I was browsing the library audiobooks and picked this one up on a whim, and I’m so glad I did. What a beautiful little middle grade story. The plot follows a 12yo girl with Tourette Syndrome who struggles to deal with a new school, her not-so-understanding and constantly moving mom, and the popular boy next door who seems to like her… except when he’s in front of his friends.

This book was told so cleanly and beautifully with so much feeling, and I felt like it really nailed that awkward, unsure feeling of being in middle school, without talking down to the reader in any way or underestimating the MCs. Both Calli and Jinsong’s perspectives ring true as they deal with the crush of peer pressure and difficulties of navigating friendships, bullies, and self-acceptance. I especially love how differently their narratives are delivered: verse for Calli and prose for Jinsong.

Honestly, this lovely book reminds me why I still like to read middle grade, and I whole-heartedly recommend to readers of all ages looking for a lyrical and moving story of two kids stumbling through the growing pains of finding and standing up for yourself.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Tula and I give it a thumb’s up

Thanks for reading!