Can You See Me? (Paperback)
Staff Reviews
Navigating 6th grade is hard enough for any kid, with new friends, a new school, and new uniforms. But Tally’s autism makes adjusting extra hard for her. The new uniforms are scratchy, her friend has started acting differently, and everyone seems to care about fashion and popularity--two topics which are foreign to Tally. She decides the best way to conquer middle school is by hiding her autism. But soon she learns that maybe fitting in isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Based on Libby Scott’s own experience living with autism, this story is full of great representation and a true voice.
(Suggested Ages: 9-12)
— From Middle Grade - NeurodivergenceDescription
A coming-of-age story about learning to celebrate yourself -- and teaching the world to recognize you, too -- perfect for fans of R.J. Palacio's Wonder!
"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
Things Tally is dreading about sixth grade:
-- Being in classes without her best friends
-- New (scratchy) uniforms
-- Hiding her autism
Tally isn't ashamed of being autistic -- even if it complicates life sometimes, it's part of who she is. But this is her first year at Kingswood Academy, and her best friend, Layla, is the only one who knows. And while a lot of other people are uncomfortable around Tally, Layla has never been one of them . . . until now.
Something is different about sixth grade, and Tally now feels like she has to act "normal." But as Tally hides her true self, she starts to wonder what "normal" means after all and whether fitting in is really what matters most.
Inspired by young coauthor Libby Scott's own experiences with autism, this is an honest and moving middle-school story of friends, family, and finding one's place.
About the Author
Libby Scott is a young autistic writer who lives in the UK with her family. Since her "Life of a Perfectionist" essay went viral online, she has become an autism advocate, speaking about her own experience at conferences and in interviews. Can You See Me? is her first novel. You can find Libby on Twitter at @BlogLibby.
Rebecca Westcott has been a teacher for many years and currently teaches part-time in an elementary school where she is the special educational needs coordinator. Can You See Me? is her US debut. She lives in Dorset, England, with her husband and three children. Find Rebecca on Twitter at @WestcottWriter.
Praise For…
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
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