My top pick of this year wasn't a paranormal or even a historical YA. No, my pick is a story of a teen who doesn't moan about her ADHD/Asbergers but is very real. My own son has sensory issues. I read some passages of this book to him and asked, "Do you feel this way too?" He looked at me and rolled his eyes, "Duh, Mommy."

I HATE books that show characters with sensory issues in the stereotypical way--I call it the Rainman Syndrome. Not all those who have sensory issues behave this way.
I love books that show these characters in a proactive light. And this book delivers.

Drum roll please....

HARMONIC FEEDBACK


My YA Books Central review:

Real and Honest


Sixteen-year-old Drea is passionate about her music. She doesn't have many friends and it doesn't help that her mother tells others that she has 'issues' and a slight touch of Asbergers. Drea hates this as she wants to be known for who she is and not by a label.

Drea is also used to being dragged from town to town by her mother. The latest stop is her Grandmother's house which is a step up from being homeless. But here Drea meets Naomi, a fellow outsider who seems interested in her. Then at her new school she runs into Justin, someone else who seems intrigued by her.

Naomi suggests they form a band. Drea can no longer hide behind her sound equipment. But as she slowly lets her guard down, one fear continues to nag at her. What happens if both Naomi and Justin find out about her 'issues'? Will they still like her? Is this something she wants to chance?

I totally LOVED Drea. She's real and honest about the world around her. For example she doesn't get why people smile and act like everything is ok when in reality that's further than the truth. Drea hates being labeled by acronyms like ADHD but instead wants to be known for who she is, someone who's passionate about her music.

I loved how the author gives us a character and let's us get a glimpse of her world. Since my own son has ADHD, I asked him if some of what Drea felt were similar to what he deals with. He totally agreed. Finally a character that doesn't show ADHD or Asperger's as the Rain Man character.

This book isn't per say about ADHD or Asperger's but rather about relationships and how painful it can be to open up and take chances. I loved how the author develops the relationships between the main characters. All three at first hide behind masks of their own and aren't really that different.

Drea's journey is at times blunt but also heartfelt and honest. Believe me, you'll love Drea as much as I did! Her journey is something you won't want to miss. A must read!

Also if you love MG, here's another book with an endearing character too:




My YA Books Central review:

I totally Get It


Ten-year-old Caitlin's world is forever changed after the tragic shooting death of her beloved brother Devon. Her brother helped her make sense of the world around her and how to not stand out so much at school. Now that Devon's gone, she has a harder time with school. Her Asberger's has her see the world in black and white terms. Caitlin tries to find closure with the shooting. And how she does this will have your cheering for Caitlin.

I totally loved this book and Caitlin! My own son has sensory issues and I know how challenging the world can be to him. Erskine's descriptions of what's its like to be Caitlin are so very true. What I really love about Caitlin is she's a character who's not a victim. Sure, she looks at the world a tad bit different than others but she's able to arc and bring closure to a very terrible incident in both her life and the community.

This is a must read book! Caitlin is alot like Scout, from TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Both are courageous and not afraid to confront harsh realities around them. I applaud Erskine for writing this story. We need more books that break down the stereotypes and cliches of autism. Not all are the Rainman. Highly recommended for classroom libraries.