"Themes of true friendship, empathy and really listening are at the fore of this enthralling story about early-teenage angst"
Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott have once again struck gold with this fourth book featuring the relatable, eminently likeable Tally, whose autism means certain things are much harder for her than they are for her peers.
For background, the series was born when Libby’s mum shared some of her writing online – writing that chimed with thousands of people who identified with her experiences. The diary entries featured in these novels are penned by Libby.
All the Pieces of Me will certainly resonate with readers just entering their teenage years. Being “autistic with a PDA profile – which stands for Pathological Demand Avoidance”, all those Year 9 concerns, most notably GCSEs and identity, are heightened for Tally, not least when her best friend moves away, leaving her with an often-cruel peer group who don’t listen to her, and often mock her. While Tally tries to keep positive, acknowledging that “she’s lucky to be part of a group, even if she is on the edges”, she also comments that she “didn’t expect to feel quite so lonely.” It’s also not easy navigating what people mean - “how can we work out what the truth is… if nobody says what they really mean?”
While always honest on the realities of Tally’s struggles and the bullying she faces, this novel also serves as a supportive, positive guiding light for young readers who are trying to find out who they are while navigating the complexities of secondary school friendships.
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