Fifty-Four Things Wrong with Gwendolyn Rogers by Caela Carter Published by Quill Tree Books on October 19, 2021
ISBN: 0062996630
Pages: 336
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
Fifty-Four Things Wrong With Gwendolyn Rogers
Gwendolyn Rogers wants to be good; she really does. But, because of the way her brain is wired, and the fact that she isn’t neurotypical, and the way no one can determine what she has and what “initials” go with her, she is in a tough situation. She has a single mother who loves Gwen but struggles and is forever being called, either by the school or the after-school program concerning Gwendolyn. In 3rd-4th grade she was evaluated as part of an IEP, but it was inconclusive. Unfortunately, Gwen saw it and has taken the comments to heart; hence the Fifty-Four things.
Gwen has a brother by a different mother who has many of the same manifestations. But, the love between them is real. She also has a group of loyal friends, one of whom identifies as Non-Binary.
Caela Carter takes the readers into the mind and heart of a child that so many of us see in our schools every day. How many times have we told them to behave, be good, or try harder when, because of their conditions, they aren’t able to?
This book is set in the world of 5th grade, on the edge of middle school. I believe this should be a Cream of the Crop contender in the upper reaches of the children’s age group. It is excellent.
Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland