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Perfect
Saloma Hammond is not your typical 12 year old.
Sal counts her steps between classes, wears a school uniform that isn't required, and prefers to stay locked inside her tightly controlled OCD world. But when the lure of the perfect snowflake entices her to join the Weather Club, her anti-social shell begins to crack. At the same time, dozens of phones have gone missing, and her classmates are getting suspicious.
If Sal can unlock her pattern-driven mind to identify the workings of the real thief and then set an irresistible trap at the Science Fair, she may just learn how powerful friendship can be.
Sal counts her steps between classes, wears a school uniform that isn't required, and prefers to stay locked inside her tightly controlled OCD world. But when the lure of the perfect snowflake entices her to join the Weather Club, her anti-social shell begins to crack. At the same time, dozens of phones have gone missing, and her classmates are getting suspicious.
If Sal can unlock her pattern-driven mind to identify the workings of the real thief and then set an irresistible trap at the Science Fair, she may just learn how powerful friendship can be.
- GenresMiddle Grade
155 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2023
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 26, 2023
Perfect by Kiri Jorgensen is a delight, just the kind of story middle graders will like, and, more importantly, NEED to read. Perfect is, excuse the pun, the PERFECT example of a book that is both a mirror and a window. Readers with unobvious or invisible disabilities - especially learning disabilities - will see themselves in Sal and identify with her challenges and be inspired by the way she manages in spite of her disability - and for part of the story actually succeeds at certain things by taking advantage of her different way of seeing the world. Children without disabilities will be introduced to the challenges and frustrations that children their age with "hidden" disabilities face on a daily basis and develop understanding and sympathy - something we could all learn from.
There are two things I love most of all in this story: the first is Jorgensen's sensitive but realistic portrayal of Sal's OCD and other disability (which we don't learn about until about halfway through the story, so no spoilers). That this second disability is NOT revealed right up front is part of the beauty of the story because it doesn't define Sal and is evidence for how Sal and her family have not made a big deal of it and how this helps us see Sal as a resilient and determined young girl. Instead, Jorgensen focuses on how Sal's OCD issues are more pressing to her evolving character development. Her growth in shifting (a word she uses often) the way she interacts with others in her world AND Jorgensen's beautifully described elements of how the OCD manifests in Sal's brain is truly remarkable. The slow steps Sal makes in moving out of her comfort zone have a wonderful payout for both Sal and the readers of the book. The second thing I love is that Sal is not "magically fixed" or "cured" of her disability, so that there isn't this sense that a disability is something "bad" - it is a fact of Sal's life and cognitive makeup. The disability, which means Sal is hyper focused on patterns and rituals that bring her comfort, will always be with her, even as she learns she can manage and control it to a certain degree - this is reality. Although her OCD challenges do ultimately help her in one of the central plot points in the story, she is not made out to be some superhero character so that the OCD is not suddenly a GREAT thing to have.
The other plot element I loved is that, as Sal gains better control over her OCD, her gifted qualities emerge - as her dad tells her. This shows both Sal and the readers that a disability is not automatically a sign of diminished intelligence, skill, or other abilities: a hugely important lesson for children (and adults!) to learn and understand.
Finally, I found the science included in the story just amazing! I really liked the way Jorgensen wove it into the story seamlessly and authentically. What a GREAT way to get middle graders hooked on these scientific aspects. I want to go out and study snowflakes and get a microscope like Sal's myself. That was just cool, cool, cool!!
Jorgensen is a teacher herself and has started her own publishing company (Chicken Scratch Books) exclusively for middle grade chapter books and novels that - as her website states - feature realistic and uplifting characters and plots that highlight loving but not perfect families and child characters and send out positive messages to middle grade children readers. Her company provides novel analysis and novel "explore" online courses for most of the books they publish - courses that can be used in the classroom or by parents at home. The analysis course is more in depth, while the Explore course is more a book club type reading guide. Prices are reasonable (haven't seen anything over $25 for analysis courses), and these can truly deepen the discussion of the issues going on in the stories, adding to the mirror/window quality of such books.
As a retired professor who taught teacher prep students in English courses, I am thrilled to see a book like Perfect, but even more so Jorgensen's Chicken Scratch Books company with its mission of publishing these types of books on a more frequent basis. Middle graders are at the prime age to develop understanding, sympathy, empathy, and true inclusive characteristics that will help them become positive role models in the adult world they will inhabit and inherit. We NEED more books like this!
Thank you to Kiri Jorgensen, Chicken Scratch Books, and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review this free advanced review copy, and I leave this review voluntarily.
There are two things I love most of all in this story: the first is Jorgensen's sensitive but realistic portrayal of Sal's OCD and other disability (which we don't learn about until about halfway through the story, so no spoilers). That this second disability is NOT revealed right up front is part of the beauty of the story because it doesn't define Sal and is evidence for how Sal and her family have not made a big deal of it and how this helps us see Sal as a resilient and determined young girl. Instead, Jorgensen focuses on how Sal's OCD issues are more pressing to her evolving character development. Her growth in shifting (a word she uses often) the way she interacts with others in her world AND Jorgensen's beautifully described elements of how the OCD manifests in Sal's brain is truly remarkable. The slow steps Sal makes in moving out of her comfort zone have a wonderful payout for both Sal and the readers of the book. The second thing I love is that Sal is not "magically fixed" or "cured" of her disability, so that there isn't this sense that a disability is something "bad" - it is a fact of Sal's life and cognitive makeup. The disability, which means Sal is hyper focused on patterns and rituals that bring her comfort, will always be with her, even as she learns she can manage and control it to a certain degree - this is reality. Although her OCD challenges do ultimately help her in one of the central plot points in the story, she is not made out to be some superhero character so that the OCD is not suddenly a GREAT thing to have.
The other plot element I loved is that, as Sal gains better control over her OCD, her gifted qualities emerge - as her dad tells her. This shows both Sal and the readers that a disability is not automatically a sign of diminished intelligence, skill, or other abilities: a hugely important lesson for children (and adults!) to learn and understand.
Finally, I found the science included in the story just amazing! I really liked the way Jorgensen wove it into the story seamlessly and authentically. What a GREAT way to get middle graders hooked on these scientific aspects. I want to go out and study snowflakes and get a microscope like Sal's myself. That was just cool, cool, cool!!
Jorgensen is a teacher herself and has started her own publishing company (Chicken Scratch Books) exclusively for middle grade chapter books and novels that - as her website states - feature realistic and uplifting characters and plots that highlight loving but not perfect families and child characters and send out positive messages to middle grade children readers. Her company provides novel analysis and novel "explore" online courses for most of the books they publish - courses that can be used in the classroom or by parents at home. The analysis course is more in depth, while the Explore course is more a book club type reading guide. Prices are reasonable (haven't seen anything over $25 for analysis courses), and these can truly deepen the discussion of the issues going on in the stories, adding to the mirror/window quality of such books.
As a retired professor who taught teacher prep students in English courses, I am thrilled to see a book like Perfect, but even more so Jorgensen's Chicken Scratch Books company with its mission of publishing these types of books on a more frequent basis. Middle graders are at the prime age to develop understanding, sympathy, empathy, and true inclusive characteristics that will help them become positive role models in the adult world they will inhabit and inherit. We NEED more books like this!
Thank you to Kiri Jorgensen, Chicken Scratch Books, and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review this free advanced review copy, and I leave this review voluntarily.
June 2, 2024
The day her class starts studying snowflakes, Sal's world shifts a bit, and she becomes quite passionate—or perhaps obsessed—with finding the perfect snowflake. It's got to be out there, right? Her dad persuades Sal to join the Weather Club at school, and she continues taking pictures of snowflakes with her new handheld digital microscope every chance she gets. But the more that things change, the more certain Sal is that something is bound to go wrong: that's how OCD works, but she doesn't anticipate Weather Club becoming involved in a string of thefts around the school.
This book is pretty slow. This is totally fine since the narration has such a strong voice and the mood comes through so strongly in each chapter, keeping things interesting as we get a peek into Sal's mind. But still, not much happens for the first half of the book, and I suspect some readers will be bored by that. I personally really enjoyed getting to meet Sal and see into her mind a bit. I've always loved snow too, though my favorite weather feature will always be clouds. The way that Sal's OCD and hearing impairment contributed to the mystery was expertly done. Overall, this is an enchanting middle grade mystery with clever representation and important (but not preachy) learning moments.
Thank you to BookSirens and Chicken Scratch Books for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
This book is pretty slow. This is totally fine since the narration has such a strong voice and the mood comes through so strongly in each chapter, keeping things interesting as we get a peek into Sal's mind. But still, not much happens for the first half of the book, and I suspect some readers will be bored by that. I personally really enjoyed getting to meet Sal and see into her mind a bit. I've always loved snow too, though my favorite weather feature will always be clouds. The way that Sal's OCD and hearing impairment contributed to the mystery was expertly done. Overall, this is an enchanting middle grade mystery with clever representation and important (but not preachy) learning moments.
Thank you to BookSirens and Chicken Scratch Books for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
June 6, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and I think it can be an encouragement for kids who feel different or imperfect. Sal (or Saloma) has lived with OCD and hearing impairment by keeping “rules” and rituals, avoiding people and situations outside her comfort zone whenever possible.
Sal believes if she can be “invisible” and uninvolved in school she will be safe from anxious thoughts and encounters. But, when Sal sees an amazing snowflake photograph in her science class she is captivated by the perfection and patterns of snowflakes. Sal’s intense interest makes her brave enough to step out of her tight rules and comfort zone.
I cheered for Sal as she widened her world little by little, pushing the boundaries of her self-imposed rules and learning she could handle new things and people. She goes through struggles, confusion, and disappointment, but there’s also success and friendship. Sal begins to realize it’s okay to be herself even with her imperfections.
There’s some great science about snowflakes and weather that’s woven throughout the story. And, there’s a bit of a mystery that’s solved because of things Sal notices due to her OCD that others do not.
Well written and a good read!
June 20, 2023
I enjoyed this book a lot. Sal really is a lovable character. I enjoyed getting to know her and her eccentricities. She has some rules for her life that have helped her feel like she has some control over her (OCD) life. But these rules don’t allow for her to have friends or be open to try anything new. Her desire to pursue her new passion in life is so strong that she allows some of her rules to be bent. She learns new things, make some friends (and gets hurt by them), but overall comes to realize the beauty in getting out of her comfort zone once in a while.
The story was adorable (and I loved how Sal was able to solve a mystery using her OCD), but I also enjoyed the education I got about snowflakes. It was informative without being overboard or boring. In fact, I want to see some snowflakes under a microscope now! I liked the addition of the Snow Science Glossary at the back of the book. The cover art is beautiful too. 11+
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story was adorable (and I loved how Sal was able to solve a mystery using her OCD), but I also enjoyed the education I got about snowflakes. It was informative without being overboard or boring. In fact, I want to see some snowflakes under a microscope now! I liked the addition of the Snow Science Glossary at the back of the book. The cover art is beautiful too. 11+
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 28, 2023
A very enjoyable read, I highly recommend it!
Salome is enveloped in her own world of predictability. She controls all the variables of which she is able and that’s exactly the way she likes it. One day at school she is profoundly moved by the beauty of an image of an enlarged snowflake. This single, and seemingly simple moment puts into motion a change in her daily patterns, a change in her perceptions of others, and changes in her general way of thinking. Sal develops into a better version of herself and bravely moves out of her norms for the betterment of those around her.
I read this aloud to my 7 and 10 year old daughters and we all enjoyed it. We liked the respectful portrayal of the various characters in the story and the author did a good job keeping us guessing who the thief may be. The way Sal counted her steps and analyzed people proved to be a good jumping off point for talking about neurodiversity and friendship. An added bonus, we learned quite a bit about snowflakes!
Salome is enveloped in her own world of predictability. She controls all the variables of which she is able and that’s exactly the way she likes it. One day at school she is profoundly moved by the beauty of an image of an enlarged snowflake. This single, and seemingly simple moment puts into motion a change in her daily patterns, a change in her perceptions of others, and changes in her general way of thinking. Sal develops into a better version of herself and bravely moves out of her norms for the betterment of those around her.
I read this aloud to my 7 and 10 year old daughters and we all enjoyed it. We liked the respectful portrayal of the various characters in the story and the author did a good job keeping us guessing who the thief may be. The way Sal counted her steps and analyzed people proved to be a good jumping off point for talking about neurodiversity and friendship. An added bonus, we learned quite a bit about snowflakes!
February 23, 2023
Perfect by Kiri Jorgensen was PERFECT. I was transported back to 6th grade and I found some similarities in our stories. The story's POV is told through the eyes of a charter named Sal which is short for Salmsa and if you are older and enjoying the simplicity of this book you remember that 6th grade was far from perfect. Snowflakes, stolen cell phones, placing people in tiers and just trying to get a perfect picture of a snowflake are all things or situations you find in this book. Sal becomes endeared to you through Jorgensen's work and you love the twists of this story. It is suggested that perhaps Sal might have issues that concern unresolved issues regarding the need to have things a certain way and you are able to become aware that having things a specific way makes Sal not be filled with anxiety that is until she becomes part of the Tuesday WeatherClub. Take the time to enjoy this work of literature and have a Perfect, day with a Perfect story.
June 21, 2023
Sal liked to keep herself safe. Actually, she had to. It was a compulsion. Her Tiers of People Placement kept people away as she did her best to make herself invisible. If she kept at it, she wouldn't get hurt. That was the plan and as long as she didn't break the rules, she was fine. That is, until she made the deal. The deal threatened to break all of the rules she'd made for herself. What would happen if the world as she knew it crumbled?
Perfect by Kiri Jorgensen is slow moving at first, but it is engaging, heartwarming and poignant. As we get a glimpse into Sal's world we are pressed to examine the worlds and the rules we make for ourselves. Perfect is an essential addition to anyone's TBR list, but especially for fans of middle grade fiction.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Perfect by Kiri Jorgensen is slow moving at first, but it is engaging, heartwarming and poignant. As we get a glimpse into Sal's world we are pressed to examine the worlds and the rules we make for ourselves. Perfect is an essential addition to anyone's TBR list, but especially for fans of middle grade fiction.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 22, 2023
I started reading this book before bed one evening, and suddenly it was way later than I expected. The protagonist Sal's search for perfection while in middle school rang true to my experiences, and I found her worldview fascinating. When she becomes ensnared in a mystery, I was trapped too, draw in by the writing and the clues I'd tried to piece together. Sal is a middle school Hercule Poirot who happens to love a good snowstorm. This is a great book for any kid who is interested in science, mysteries and learning about people who are neurodivergent. It made me appreciate winter after months and months of it.
August 17, 2023
"Perfect" was a wonderful reading experience for me. Saloma Hammond (Sal) is a 12-year old is wrapped up in her anxieties due to having OCD. It's emotionally difficult for her to let other people into her world.
Sal takes a step way outside her comfort level when she accepts an invitation to an after-school weather club, where she learns about snowflake photography. Instantly drawn to their exquisite patterns, she wonders: could there be such a thing as a perfect snowflake? And, if so, could she find it and photograph it?
A series of thefts at the school requires that Sal learn to trust her fellow club members--now her friends--more than she ever thought she could.
I liked the age-appropriate approach the author used as she wrote about a troubled person at Sal's school, as well as the loving family ties portrayed in the Hammond family. Having known a person with OCD, I thought the portrayal of Sal herself was sensitive and truthful. I also thoroughly enjoyed learning something new about snowflakes!
Highly recommended for individual readers, but this would also make a wonderful classroom or home school read-aloud. The author, herself a snowflake photograper, includes photos and science information at the back of the book which was really interesting--it made me curious about the topic. (Note: the lovely cover art shows examples of the author's snowflake photography, too.)
Sal takes a step way outside her comfort level when she accepts an invitation to an after-school weather club, where she learns about snowflake photography. Instantly drawn to their exquisite patterns, she wonders: could there be such a thing as a perfect snowflake? And, if so, could she find it and photograph it?
A series of thefts at the school requires that Sal learn to trust her fellow club members--now her friends--more than she ever thought she could.
I liked the age-appropriate approach the author used as she wrote about a troubled person at Sal's school, as well as the loving family ties portrayed in the Hammond family. Having known a person with OCD, I thought the portrayal of Sal herself was sensitive and truthful. I also thoroughly enjoyed learning something new about snowflakes!
Highly recommended for individual readers, but this would also make a wonderful classroom or home school read-aloud. The author, herself a snowflake photograper, includes photos and science information at the back of the book which was really interesting--it made me curious about the topic. (Note: the lovely cover art shows examples of the author's snowflake photography, too.)
May 1, 2024
For being an older adult diagnosed with late-onset schizophrenia at age 29, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's so well-written. And flowed like a cool, clear stream as far as engaging the theater of my mind.
It's going to be one I re-read intermittently. It's hard finding books that I don't want to put down. And just as hard finding a book I even want to pick up. I feel like I found a gem with this read.
Finding fun, clean reads is important to me. And this book didn't disappoint. I feel blessed to have come upon it. I purchased the Kindle edition through the publisher's site.
It's going to be one I re-read intermittently. It's hard finding books that I don't want to put down. And just as hard finding a book I even want to pick up. I feel like I found a gem with this read.
Finding fun, clean reads is important to me. And this book didn't disappoint. I feel blessed to have come upon it. I purchased the Kindle edition through the publisher's site.
February 21, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a light, fun and entertaining story. It reminded me of the type of book that I may have enjoyed reading as a child.
I found the protagonist endearing, and related to her on some level.
There was something about this story that I found comforting, and I felt it had some nice moral messages too.
Thank you to Booksirens and the author for a free copy to review.
This was a light, fun and entertaining story. It reminded me of the type of book that I may have enjoyed reading as a child.
I found the protagonist endearing, and related to her on some level.
There was something about this story that I found comforting, and I felt it had some nice moral messages too.
Thank you to Booksirens and the author for a free copy to review.
June 9, 2023
I really enjoyed this story, even as an adult! Sal is a realistic character and has her faults, but overall she's a good kid who is trying to navigate her world in a safe and comfortable way. As she learns and grows I found myself cheering for her and her friends, and I was genuinely surprised by the resolution of the mystery. I would highly recommend this for middle grade readers, but before gifting it you might want to sneak a peek yourself!
May 1, 2023
Sal took a bit to warm up to and figure out, but this coming of age and finding your way story for one wired a bit different was honestly, pretty darn close to perfect. Her classmates, teacher and growing love of science really grabbed me in and I wanted more by the end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 4, 2023
Love the positive storyline that focuses on teamwork, friendship and moving past your difficulties to succeed. Love that the main character has disabilities and she finds a way to overcome/succeed with them. So refreshing to have a clean and positive story for this age range. I enjoyed it as an adult and I am sure my kids will enjoy it too.
February 20, 2023
Sal is a unique student with a set of self made rules that help her navigate her middle grade world until her world is suddenly changed and she has to adapt. Snowflake science combined with a mystery to solve make this a great story!
March 4, 2023
4.5 stars for this engaging STEM-themed middle grade book. I loved learning about the science of snowflakes while reading this book and watching Sal's growth throughout the book. Would definitely recommend this book for 3rd-6th graders.
February 20, 2023
I received a ARC free from Book Sirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
Educational!
Fun!
Well written!
Great story!
Wonderful characters!
Interesting plot!
Educational!
Fun!
Well written!
Great story!
Wonderful characters!
Interesting plot!
June 6, 2023
Very cute middle grade novel. One of the rare clean novels out there these days for those middle grade students.
October 27, 2024
> 6th grade girl struggles with--and ultimately breaks free from--the trappings of OCD/perfectionism
> new friends, a new hobby, solving a mystery, reconciliation, and more!
> exceptionally well-written page-turner with clean language (x1 darn)
> snowflake science flowed comfortably through the story without feeling didactic (bonus: neat note in back shows the author's personal interest in and photos of snowflakes)
Type: middle grade chapter book
Ages: 11-15
This was one of the hardest reviews I've ever written, and I wonder if it's because I, too, struggle with perfectionism! I dearly loved this book and understood the main character on an intimate level. It was hard to summarize down to bullet points. :)
(At the very least, if you read it, you'll at least understand some of my weirdness. Heh.)
I appreciated the wise adults in her life, patiently navigating her troubles alongside her and setting her up for success with their love and support. Her father and her teacher are especially commendable.
Our protagonist is very likable, and I wouldn't be surprised if most middle schoolers could relate to her, regarding social issues with that age group among other things. She learns some very sweet life lessons all while using her OCD to solve a crime. I don't want to give away too many details, because Jorgensen introduces many of them at the best time in the story, but just know that I highly recommend this book!
> new friends, a new hobby, solving a mystery, reconciliation, and more!
> exceptionally well-written page-turner with clean language (x1 darn)
> snowflake science flowed comfortably through the story without feeling didactic (bonus: neat note in back shows the author's personal interest in and photos of snowflakes)
Type: middle grade chapter book
Ages: 11-15
This was one of the hardest reviews I've ever written, and I wonder if it's because I, too, struggle with perfectionism! I dearly loved this book and understood the main character on an intimate level. It was hard to summarize down to bullet points. :)
(At the very least, if you read it, you'll at least understand some of my weirdness. Heh.)
I appreciated the wise adults in her life, patiently navigating her troubles alongside her and setting her up for success with their love and support. Her father and her teacher are especially commendable.
Our protagonist is very likable, and I wouldn't be surprised if most middle schoolers could relate to her, regarding social issues with that age group among other things. She learns some very sweet life lessons all while using her OCD to solve a crime. I don't want to give away too many details, because Jorgensen introduces many of them at the best time in the story, but just know that I highly recommend this book!
December 21, 2023
This book taught me a lot about snowflakes! ❄️ The main character, Saloma (Sal) has OCD and has created a system to keep people from getting too close, but when she discovers her need to find the perfect snowflake it leads her to Weather Club and to friends.
It was satisfying to see Sal slowly change, to realize she does want friends, and to see how her talent of seeing patterns also helps her catch a thief!
A fun middle grade read!
It was satisfying to see Sal slowly change, to realize she does want friends, and to see how her talent of seeing patterns also helps her catch a thief!
A fun middle grade read!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews