED REVIEW * "Mullaly Hunt again paints a nuanced portrayal of a sensitive, smart girl struggling with circumstances beyond her control. . . . Ally's raw pain and depression are vividly rendered, while the diverse supporting cast feels fully developed. . . . Mr. Daniels is an inspirational educator whose warmth radiates off the page. Best of all, Mullaly Hunt eschews the unrealistic feel-good ending for one with hard work and small changes. Ally's journey is heartwarming but refreshingly devoid of schmaltz." --School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW "[Hunt's] depiction of Ally's learning struggles is relatable, and Ally's growth and relationships feel organic and real." --Publishers Weekly "Poignant. . . . Emphasis on 'thinking outside the box' . . . Ally's new friendships are satisfying, as are the recognition of her dyslexia and her renewed determination to read. Fans of R.J. Palacio's Wonder will appreciate this feel-good story of friendship and unconventional smarts." -- Kirkus Reviews "Reminiscent of Polacco's wonderful Thank You, Mr. Falker . . . . Ally's feeling of loneliness and desire to fit in will resonate with young teen readers, as many share those feelings without the difficulty of dyslexia. . . . A tribute to teachers who go the extra mile to reach every student. . . . A touching story with an important message." -- Voice of Youth Advocates "Entertaining dialogue . . . Ally's descriptions of her 'mind movies' are creative and witty. . . . The treatment of a group of sixth-graders with various quirks who face down their bullies extends the book's interest beyond the immediate focus on dyslexia." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "Readers will . . . cheer for this likable girl." -- The Horn Book, * "Mullaly Hunt again paints a nuanced portrayal of a sensitive, smart girl struggling with circumstances beyond her control. . . . Ally's raw pain and depression are vividly rendered, while the diverse supporting cast feels fully developed. . . . Mr. Daniels is an inspirational educator whose warmth radiates off the page. Best of all, Mullaly Hunt eschews the unrealistic feel-good ending for one with hard work and small changes. Ally's journey is heartwarming but refreshingly devoid of schmaltz.", "Filled with a delightful range of quirky characters and told with heart, the story also explores themes of family, friendship, and courage in its many forms. . . . It has something to offer for a wide-ranging audience. . . . Offering hope to those who struggle academically and demonstrating that a disability does not equal stupidity, this is as unique as its heroine." -- Booklist, STARRED REVIEW * "Mullaly Hunt again paints a nuanced portrayal of a sensitive, smart girl struggling with circumstances beyond her control. . . . Ally's raw pain and depression are vividly rendered, while the diverse supporting cast feels fully developed. . . . Mr. Daniels is an inspirational educator whose warmth radiates off the page. Best of all, Mullaly Hunt eschews the unrealistic feel-good ending for one with hard work and small changes. Ally's journey is heartwarming but refreshingly devoid of schmaltz." -- School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW "[Hunt's] depiction of Ally's learning struggles is relatable, and Ally's growth and relationships feel organic and real." -- Publishers Weekly "Poignant. . . . Emphasis on 'thinking outside the box' . . . Ally's new friendships are satisfying, as are the recognition of her dyslexia and her renewed determination to read. Fans of R.J. Palacio's Wonder will appreciate this feel-good story of friendship and unconventional smarts." -- Kirkus Reviews "Reminiscent of Polacco's wonderful Thank You, Mr. Falker . . . . Ally's feeling of loneliness and desire to fit in will resonate with young teen readers, as many share those feelings without the difficulty of dyslexia. . . . A tribute to teachers who go the extra mile to reach every student. . . . A touching story with an important message." -- Voice of Youth Advocates "Entertaining dialogue . . . Ally's descriptions of her 'mind movies' are creative and witty. . . . The treatment of a group of sixth-graders with various quirks who face down their bullies extends the book's interest beyond the immediate focus on dyslexia."-- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "Readers will . . . cheer for this likable girl." -- The Horn Book
