A review by amberdlewis
Adora and the Distance by Will Dennis, Marc Bernardin

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

I was admittedly not a fan of this book. It started out okay with great art and interesting characters. It definitely felt a but more middle grade than YA, though, with fast, bumpy pacing. The thing I didn’t like was the “twist” at the end.

Autism isn’t a twist and, as the neurodivergent parent of an autistic child, using it as one left a bad taste in my mouth. It very much felt like someone trying to make autism more palatable and fun for neurotypicals. I understand that this was the author’s way of trying to understand and connect with his experience with his autistic child, but think it could’ve been handled better.

The intent was good, and the story up until the “twist” was okay, but the execution was lacking.