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bookbairn 's review for:
The Asparagus Bunch
by Jessica Scott-Whyte
I found this an interesting read as I've been research neurodiverse titles for young readers. Firstly, based on the cover and synopsis, I wrongly assumed this was a book aimed at primary school children when it's definitely more suitable to readers aged 11+ so that was my error.
But even still I found the representation in this left my uncomfortable. It's written by a autistic writer and she describes her family as neurodiverse too so perhaps I should rely on that own voices experience. However, I found the main character wholly unlikable. And sure there are unlikable people both neurotypical and neurodiverse, but it felt like his nastiness, disrespect and at one point racist microaggression, is sort of brushed away as part of his autism. But to me that doesn't sit right, and it also paints neurodiversity in negative light. When representation is so few and far between I wonder if this sort of representation is helpful. And I'd be curious if there were any sensitivity readers involved in the editing of this book.
I'd be keen to hear from own voices reviewers on this book as perhaps I am off the mark.
But even still I found the representation in this left my uncomfortable. It's written by a autistic writer and she describes her family as neurodiverse too so perhaps I should rely on that own voices experience. However, I found the main character wholly unlikable. And sure there are unlikable people both neurotypical and neurodiverse, but it felt like his nastiness, disrespect and at one point racist microaggression, is sort of brushed away as part of his autism. But to me that doesn't sit right, and it also paints neurodiversity in negative light. When representation is so few and far between I wonder if this sort of representation is helpful. And I'd be curious if there were any sensitivity readers involved in the editing of this book.
I'd be keen to hear from own voices reviewers on this book as perhaps I am off the mark.