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goodem9199's review
5.0
This fascinating book told in the first person by an autistic teen boy was fan-friggin'-tastic. I don't think society takes enough time to stop and understand these kids, and they are labeled simply as troubled or behavior-challenged. The book went into the mind of this kid in a way that I have never seen done before, and the result was amazing. Reading it, you understand why he's flapping his arms. You understand why he can't look anyone in the eye. I will be reading all I can from this author...first rate.
trevoryan's review
A moving first-person look at growing up autistic, through the eyes of a thirteen year-old boy. Highly recommended for anyone interested in learning more about what being autistic is like, from the inside.
person123's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
boring. jason is just crusty musty dusty. it really didn’t make sense.
cranea653's review
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
gabbynasty's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Ableism, Violence, Bullying, and Suicidal thoughts
jennymock's review
5.0
I can't help but compare this book to "Mockingbird" by Katherine Erskine. Even though both of the main characters are autistic the stories are very different. This novel doesn't center around a huge tragedy that requires healing. This story is one in which the main character is dealing with everyday life and the common conflicts we all face in adolescence. I love that Jason is a writer and a good one at that.
lisawhelpley's review
5.0
I can't do any better than others on here who have already posted reviews. When I started reading the book, I wondered why I'd added a YA book to my "to read" list. But then, I started to read. Excellent storytelling.
thisisatestaccount's review
4.0
“When I write, I can be heard. And known. But nobody has to look at me. Nobody has to see me at all.”
Anything but Typical is a clever and entertaining middle-grade novel that goes deeper than it may initially seem. It represents the early-teen autistic experience in an accessible and simple way for young readers, while at the same time being relatable for neurodivergents of all ages.
Jason is a 12-year-old with ASD who communicates his inner world by storytelling, and who posts his stories to an online literature site. After briefly communicating with a girl who reads all of his stories from a different part of the country, he goes on a trip to a writing convention, which she’ll also be attending. Nonetheless, he is overwhelmed by his fears and past experiences, dreading the moment they will both meet, and afraid that their first encounter will be negatively shaped by him being autistic.
The novel has less than 200 pages and is easy to read. It makes you connect with the protagonist, Jason, and his experiences, fears, and functioning, especially as a neurodivergent reader. While reading it, I constantly felt like I was Jason myself, as if this book were describing my own past experiences. I can’t imagine how much I would have related if I had read it as a kid.
We need more novels like these. We need more autistic representation in middle-grade storytelling, and Nora Raleigh Baskin clearly understands the assignment.