Say It Out Loud. Allison Varnes. 2021. [August] 256 pages. [Source: Library]
First sentence: "Truth or dare?" Maddie asks from the other couch, her eyes pleading with me to play along.
Premise/plot: Maddie and Charlotte are best, best, best friends. Have been for almost forever. But now that they're in sixth grade, well, can one bad decision undo years of friendship? So what was that one bad decision? Not speaking up--like her friend Maddie--when a classmate is bullied on the bus. Also choosing to sit somewhere else on the bus because now the bullies are targeting Maddie. Charlotte--the day of--felt justified for separating herself from her friend. After all, Charlotte has a stutter and would make a super-easy target for two bullies like Tristan and Josh. Surely, self-preservation is something her friend can understand, right?! But it doesn't take long--not even twenty-four hours--before Charlotte realizes that she's made a mistake. But how can she make up for it?
My thoughts: Though it seems like it takes FOREVER AND A DAY for Maddie and Charlotte's friendship to get back on track, the book highlights Charlotte's transformation into someone who goes out of her way to speak kindness into other people's lives. Anonymous kindnesses to be sure--encouraging notes filled with positive messages and feel-good vibes.
The other story--perhaps the "main" story???--is of Charlotte and her drama classmates trying to save the drama program at their school from being cut. The author really only shows us TWO classes--Charlotte's homeroom and Charlotte's drama class. [She also has sessions with a speech therapist]. They will be performing The Wizard of Oz.
This is a coming of age novel featuring sixth graders who are learning how to survive middle school as best they can. Lots of messages about friendship.
© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers
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