Book Review: Real by Carol Cujec and Peyton Goddard

 

My Rating: 5 Stars

"I AM INTELLIGENT"

Charity is 13 years old, loves strawberry milkshakes, learning new facts about animals, and hanging out with her dad and grandpa. She also cannot control her body,  cannot speak, and, although people on the outside don't realize it, she cannot stand that she receives constant judgment and pity from everyone around her. She wants to be seen as the real person that she is. When she enrolls in public school, she must choose to either be defeated by the judgement of peers and faculty, or persevere to show them how she, despite her physical challenges, is real--just like them.

Wow. Wow! This book was incredible. It's a short read, but it conveys a powerful message! I found myself re-evaluating how I interact with people who are physically and neurologically different from me. Charity has so much soul, and yet people assume that she is mentally inferior and incapable of learning because, despite all her efforts and willpower, she is unable to control her body. This book brings so much to light about what people with neurological or physical challenges are dealt by other people. Pity, neglect, lack of respect, embarrassment, even abuse. It also highlights how simple kindness and just trying to understand can literally make all the difference, especially when backed by the support of loving family and a few good friends.

I highly recommend this book. I wish I had read this book when I was a teenager myself, because I think it would have changed the way I saw people. I would recommend this book for upper elementary through middle school students, although it would benefit everyone of every age to read this book or understand its message: everyone deserves to have opportunities to learn and to be included, even if they are different.

Content guide:

Sex & Affection: A girl and a boy hold hands, tokens of affection exchanged between family members (i.e. hugs, kisses on the cheek, handshakes, etc.)

Language: One character says "h**l," insults and unkind remarks are directed toward a character.

Drugs, Alcohol, and Substance Use: Coffee is consumed.

Crime & Violence: Cyber bullying is directed toward a character.

I received a free ARC from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.