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happyhippielinds's review against another edition
5.0
Oh. My. Goodness. I loved this book so, so much. I've been learning about Sensory Processing Disorder and reading this book gave me a whole new insight into it. There's finally someone like me :)
cbs5678's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. I learned a lot about Sensory Processing Disorder through Willa’s experiences. About divorce, life changes, friendship, family and love. Good message about the challenges we all have and how we deal with them.
briarrose1021's review against another edition
5.0
Willa is in fifth grade and has Sensory Processing Disorder. Though things haven't always been great, life has been pretty good recently. Yes, she can't stand tags in clothing, or seams in socks, or the texture of yogurt, and various other things as a result of the SPD, but she has her best friend Ruby and the occupational therapist, Maureen, that she sees twice a week, and she's going to be getting a dog (finally!!!!) at the end of the school year.
Once thing that Willa definitely doesn't like is change. And, suddenly, change is all Willa is experiencing. Especially when her dad tells her that he's been dating Ruby's mom, for almost 2 years, and they're in love. As the changes begin to roll in, it's more that Willa can handle. She's not going along with these changes. Absolutely NOT! Not if she can help it!
Mackler did such a great job with Willa's characterization and the description of what it's like to have Sensory Processing Disorder, as well as the anxiety of other people finding out. The character descriptions and development of the other characters are also done exceptionally well. It's so great to see kids with disabilities, especially disabilities that are often invisible, as the protagonists of books.
I really enjoyed the growth that Willa goes through over the course of the book. I don't want to say too much about the changes, because I don't want to spoil anything from the plot, but seeing her get hit with all the changes that crop up and learn how to deal with them was great; her growth was made even better by the self-reflection she engages in throughout the novel. This is definitely a great book that would be great for any middle-grades reader.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Taylor Meskiman, and loved it. Meskiman's performance was spot on, and the voice work for the characters was perfect - even down to the voice of the teacher actually sounding like she was congested from allergies. It was the first audiobook that I've listened to with her as a narrator and after this audiobook, I've added her to the list of narrators that I don't question before getting the audiobook.
Once thing that Willa definitely doesn't like is change. And, suddenly, change is all Willa is experiencing. Especially when her dad tells her that he's been dating Ruby's mom, for almost 2 years, and they're in love. As the changes begin to roll in, it's more that Willa can handle. She's not going along with these changes. Absolutely NOT! Not if she can help it!
Mackler did such a great job with Willa's characterization and the description of what it's like to have Sensory Processing Disorder, as well as the anxiety of other people finding out. The character descriptions and development of the other characters are also done exceptionally well. It's so great to see kids with disabilities, especially disabilities that are often invisible, as the protagonists of books.
I really enjoyed the growth that Willa goes through over the course of the book. I don't want to say too much about the changes, because I don't want to spoil anything from the plot, but seeing her get hit with all the changes that crop up and learn how to deal with them was great; her growth was made even better by the self-reflection she engages in throughout the novel. This is definitely a great book that would be great for any middle-grades reader.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Taylor Meskiman, and loved it. Meskiman's performance was spot on, and the voice work for the characters was perfect - even down to the voice of the teacher actually sounding like she was congested from allergies. It was the first audiobook that I've listened to with her as a narrator and after this audiobook, I've added her to the list of narrators that I don't question before getting the audiobook.
kristinakg's review against another edition
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
elliotiscool's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this book, it was so good! good plot, characters and style. Definitely recommend!!
sharonrose's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. This was a very sweet book that tackled the topic of blended families (as well as Sensory Processing Disorder) in an interesting and sweet way. With the main character thrust into the unique situation of having her dad begin dating her best friend's mom, she has to deal with change and how to accept both the good and bad of her new reality. I liked how it balanced treating divorce as both an awful thing for a kid to deal with while also some of the beautiful things that can happen in any situation.
omgitsyelhsa's review against another edition
A very cute middle-grade book about an 11 yr old girl with a sensory processing disorder. I’m not rating it because I’m not the target demographic. But I recommend it to middle school and even upper elementary school kids.
fernthepanda's review against another edition
4.0
An excellent story full of developed characters. Nice to see a story with sensory processing disorder - not something we see much of.
kateteaching7and8's review against another edition
4.0
@kidlitexchange #partner
Thank you to the @kidlitexchange network and the publisher @scholasticinc for the advance copy of Not If I Can Help It by @carolynmacklerbooks. Not If I Can Help It will be released on July 30, 2019.
Willa likes things a certain way and is not a fan of change. She has a sensory processing disorder which means, as Willa explains it, "that being in my body harder than it is for most people." She usually only wears leggings and despises anything with itchy seams or annoying crinkles. She loves gummy bears on her ice cream and dogs. She actually met her best friend, Ruby, at an ice cream parlor called I Scream when they bonded over their love of gummy bears as a frozen treat topping. Now, Willa learns that her dad is in love with Ruby's mom, and Willa IS NOT okay with that. She doesn't want to have to give up her room if they get married and she's not too keen on the idea of her best friend becoming her sister overnight. This book is all about Willa overcoming obstacles and having to decide whether or not she's going to let this big news ruin her life.
This is a unique book, in that it's the first book I've read that has a protagonist with a sensory processing disorder. The book focuses on the social and emotional affects of the disorder as well as topics of divorce, remarrying, blended families, and peer pressure. Willa learns so much about herself, her family, and her friend during the novel, and the reader learns the lesson that we don't know what others are going through. Just because someone appears happy and normal doesn't mean they're struggling with their own battles. The story is sensitive, yet relatable and the reader is instantly sucked into Willa's world. This will be great novel for middle grade readers to help them learn about self-identify, accepting differences, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, blended families, and friendship. This is a great book to help more kids find protagonists and characters that relate to them.
Thank you to the @kidlitexchange network and the publisher @scholasticinc for the advance copy of Not If I Can Help It by @carolynmacklerbooks. Not If I Can Help It will be released on July 30, 2019.
Willa likes things a certain way and is not a fan of change. She has a sensory processing disorder which means, as Willa explains it, "that being in my body harder than it is for most people." She usually only wears leggings and despises anything with itchy seams or annoying crinkles. She loves gummy bears on her ice cream and dogs. She actually met her best friend, Ruby, at an ice cream parlor called I Scream when they bonded over their love of gummy bears as a frozen treat topping. Now, Willa learns that her dad is in love with Ruby's mom, and Willa IS NOT okay with that. She doesn't want to have to give up her room if they get married and she's not too keen on the idea of her best friend becoming her sister overnight. This book is all about Willa overcoming obstacles and having to decide whether or not she's going to let this big news ruin her life.
This is a unique book, in that it's the first book I've read that has a protagonist with a sensory processing disorder. The book focuses on the social and emotional affects of the disorder as well as topics of divorce, remarrying, blended families, and peer pressure. Willa learns so much about herself, her family, and her friend during the novel, and the reader learns the lesson that we don't know what others are going through. Just because someone appears happy and normal doesn't mean they're struggling with their own battles. The story is sensitive, yet relatable and the reader is instantly sucked into Willa's world. This will be great novel for middle grade readers to help them learn about self-identify, accepting differences, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, blended families, and friendship. This is a great book to help more kids find protagonists and characters that relate to them.
rahscake's review against another edition
4.0
Enter two friends with parents that have been secretly dating! How to handle all the changes when you have SPD is thoughtfully discussed within this novel. Wonderful reading for a class read together as there are lots of parts that can lead to thoughtful discussions. Enjoyed how the families were supportive even post divorce and how the new couple also were open to talking and making each family member secure. The ending felt just right!