Can You See Me?

An autistic preteen struggles to navigate the demands of an allistic world in this powerful collaboration between Scott, an autistic 11-year-old, and established author Westcott, who is neurotypical. Funny, self-aware Tally is about to start sixth grade, and that means an overwhelming new school with lots of new people. To fit in, she chooses to keep her autism a secret, avoiding her usual coping mechanisms in order to fit in. Bullying and abandonment by her best friend ensue, but just when she can't take it anymore, people close to Tally--including her sister and a teacher--learn to offer understanding and support in myriad ways. This is a sweetly appealing story of finding oneself in a time of change, and it's heartening to see an autistic protagonist who finds happiness through the growth of those around her and not via learning to hide herself. Occasional first-person diary entries narrate Tally's experiences, offering "Autism Facts" about anxiety, demand avoidance, meltdowns, and stimming, among other topics. Alongside a compelling heroine, vividly accurate portrayals of stressful situations and specific needs offer a rare and valuable window into one autistic point of view. Ages 8-12. (Mar.)

Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 4-8—Starting sixth grade can be a little scary for anyone. For Tally, hiding her autism while trying to adapt to a whole new set of middle school expectations is especially challenging. Adapting isn't really Tally's thing. Her new uniform itches, her shoes pinch, and the crowded, noisy hallways are impossible to navigate. It would be easier if she could be Tiger Girl, but she knows that disappearing behind her rubber tiger mask is something she can't do if she wants to fit in. She also pushes down stimming behaviors like flapping her hands because, while they help her cope, they also make her stand out. Her elementary school friends are all in different classes, making new friends and developing new interests, leaving Tally feeling abandoned. She pours out her frustrations in journal entries that are interspersed throughout the narrative. Each entry is broken down with a situation, Tally's anxiety rating, Tally's Autism Facts, and how they affected the situation. She sometimes offers the pros and cons of having a particular spectrum-associated behavior. The narrative and journal entries combine to give readers an authentic depiction of what it is like to walk in Tally's shoes. The ending offers hope that there is space for children like Tally to be themselves. Author notes are included from co-authors Westcott, a teacher and special needs coordinator, and Scott, a writer, blogger, and autistic student. VERDICT Give this to children on the spectrum and families, teachers, and classmates of children on the spectrum. In short, give to everyone, because a little understanding can go a long way.—Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for Can You See Me?:

This glimpse into the world of a young autistic girl is astonishingly insightful and honest. Tally's struggles to 'fit in' are heart-wrenching, and her victories are glorious. — Ann M. Martin, Newbery Honor and New York Times bestselling author of Rain Reign

Tally is smart, compassionate, and she has a superpower: autism. This own voices story is wonderfully authentic and informing. It doesn't portray an 'autistic girl'; rather, we get to meet a well-defined, relatable character who also has autism. I hope this book finds its way into the hands of readers everywhere as a reminder that our perceived weaknesses can also be our greatest strengths. — Wesley King, bestselling author of OCDaniel

* Give [this book] to everyone, because a little understanding can go a long way. — School Library Journal, starred review

* This is a sweetly appealing story of finding oneself in a time of change, and it's heartening to see an autistic protagonist who finds happiness through the growth of those around her and not via learning to hide herself . . . Alongside a compelling heroine, vividly accurate portrayals of stressful situations and specific needs offer a rare and valuable window into one autistic point of view. — Publishers Weekly, starred review

Tally's story — based on Scott (herself 11 and autistic) and co-written with the neurotypical Westcott — shines with authenticity. The deceptively simple prose sticks tightly to Tally's point of view, conveying her courage and quirky charm while rendering with painful acuity her struggles with anxiety and sensory overload. Her triumph comes in her resolve to present as her own unique, different 'normal.' — Kirkus Reviews