Scan barcode
stripes_and_naps's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Overall I thought this was a sweet book and a well done representation of sensory processing disorder. The storyline and plot are definitely middle grade level, and the message of everyone has something they’re dealing with feels appropriate for that age range as well.
lacykells's review against another edition
challenging
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.5
whatlacereads's review against another edition
2.0
2.5
A very good exploration of sensory processing disorder but I feel like this book is better suited to a young audience
A very good exploration of sensory processing disorder but I feel like this book is better suited to a young audience
saracat's review against another edition
5.0
I want to give this book 6 stars. This is definitely one of the best middle grade books I've read in a long time, but also just a great book, period. The book is told from the point of view of 11 year old Willa. And the way Mackler writes, the reader gets a real strong sense of what it is like to live in her head and in her body. She tackles subjects like friendship, family, change, and more.
This might be a book that after a younger reader finishes it, to have a space for them to talk about it with others if they want. Either because Willa introduces them to things they haven't known about before or because they find a connection with her experiences. Though, I think this is a book even older readers could benefit from reading.
This might be a book that after a younger reader finishes it, to have a space for them to talk about it with others if they want. Either because Willa introduces them to things they haven't known about before or because they find a connection with her experiences. Though, I think this is a book even older readers could benefit from reading.
coreyjayne's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
nssutton's review against another edition
4.0
Listened to largely while shelving books, then mostly just to move to an adult audiobook because for the first time in my life I am caught up on my best podcasts. For our library, this will be a great addition. Mackler tackles such tough topics - sensory processing disorder, divorce and dating, blending families, and just the wants/needs of a fifth grader - with a voice that kids will really connect to. For me, I wasn’t crazy about the audiobook’s narrator.
rrosenberg's review against another edition
5.0
I have severe sensory processing disorder, and this book made me feel heard for the first time
miszjeanie's review against another edition
5.0
Not If I Can Help It is a shining example of the way books can foster empathy. This middle-grade novel about a girl with sensory processing disorder is captivating and very realistic. It also features a soccer-loving Indian-American girl, childhood anxiety, and the mechanics of blending a family. I’d highly recommend this one to anyone curious about SPD and looking for a compelling middle-grade book. The audiobook is also excellent! Read my full review here.