Smile by Roddy Doyle

Victor Forde lives on his own in a sparse apartment in Ireland. He used to be married to Rachel - businesswoman turned popular TV presenter - but that is now over, and the main focus of his life is his time spent in his local pub, Donnelly's. It is there that he meets a man who appears to know him well, even though Victor can't place him at all. The man, Fitzpatrick, tells him they used to go to school together and seems to know a lot about their time there, especially the teachers - one in particular, Murphy, who used to tell the schoolboy Victor that he liked his smile. For Victor used to attend St Martin's CBS, a Christian Brothers school in Ireland, where they were taught by monks. It is the memory of what the monks did to the young boys - Victor in particular - that would forever haunt him. Who is this man Fitzpatrick, and why is he so uncouth and imposing, dredging up horrible memories for Victor?

There are few laughs in this book, some of it uncomfortable reading, partly because of the feeling of dread in the chapters about school, and partly because you know this sort of thing was actually happening in real life. Fitzpatrick is not a nice character, and every time he makes an appearance in the pub, you just wish Victor would walk away and ignore him, but it's like a magnet, drawing them together. The ending of the book is quite a shock, in fact it had me slightly confused, and I felt I should read the book again to make sense of it. 

Even though she plays a small part in the book, I loved Victor's mother, she was such a caring, adorable woman. This could be because the only other female character in the book was Rachel, the ex-wife. She came across as a domineering, controlling woman, and I felt that Victor was made out to be a victim in his marriage as well as in his school and in the pub. 

Roddy Doyle often writes about uncomfortable subject matters - marriage breakdowns, domestic abuse - and most of his fiction is set in Ireland (being Irish born and bred himself), so the overall feeling of the book is true Roddy.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

(Review by Megan, age 14)

The original story behind the Netflix show, 13 Reasons Why is a very raw and emotional story about a suicidal girl who has left behind casette tapes for her peers who are the 'reasons why'. 

The book is different from the on-screen show, but is definitely still hard-hitting and certainly makes you think about the affect you make on other people's lives, that however small it may be, it can make a big difference. It might not be a story for everyone, but I think that everyone should read it, because unfortunately, it is based on countless true stories that are still happening around the world today.

Overall, a very touching, emotive and important tale, told in a realistic and heart-breaking way. I recommend this book to anyone aged 13+.

Radio Silence by Alice Oseman

Alice Oseman is a truly remarkable young author. At age 18 she had her first book published by Harper Collins, 'Solitaire'. As you can see from my review of that book, I loved it and thought Alice just wonderful (she's also lovely in person - she came along to Waterstones Truro for a signing of Solitaire, and she spoke to our Teen reading group, who were inspired by her).

As you can imagine, I couldn't wait to read her second book 'Radio Silence'. I was just blown away. It's incredible. She pulls you right into the story, makes the characters real. This is because she writes about real situations that everyone can relate to. Alice herself is now 21 and is at university studying English. She was an excellent student at school. Guess what Frances, one of the main characters is about to do? She's an A-grade student at school and is expected/wants to go to Cambridge to study English. Alice is currently hating her course at University (just read her twitter messages). Guess what Aled, the other main character in the book, is going through? Alice is a keen user of Tumblr. A Tumblr story is a key thread in this book. I keep reading advice from other authors about writing about things you know. It's absolutely true - Alice is proof of this. Keep it real and your stories are addictive.

The one character I couldn't believe in was Aled and Carys's mother, Carol. I truly hope that Alice wasn't basing her on anybody she knows, because that is one evil character. Can a mother do such horrific things to her children to disturb them so much mentally? 

This is a fantastic book about discovering your true identity, believing in yourself, following your dreams and not feeling you have to do what is expected of you. It's also about realising that not conforming is ok - just because you're different doesn't mean you're weird. You're still a human being, with feelings. And lastly it's about the strength of friendships - never give up on your friends, true friends stay together forever.

We Are All Made of Molecules by Susin Nielsen

I'll heartily recommend this to anyone over the age of 13/14. It's funny, it's very life-like, it's awkward, it's horrid, it's shocking, it's sad - it's just about everything you want in a teen book.

Stewart is 13, super gifted and intelligent, but slightly socially awkward. He lives with his mum and dad, until his mum dies of cancer and leaves Stewart and his dad devastated, sad and alone.

Ashley is 14, beautiful, popular at school, but slightly dim and not the nicest person in the world (an understatement). She also lives happily with her mum and dad, until her dad leaves them - for another man. Ashley is so ashamed and embarrassed she barely speaks to him any more - even though he lives in the converted shed at the bottom of their garden.

Stewart's dad and Ashley's mum work together. Romance blossoms and they end up living together - much to Ashley's horror. She has no intention on being nice to either of them, especially 'Spewart', and is completely mortified when he transfers to her school, and into her class.

This is a story of love, hate, prejudice, but above all, compromise and forgiveness.

There is an upsetting scene of an adult nature involving a teen girl and teen boy, which is why I wouldn't recommend this to anyone under 14.

The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness

Mikey and his friends are just about to graduate from high school. It's their final couple of weeks before the summer holidays and then they're off on their separate ways to university. But there are a few problems :

1) Mikey has OCD - it's so bad he thinks the loop won't break and he'll die;
2) His older sister Mel has an eating disorder and needs constant monitoring;
3) His dad is an alcoholic;
4) His mum is running for Congress and everyone has to appear normal;
5) He loves Henna, but hasn't told her, but Henna loves new boy Nathan, who seems very suspicious;
6) His best friend Jared is part God of feline animals;
7) The town they live in is about to be taken over by Immortals - they come in the guise of police officers with blue rays coming out of their eyes. But it's OK, the indie kids are around to save the day;
8) The indie kids are being killed off one by one;
9) There are zombie deer.

I know, sounds weird. It definitely seems that way when you start reading it, but strangely the main theme of teens struggling with emotions, exams, anxieties, sexual preferences, whether someone's your friend or not, whether someone fancies you or not, parents - all the usual teen angst stuff - makes the story seem more normal than it actually is. Many of you will spot throw-ins from other top-selling kids' novels - vampires (check), Greek Gods (check), cancer victims (check), zombies (check). I loved all the characters, and I think many teens will find something from each of them to identify with. I did spend rather a large amount of time wondering whether there was an underlying meaning to the Immortals and the indie kids. Were the Immortals just authority figures trying to run the kids' lives? Were the indie kids just synonymous with people being different and that it was ok to be different, that they matter too and are just as important as everyone else, in fact they can be the heroes? However in the end, I just enjoyed it for what it is - something a little bit different and a little bit wonderful by one of my favourite authors.

Geek Girl 4 - All That Glitters by Holly Smale

Review by Megan, aged 12

The Geek Girl series has always been a personal favourite of mine, and 'All That Glitters' is still a fantastic book, but unfortunately it broke the good streak. Harriet is mainly concerned about the goings on at home, and the story is basically just about school.

I was expecting another dramatic story about her having an amazing experience doing a photo shoot with Nick, even though he was supposed to be in Australia after they broke up. Instead, Harriet only has about two chapters actually in the modelling world, and most of the other time having a bad time at school.

Some people may like the change in the storyline, which is great, but personally, overall, still an impressive piece of writing, and I guess a repeat of Harriet's childhood. But, I have to admit, a little bit disappointing.

Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

I started to read this book with some trepidation - it's been getting quite a bit of hype in the press and from other bloggers, but recently I've been feeling a bit let down with the teen books I've read. It just seems to have been all sex, drugs, misery, death, and it's saddened me that, as the mother of a near-teen, this is what is out there for them to read. But times are a-changing and I guess I'll have to come to terms with the fact that children are growing up a lot faster than when I was a child. When I was 13 I was reading 'My Family and Other Animals' by Gerald Durrell and absolutely loved it. My daughter is currently re-reading 'Twilight' by Stephenie Meyer. See what I mean?

As testimony to the changing of attitudes and subject material in teen books, 'Simon...' is bang up to date with the current LGBT trend (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender). Simon is gay, but he hasn't told anyone yet. He is terrified of coming out to friends and especially to his parents. He forms an online friendship with Blue, who is also gay, and whose real identity is unknown, both to us and to Simon. They only know they go to the same school. Simon also uses a pseudonym when he emails Blue. It's this anonymity which makes it easier for them to open up to each other, to reveal how they both feel, to be there for each other when the time comes to tell their family and friends they are gay, even though for Simon that time is forced upon him after a very evil and vile incident. All the while we as the reader, and Simon, are trying to work out who Blue is.

It took me a couple of chapters, but I grew to love this book. You really felt for Simon when the time came to tell his parents. Even though in this modern world being gay is almost as much the norm as being straight, the author shows that there are still plenty of people who treat gays as weirdos, or someone to bully and tease for who they are. In one of Simon's e-mails to Blue, he asks "Don't you think everyone should have to come out? Why is straight the default?....It should be this big awkward thing whether you're straight, gay, bi or whatever." They decide it should be named the 'Homo Sapiens Agenda'.

The author, Becky Albertalli, is a clinical psychologist, and co-led a support group for gender nonconforming children in Washington, DC. In the book, she deals with her topics sensitively and with insight and understanding. I loved all the characters - well, nearly all - and couldn't wait to find out who Blue really was.

The It Girl by Katy Birchall

Katy Birchall is currently an Editorial Assistant at Country Life magazine. 'The It Girl' is her first book in a new series about schoolgirl Anna, her labrador Dog, and her dad. It is being marketed as 'clean teen', and for being ideal for fans of Geek Girl and Louise Rennison. Seeing as my daughter loves the former and I love the latter, I was keen to give it a go!

Anna's parents are divorced, but are still good friends. Her dad is a journalist and has fallen in love with a famous actress, Helena, who he had to interview. Helena also happens to have a daughter Marianne, who is a socialite and an It Girl, so Helena and Anna's dad are keen for the girls to get along. Will the girls manage to become friends? What will Anna's school friends think of her joining the celebrity world?

On the whole, I rather enjoyed it. It was really funny, and it just so  happens that, like Anna, my daughter also loves the Marvel characters (she knows them through all the films though, rather than the graphic novels) and Star Wars, and we also have a yellow labrador who is rather mad. I liked Anna's friends Jess, Danny and Connor, but of course none of us likes a show-off meany bad girl, of which there are many in one's life during school days, and of which there are a couple in this book. This was the part of the story which I thought let it down slightly. It was very predictable where the story was going and what was going to happen - so many school stories focus so much on the bully or the nasty girl. The book just seemed to lose its originality and its humour for quite a few pages.

However, I'd definitely read the next in the series (due out 2016), as I'd love to read more about the wonderful, funny Anna and what happens next in her rather mad world!

The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson

The volatile and mysterious Leo has been transferred to Eden Park school after an incident at his previous school. There he attracts the attention of David. They both have something in common - they are keeping a big secret about their life. Leo's life is about to change drastically when his secret is found out and spread around the school. But this has a positive impact on David - it makes him reveal his secret to Leo, and as a result they realise they should be truthful to themselves and show everyone who they really are.

A wonderful story about transgender, identity, being true to yourself, standing up to bullies, and the strength of friendship. Also check out Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky for slightly younger children.

Unspeakable by Abbie Rushton

About a year ago, Megan witnessed a harrowing incident which made her unable to talk for the following 12 months. She blames herself for what happened, and there are demons inside her which bully her and tease her and encourage her to blame herself. Her mother struggles to look after her - she is a single mother with no family to help out, trying to hold down a job in the local cafe. Megan doesn't have many friends - the spiteful bully Sadie and her gang constantly talk nastily to her, knowing she can't reply. Her only friend is Luke - that is, until the bright and bubbly Jasmine starts at the same school. They instantly become inseparable friends, but when Jasmine starts to fall for Owen, Sadie's ex, Megan realises that it's not just friendship she wants with Jasmine. Then Jasmine starts to receive anonymous threatening notes and messages. Is Jasmine's life in danger, and can Megan be brave enough to cope with another awful incident in her life?

This book is surprisingly very readable. You want to find out what happened in Megan's life that made her stop talking. There are many issues that are covered in the book, mainly post-traumatic stress, and dealing with confusing emotions of who you love. These issues are dealt with gently and sensitively. The only thing I was slightly bored with was the set up of Megan living on a rundown estate, with yob boys hanging around, single mum, and the bully girls at school who seem to get away with all the nastiness they throw at Megan. But this is only probably because I've read a few books recently with the same formats - so much so that a couple of those books I got fed up with and stopped reading after a few chapters. But Abbie's easy style of writing and her way of enticing you into wanting to know what happens next, meant I quite enjoyed reading this - it only took me about 2 days to read.

Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky

I'd kept reading about this book, and what made me want to read it myself was that it was about a girl being trapped in a boy's body, but written for 10-11year olds. Usually, something with that subject matter would immediately be classed in the teen section as it would undoubtedly be about a teen with teen content. What a breath of fresh air then, to have a uniquely-themed issue book written for a younger audience.

Grayson's parents died in a car crash when he was very young, and so he now lives with his Aunt and Uncle. Grayson already knows that he wants to be a girl (in fact he has felt that he has always been a girl), he yearns to wear girls' clothes and do things that girls do. It is not something he has just decided, it is just who he is. However, of course what holds him back is fear - fear of the reaction of others. He takes his first step - he auditions for a female role in the school play. Unfortunately this has more repercussions than he could have imagined, and it is not just Grayson that ends up getting hurt.

This is a wonderful and moving book about gender, identity, acceptance, bullying, and understanding. I think it is a welcome move for an author to tackle such a subject and lay it open for a younger audience to read and understand; to accept that everyone has a right to be who they want to be, without any repercussions. The underlying message is that you have to be afraid in order to be brave, and once you are brave, you can do anything. 

For older readers, check out The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson.

The Rise and Rise of Tabitha Baird by Arabella Weir

(Review by Megan :D)

After Tabitha's parents split up, she, her mum and her younger brother all move to London to live with Gran. Tabitha wants to make a good impression in her new school so when she makes good friends with A'isha and Emz and makes the class laugh in her first few days, things are starting to look good for her. With her school friends expecting cool things from her, Tabitha is anxious about their thoughts of her un-cool family. Gran expects Tab to walk her dog Basil with his ridiculous knitted outfits on in public, her mum is going on about her weight all the time and Luke her younger brother will not stop annoying her!

Arabella Weir has successfully captured a young teenager's mind through funny and witty narrative. It is a lively read that I found gripping and enjoyable. The book recommends for teens, but I found it 10+.

My School Musical and Other Punishments by Catherine Wilkins

(Review by Megan :D)

This is the third book in the series from the hilarious Catherine Wilkins, who still doesn't seem to disappoint!

It is the next term in 'Hellfern' Juniors and it's SHOWTIME! Jessica is in her dream spot as head of set design for the school musical and has got brilliant ideas for the comic, but it's too good to be true. Harriet VanDerk is being a bigger nuisance than usual and messing up set design, her friends are too busy being wrapped up in the production to care for the comic and meeting up AND Jessica's Dad has gone to live up a tree. Fantastic.

Another five star knock-out; I absolutely loved this book. Funny, entertaining and very realistic! Would definitely recommend to 9-12 yr-olds as a gob-smacking read!

Apple and Rain by Sarah Crossan

13 year old Apple lives with her Nana and their labrador Derry (her Nana is Irish). Apple's mum was just 18 when she was born, and her dad went away to university. Apple's mum felt unable to cope, so when Apple was just a toddler, her mum packed up and left - on Christmas Eve. Apple hasn't seen or heard from her since, all she knows is that she is an actress in America. Apple's dad has since married Trish, (there is no love lost between Apple and Trish), and they are expecting a baby. Her nan is quite strict but has brought her up well and loves her deeply, even though she doesn't like to show it. Then one day, Apple's mum just shows up, comes back into Apple's life, and turns it upside down. Everything changes - school, friendships, family - and Apple finds herself having to make grown-up decisions. She discovers that writing poetry helps her sort her emotions out and gets her through some difficult situations. It is only when a person close to her goes missing that she realises her mother may not be the person she thought she was.

I got really sucked into this story, I just couldn't bear to tear myself away from it. Sarah is just one of those writers who make reading their book an addiction! You feel sorry for Apple not having a mother around, but then even more sorry for her when the mother that turns up is so unlike what Apple expected, or indeed what any responsible mother should be like. But the character you most feel sorry for is Rain, who is so evidently troubled, but even her own mother doesn't have the time or the patience to realise.

An emotional book of a young teen coping in an adult world. Suitable for 12+.

The Manifesto on How to be Interesting by Holly Bourne

The Manifesto on How to be Interesting
by Holly Bourne

Bree is seventeen, she lives in a big house with security gates, she's always the first one with her hand up in class to answer questions, she has special feelings for her English teacher, Mr Fellows, her best (and only) friend is the equally intelligent and nerdy Holdo with whom she spends all her free time watching films, her dad is always at work so she never sees him, and her mum is a yummy mummy spending all her time at the gym or out with friends for a healthy lunch. But Bree is also a little bit damaged. She is considered a freak at school by the gang of popular and pretty (but nasty) girls, she is teased by the handsome, big-headed Hugo and his loathsome circle of friends, and she self-harms to take away the pain of being miserable and uninteresting. Then one day, she decides to set up a blog and make a list of all the things she needs to do to become interesting, namely to become one of the gang of pretties to see how they live their lives. But what starts out as an experiment quickly becomes a way of life which she finds it difficult to extricate herself from, as one awful incident leads to another.

I wasn't sure how I felt about this book. I had mixed feelings for Bree. On the one hand I felt sorry for her - the only way out of what she thought was a miserable existence was to self-harm. We've all been teenagers, we've all been through varying degrees of loneliness and sadness, and it's awful that some feel the only way out is to hurt themselves.Why did she think she was below everyone else? She knew for herself that the girly gang were just nasty gossip-spreaders so why want to become one of them? And the incident with the awful Hugo - I can't believe she actually went through with it, hoping that he would turn out to be a different type of person, when of course he wasn't.

The one person who was left out from her new life and the only character I liked and wished was taken further was Bree's friend Holdo. I can't believe she would've just abandoned a best friend just like that and not told him of her plans.

It's a storyline that is probably played out all the time in schools - unpopular girls changing who they are to try to become popular. We know as adults it's always better to just stay true to yourself and just be who you are - people respect you more for it. Teens will probably love this book, but I just found it a bit grating, sad and annoying.

Solitaire by Alice Oseman

Solitaire
by Alice Oseman

You know when sometimes you've read such a good book that you're lost for words how to describe it? When 'brilliant' and 'amazing' don't seem to be enough? Well done, Alice Oseman, you have struck me dumb with your masterpiece. And you're only 19?? Incredible. Actually, perhaps not so incredible - it just makes sense. Still in your teens and writing about teens - of course you'd be spot on! There's just something about this book, especially the main character, Tori Spring. I had a connection with her for most of the book. I think everybody had a little bit of a Tori Spring in them when they were in sixth form at school. Not really part of a gang, and not really wanting to be either. Not loud, not following the fashions, the popular music, the clubs. Just happy with your own company. And then Michael Holden - I just loved Michael, and of course the two of them would single each other out. They're both different, both in their own way.

I don't even want to tell you what the book's about. You must read it afresh, like I did, and love it. For you WILL love it. I promise you.

Smart by Kim Slater

Smart
by Kim Slater

Kieran Woods is a bit different. He is brilliant at drawing, but his special teacher at school tells him he must try to think before he speaks so as not to upset people. He also proves to be a brilliant detective. A homeless man is found dead in the river, and Kieran takes it upon himself to find out who killed him. But it's not easy, especially when you have Tony as a stepfather and Ryan as a stepbrother. They are both physically and mentally abusive towards Kieran and his mother. Kieran is not allowed to watch the television with him, he must eat his meals at different times (and not have the same food - only beans on toast for Kieran), and whenever there are visitors to the house Kieran must go to his room. These visitors usually come at night, and Tony hands over little bags and receives a large amount of cash in exchange.

As if this isn't enough unhappiness in poor Kieran's life, he has been banned from seeing his Grandma, who tried to stand up to Tony and his bullying ways, but lost the right to see her grandson in the process. But now Grandma could be the only comfort in Kieran's life, so he sets out to try to find her again.

This is such a sad and tragic story. You just want to take Kieran by the hand and drag him out of his current life and take care of him. His mother works all hours of the day, puts up with the abuse from Tony, doesn't report him out of fear, and does not stand up for Kieran when Tony picks on him. They live in a street of crime, and Tony's pet Rottweiler Tyson has been locked in the shed and just left there for days on end. It is all just so pitiful, you long for some happiness in Kieran's life. Even though Kieran's schoolteacher sounds caring and loving, even she does not investigate Kieran's home life when he comes into school with bumps and bruises.

Kieran is very brave, in fact he is the bravest of everyone in the whole story, even though he is the one with special needs and does not fully understand the way people work. He is also smart -he knows how to make use of his talents, he knows when something is wrong and he tells the right people. Good always overcomes evil.

A rather harrowing story but written brilliantly. If you like this then read The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, or Colin Fischer

The Apple Tart of Hope by Sarah Moore Fitzgerald

The Apple Tart of Hope
by Sarah Moore Fitzgerald

This was such a lovely book. The style of writing reminded me so much of John Boyne and Frank Cottrell-Boyce. It's gentle, heartfelt, emotional, a little book kooky - I just adored it. It had the feel of a 9-12yr audience, but the subject matter might deny that age group because it deals with attempted suicide which I think is a bit too adult emotionally for young children to grasp and cope with.

The story is set in Ireland. Oscar and Meg are best friends - they live next door to each other, go to the same school, they talk all day and nearly all night out of their bedroom windows. Meg's father takes a job in New Zealand for 6 months, and Meg reluctantly goes with them. While they're away, Paloma and her mother move in to Meg's old house, and Oscar befriends Paloma. But this is where Oscar's life suddenly gets turned around, from good to bad. He is hurt, ridiculed, and bullied, and due to an awful misunderstanding over a letter, Meg no longer keeps in contact with him. He feels all alone, and sees only one way out. But what Oscar doesn't realise is that there are people around who care about him, and save him from a life-threatening action.

A beautiful book about being different, about good and bad friendships, and how salvation can come from an unlikely place.

Rock War by Robert Muchamore

Rock War
by Robert Muchamore



Robert Muchamore is HUGE in the male young adult audience with his CHERUB and HENDERSON BOYS series. Teenage agents, terrorism, action, adventure - everything young boys want in a series. Well, I've just finished Rock War and I'm a bit, well, underwhelmed. I think the young boys may be rather disappointed. There might be more for the girls to love here. Was I expecting too much? The story revolves around three different groups of characters - Jay and his siblings and friends, Summer and her mad school friends, and public school boy Dylan and his mates. They all have one thing in common - music and being in a band. There's a Battle of the Bands type competition to enter, and a Rock War TV series to audition for - but the latter is only really mentioned right at the end of the book so you'll have to wait for book 2 to find out more about that.

As a bookseller, I've still got to get the age right of who I'm recommending the book to. There is a huge amount of bad language and adult references, so I've got to say at least 13/14, but will boys in that age group actually enjoy the storyline? I had a quick peak at an online chat forum for Cherub lovers, and they'd heard about Rock War. Their ages were about 11-13, and most of them said they didn't think the storyline would interest them, but they would read the first book to find out.

I'm not saying I didn't enjoy the book, it's the fact there's a lot of hush hush about it (I'm writing this in October, and am not allowed to post the review till the book's publication in February), it's embargoed, there'll be a huge build up, and I just don't think the book is worth all the hype. Just release it now as a new title and let the audience quietly decide.

Amy & Matthew - A Love Story by Cammie McGovern

Amy & Matthew - A Love Story
by Cammie McGovern

Amy has cerebral palsy. She can't talk, so she types her words into a special voice machine that says them for her. She has to use a special walker to get around. Matthew has OCD. They are both students at the same high school and neither have any friends. Amy and her mother decide to allocate school peers to help Amy around school during the day and to introduce her to their friends. Matthew becomes one of the peers. They quickly realise that though they have different illnesses and handicaps, they are very similar people - they are both looking for friendship and love. But the path to love is not always a smooth one, and Amy in particular has to go through a huge upheaval in her life to realise that what she is looking for has always been there.

The book tackles the two disabilities quite well but I didn't like Amy's character very much. She was self-centred and secretive and I'm not surprised Matthew was so very frustrated with her. I did feel very sorry for him. He starts to make friends on his own and gets a job and even finds that a girl has a secret crush on him, but his love for Amy stays with him, even when she does something that no other boyfriend would forgive.

If you are interested in other books which tackle disabilities, then try Wonder by  R.J. Palacio which tackles facial disfigurement, The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison which tackles OCD, and Colin Fischer by Miller and Stentz which concerns autism.