Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Incoming fifth grader Queenie and her family, who read as white, have just moved to Ontario, where Queenie is hoping for a fresh start--and a new best friend. But mishaps seem to follow her everywhere: first, gum stuck in her hair necessitates an unwanted haircut. Then she gets in trouble at her new school for not following its many rules, including, "No student shall cross the road alone." Bubbly Queenie worries that her ADHD--which sometimes makes it hard for her to stay still, wait her turn to speak, or filter her remarks--will lead to more predicaments. Her fears are realized when the popular girls Queenie hopes to befriend bully her. Still, others show kindness, including her teacher and classmate Kenneth, who appreciate Queenie for the boisterous, good-hearted person that she is, and who help her navigate challenges surrounding dealing with her older brothers, the upcoming school speech contest, and further bullying. Queenie's ADHD, as well as her desire not to be defined by her diagnosis, are organically portrayed, and her adventures, her confidence in herself, and her upbeat life outlook make her an exemplary protagonist for Read's joyful slice-of-life debut. Ages 8--12. (Apr.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4--6--Queenie seems to find trouble wherever she goes, even all the way across the country in fancy West Vancouver, where her family moved over the summer. While struggling to adjust to this unfamiliar world, Queenie is energized and desperate to fit in at her new private school. Unfortunately, things don't go according to plan. From being chronically late to being unable to focus, and constantly talking out of turn, Queenie finds herself standing out instead of fitting in. What makes Queenie feel most alone is her ADHD diagnosis that no one at school knows about. Many of her symptoms, like poor time management and the inability to control emotions, live below the surface, which makes it even harder for people to understand. On top of all this, she is forced to face her biggest fear--making a speech in front of the whole school. As the school year goes on, Queenie continues to struggle to fit in as she avoids writing her speech and more trouble looms on the horizon. This debut from ADHD advocate and author Read offers a realistic representation of a young girl living with neurodiversity. Many will relate to Queenie's struggles in a new school, and her story will also help readers better understand the symptoms of ADHD, both visible and invisible. Will Queenie find the courage to speak from her heart in front of the whole school? If she does, she just might learn a lesson about being herself, trouble and all. VERDICT A heartfelt and humorous middle grade title shining a spotlight on the realities of living with ADHD.--Elizabeth Blake
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Enter the world of a spirited, neurodiverse fifth grader with ADHD. Queenie Jean Merriam, a precocious red-haired white girl, moved with her family to West Vancouver from a small town in Ontario. Her fresh start at her new private school starts off badly when her dad, trying to get stuck gum out of her hair, accidentally gives her a terrible haircut. Worse, Queenie keeps ending up in trouble, especially with the principal. Queenie impulsively talks out of turn, can't control the volume of her voice, and struggles to fit in socially. Some wealthy mean girl classmates make things especially hard, but thankfully, two kind new friends help her navigate the school's social dynamics and the upcoming mandatory speech competition. Queenie's first-person voice, marked by rambling monologues and bursts of creative thinking, conveys her inner world and good intentions. Her narration includes misspelled emails and lists, which will be relatable to readers who have similar difficulties. Queenie's parents support her patiently and with humor and help her navigate emotional outbursts, focus on her homework, and integrate herself into her new school. In the end, Queenie's resilience is symbolized by her crossing a swinging bridge that she's terrified of, foreshadowing her ability to overcome fear, stigma, and academic barriers. Short chapters and comedic moments make this an appealing read. Comedic fiction that celebrates strengths and reveals the challenges of living with neurodiversity. (Fiction. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
