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A review by astracrompton
Moojag and the Auticode Secret by N.E. McMorran
3.0
Moojag and the Auticode Secret is a middle grade fantasy that feels like Douglas Adams meets Wizard of Oz. It's irreverent, playful, silly, and fast-paced, which should keep kids reading.
The most interesting part is the author's self-expression of neurodivergence. Neurotypical readers should approach the text with an open mind, as this is a valuable view into autism and neurodivergent thought processes. From the way scenes are sketched in, to the wordplay used throughout the characters' dialogue and thoughts, to the various physical habits and stimming---there is a lot of diversity on display. This can be a great tool for learning empathy. And for autistic readers, this is a chance to see themselves represented in the wide array of autistic characters that grace the pages.
The narrative is a little challenging to follow at times. Action beats leapfrog forward. Characters "appear" and disappear suddenly, with no explanation. The point of view shifts from first person to an omniscient external narrator who can read character's minds at will and who (rarely) can be perceived by some characters, and back to limited first. Zany villains are downright cruel, abusive, and grotesque---yet so incompetent, it's amazing they've not been overthrown. And the utopian civilizations themed around candy are charming but ludicrous. Still, the themes of acceptance of differences, equity, and found family provide a strong central core around which the characters pivot. There doesn't seem to be much character growth for the protagonists, who start off content and spend most of the book wading reluctantly through mysteries and odd tasks. At times, they bleed together in personality. Nema and Adam, however, are especially likeable, and Kitty is sweet and hapless and elicits pity.
The book zigzags around a surrealist world and plot, clearly intending a second volume. Kids will likely pick up on the nonsensical, onomatopoeia words like "gajoom" and may go springing around the house in search of sugary sweets after reading this adventure. I encourage readers to put on their Gajoomdom goggles and look at life from a different perspective---even if that perspective is sometimes upside-down like Moojag.
***Based on an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review***
The most interesting part is the author's self-expression of neurodivergence. Neurotypical readers should approach the text with an open mind, as this is a valuable view into autism and neurodivergent thought processes. From the way scenes are sketched in, to the wordplay used throughout the characters' dialogue and thoughts, to the various physical habits and stimming---there is a lot of diversity on display. This can be a great tool for learning empathy. And for autistic readers, this is a chance to see themselves represented in the wide array of autistic characters that grace the pages.
The narrative is a little challenging to follow at times. Action beats leapfrog forward. Characters "appear" and disappear suddenly, with no explanation. The point of view shifts from first person to an omniscient external narrator who can read character's minds at will and who (rarely) can be perceived by some characters, and back to limited first. Zany villains are downright cruel, abusive, and grotesque---yet so incompetent, it's amazing they've not been overthrown. And the utopian civilizations themed around candy are charming but ludicrous. Still, the themes of acceptance of differences, equity, and found family provide a strong central core around which the characters pivot. There doesn't seem to be much character growth for the protagonists, who start off content and spend most of the book wading reluctantly through mysteries and odd tasks. At times, they bleed together in personality. Nema and Adam, however, are especially likeable, and Kitty is sweet and hapless and elicits pity.
The book zigzags around a surrealist world and plot, clearly intending a second volume. Kids will likely pick up on the nonsensical, onomatopoeia words like "gajoom" and may go springing around the house in search of sugary sweets after reading this adventure. I encourage readers to put on their Gajoomdom goggles and look at life from a different perspective---even if that perspective is sometimes upside-down like Moojag.
***Based on an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review***