Reviews

Me and Sam-Sam Handle the Apocalypse by Susan Vaught

jefftheevilpotato's review

The pacing is slow, and the way it’s told is very confusing, my poor little brain can’t handle it

adrzeck's review

4.0

Fun format. Goes back adn forward in time. Good mystery for JFic. Characters are accurate portrayal of children that are on the autism spectrum. Author is a neuropsychologist that specializes in autism in youth. Won the edgar award for 220

bookladykd's review

5.0

Wow, just wow. I loved this #ownvoices book for so many reasons. The characters are awesome, and felt "real" to me--both the adults and the kids. (Although being neurotypical I can't speak to the accuracy of what goes on in Jesse's head, but I trust that the author based her honestly her own experiences). I've also spent my share of time in small southern towns and the social aspects of the story clicked with what I've experienced.
This would make a fantastic read-aloud in 4th or 5th grade, maybe even 3rd with the right class. I've already recommended it to one teacher and can't wait to push it to others.

hidingzeus's review

4.0

An excellent book. Mystery, an excellent cast of characters, an freaking awesome great-aunt (loving the new trend of Adults Aren't Awful in kids' books lately), and a dog that turns out to be a Search and Rescue dog. And a tornado. Great book.
I wish the book had been a little more linear as the jumping back and forth between time frames was slightly distracting to me, but it was still good.

annalise_ellis's review

adventurous challenging emotional inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

afro8921's review against another edition

4.0

I loved the humor and friendships in this story. Ms. Vaught has a great way of explaining what life looks like for children who are experiencing autism. The story was cute, quirky, and a great adventure

kingsamong's review

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

benfiretag's review against another edition

4.0

A Best Juvenile Edgar winning book about a girl, Jesse (with an 'e'), with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who wants to save her father from going to jail over money stolen from his desk at school. Sam-Sam is her dog who provides emotional support. Like many kids with ASD, she is shunned, bullied and generally treated badly by other students and even some of the adults at school. Her mother is away in Iraq for the Army and has another dog who can sniff out bombs. Jesse tries to train Sam-Sam to find treats hidden in plastic containers, but that ongoing project hasn't gone very far. She gains a new friend, who is also picked-on because he won't hit. Between the two of them, they start their own detective agency. How will they deal with the local bullies and adults with other problems? Will they solve the mystery of the theft in time to keep Jesse's father from going to jail? And how will they deal with the apocalypse of a tornado?
This is a wonderful read, teaching about kids with ASD and how they see and handle the world in all its weirdness.

pseudoliterate's review

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes

If someone wants to read about two kids bonding into one of the most wholesome friendships, then this is for sure that book.
I adored this book as much as its characters—definitely felt like hugging Jesse and Springer many times, and obviously Sam-Sam too. Many moments of the story got me very emotional, including the author's note.
 

rjw2011's review against another edition

4.0

I love books with neurodiverse characters, so this was such an amazing experience for me, as well as my neurodiverse child that I read it with. The only thing we didn't care for, more so her, was the time line flipping back and forth. It made it harder for her to keep track of what was happening, so the only thing I would suggest (not like authors read this, but if you do :D) is to write it sequentially, as some of the ND crowd struggle with the back and forth.

Other than this, we both loved the story of Jesse, how she looked at the world differently, how it really captured our outlook and perspectives. Not all ND people are the same, just like not all NT people are, but I loved how detailed the author was in showing the potential stims or sensory overloads we may experience.

I really loved how Jesse NEVER let it define her. She may have had moments of weakness where she thought about surrendering, giving up, giving in, but with the support of her friends and family, and believing in herself, Jesse picked herself up and tried again.

I know Jesse may be a fictional character, but I am so proud of her, and I was honored to get to know her story ❤