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thisgrrlreads's review against another edition
4.0
Susan Vaught has a way with telling stories about kids who are often seen as weird or a little off. Jesse is on the spectrum and she has some very specific needs. But everything changes when her dad is accused of stealing money from the library fund he raises money for. Things seem bad. Fortunately, she befriends Springer who immediately understands her and she gets him too. They decide to start investigating together and lo and behold, their investigation bears fruit!
The book flips back and forth between their investigation and the apocalypse mentioned (which is a very large storm). That climax is very rewarding, and I think adult readers will be surprised at how effective Jesse and Springer are at solving mysteries and helping people. But I don't think kids will be surprised, as they are great characters you can definitely believe in.
Jesse's mom is a soldier who is currently on a tour of duty. That relationship is really great to see, too.
The book flips back and forth between their investigation and the apocalypse mentioned (which is a very large storm). That climax is very rewarding, and I think adult readers will be surprised at how effective Jesse and Springer are at solving mysteries and helping people. But I don't think kids will be surprised, as they are great characters you can definitely believe in.
Jesse's mom is a soldier who is currently on a tour of duty. That relationship is really great to see, too.
tinkeringlibrarian's review
4.0
I really enjoyed the neurodivergent characters in this books finding their own way through tough situations in middle school. I also really appreciate having more than one neurodivergent character who built a friendship together, and I think it did a good job of busting stereotypes and showing a variety of coping mechanisms. I did not love the leaping backward and forward in time to amp the suspense, but overall such a needed and enjoyable diverse book. Grades 4-7.
ejderwood's review
5.0
SO! GOOD! Honestly I was on the verge of tearing up every time someone asked Jesse if they could touch her or warned her when touch was imminent. Definite shades of Emma Jean Lazarus but even more thoughtful and thought provoking and I WOULD kill a man for Springer, FYI. I also liked how Jesse and Springer were both like, okay yeah the bullies might have hard things going on but also: they're bullies and they suck. Oh and! ENORMOUS gender energies coming from both Jesse and Springer. Especially Springer.
Oh and I forgot to say! The author is neurodivergent and so is her son AND she's in a wlw relationship so score one for the gays folks.
Oh and I forgot to say! The author is neurodivergent and so is her son AND she's in a wlw relationship so score one for the gays folks.
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