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A review by awesomebrandi
Moojag and the Auticode Secret by N.E. McMorran
3.0
Moojag and the Auticode Secret is a middle grade fantasy novel written by an Actually Autistic author that centers around two main groups of Autistic youth. One group lives in a post 'surge' world where being neurodivergent is accepted, supported and celebrated. The other group has been trapped by a group of bad guys, who wants to take over the 'Real World' where the celebrated Autistic people live.
This is an immensely creative book. Lots of unique fantasy inspired ideas, around how one might support an Autistic person's mental and physical needs. They created a very interesting utopia type world with the 'Real World' for the happy Autistic people. I love seeing the imagination at work there.
There was a pretty wide range of Autistic representation here, including nonspeaking characters. It was very strong in it's pro-neurodiversity message, and how Autistic people should be supported to be their best selves. I also liked that it says Autistic people don't have to be the stereotype of just technology focused, like the media often portrays. So, as far as a book that celebrates being Autistic, this definitely has a clear message as far as that goes.
The biggest issue I had with this book was the focus on food and how it divides it into 'real food' aka 'good food' and 'fake food'. I am all about eating 'healthy' when you can, but considering how many Autistic people struggle with food aversions, and shame about eating, it was surprising to see a book focused on Autistic people have such a strong message about food. I feel like it has the potential to make people with food challenges feel bad about themselves.
The other thing that stood out to me as something that could have used editing, was multiple references about body size/shape that were on the negative side. The worst was the term 'man boobs', which is problematic on many levels including fatphobic and transphobic. I was pretty disappointed to see that included.
Hopefully, with some time and additional experience, the author can continue to create books that are positive Autistic representation with a few less problematic aspects. I will continue to keep my eye on what they do.
This is an immensely creative book. Lots of unique fantasy inspired ideas, around how one might support an Autistic person's mental and physical needs. They created a very interesting utopia type world with the 'Real World' for the happy Autistic people. I love seeing the imagination at work there.
There was a pretty wide range of Autistic representation here, including nonspeaking characters. It was very strong in it's pro-neurodiversity message, and how Autistic people should be supported to be their best selves. I also liked that it says Autistic people don't have to be the stereotype of just technology focused, like the media often portrays. So, as far as a book that celebrates being Autistic, this definitely has a clear message as far as that goes.
The biggest issue I had with this book was the focus on food and how it divides it into 'real food' aka 'good food' and 'fake food'. I am all about eating 'healthy' when you can, but considering how many Autistic people struggle with food aversions, and shame about eating, it was surprising to see a book focused on Autistic people have such a strong message about food. I feel like it has the potential to make people with food challenges feel bad about themselves.
The other thing that stood out to me as something that could have used editing, was multiple references about body size/shape that were on the negative side. The worst was the term 'man boobs', which is problematic on many levels including fatphobic and transphobic. I was pretty disappointed to see that included.
Hopefully, with some time and additional experience, the author can continue to create books that are positive Autistic representation with a few less problematic aspects. I will continue to keep my eye on what they do.