Three Things About Emmy Crawford: A Type-A Senator's Daughter's Young Adult Journey of Debate, Crohn's Disease, and Heartbreak

by Allison L. Bitz

Crohn’s disease, the paparazzi, and heartbreak can't derail Emmy Crawford, the type-A daughter of a senator, from relentlessly pursuing her dreams in this coming-of-age novel perfect for fans of Lynn Painter and Rachel Lynn Solomon.

There are three things high school senior Emmy Crawford will accomplish, no matter what:

Taking nationals in debate this season.
Shielding her sister Issy from anything that could hurt her, especially her anxiety.
Representing her family well, since her mom may be the next president.

And nothing can get in Emmy's way. Not Crohn’s disease, even if her gut has been acting up. Not the paparazzi, who snap any photos they can get of the daughters of a presidential candidate. And definitely not her feelings for Gabe Castillo, the only debater in DC who stands a chance at beating her—and who she used to be on secret kissing terms with, before he ghosted. When Gabe unexpectedly returns to the debate scene and Issy starts crushing on him, Emmy works harder than ever to keep her eyes on winning and off her aching heart and body, because the alternative means losing the three things that matter most.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Mental Health, Contemporary, Disability, Fiction, Realistic Fiction

352 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2024

About the author

Allison L. Bitz hails from Lincoln, NE, where she lives with her spouse and two kids. Her superpower is empathy, and she’s been known to have resting tell-me-your-life-story face. Allison holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology and has worked as a licensed psychologist since 2012. When she’s not working on a novel or counseling, Allison is more than likely writing a song, getting riled up about something political, or trying to track down a pastry to enjoy with her coffee. She has a soft spot for rescue animals, which are vying for species majority in her home (two perfect dogs, two ornery cats). The Unstoppable Bridget Bloom is her debut novel. You can learn more about Allison at www.AllisonLBitz-author.com, or follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok at @AllisonLBitz.

Reviews

[Sabrina Waltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a fantastic depiction of anxiety, invisible illness, and the struggles that go along side working through them and finding the balance needed to maintain some sort of normalcy when you’re life has been thrown upside down by things you simply cannot control.

Emmy’s Crohn’s Disease struggles hit close to home. While I don’t have Crohn’s, as I’m currently going through the trials and tribulations of finding a solidified diagnosis of my own chronic illness I could absolutely relate to Emmy wanting to ignore her body, hide her symptoms, and try to control the narrative with every turn of the page.

Issy’s anxiety was also a breath of fresh air as the author took us through the day to day of a person with anxiety and what they may experience. I found myself cheering for Issy as she took the steps to overcome her fears, find her voice, and take hold of her anxiety instead of letting it hold her.

Emmy’s perfectionism and work ethic was also something I could personally relate to and the struggle she felt as she continued to grapple with the effects of her disease and how she didn’t understand how her body could betray her in the most vital moment of her life….the chance at debate nationals!

I loved all of the passion the author had as it related to anxiety, chronic illness, and the need for universal healthcare.

My heart ached for Gabe’s mom as he let Emmy into his life with his mom’s struggles and their lack of access to appropriate health care simply because they were not of the wealthy elite. Money should not buy healthcare. People should be provided the appropriate health care because it’s the right thing to do!

Even if you may not struggle personally with anxiety, chronic illness, or know someone who has been denied appropriate access to health care based on their wealth —- this book will find you cheering for Issy to be brave, hoping for Emmy to slow down and tell someone about the struggles she’s experiencing with her body, and being angered with Gabe by the disparity that is the American health care system.

Bitz does a phenomenal job breathing life into these characters and depicting the struggles that all of the main characters go through. Her descriptions of each scenario are as if you’re in the book struggling along side each of them.

I would recommend this book to anyone!

[Saanvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three Things About Emmy Crawford is a heartwarming coming of age story about family, friendships, honesty, forgiveness, and overcoming personal challenges. This book has great mental health, therapy, and chronic illness representation. Emmy was the first protagonist I’ve read who’s had Chron’s disease and I appreciated the insight into the daily battle with the disease. I also appreciated the fact that these young people valued therapy and mental health.

The book does go a little hard for me on universal healthcare for all, however. From what I gather the author wrote a lot from her own experience and I can appreciate that and the fact that the book is saying **something** however, sometimes I felt like it became the focus rather than the plot. Additionally, I felt like Emmy and Issy’s relationship didn’t read right. I’m not exactly sure why, I just didn’t super love their relationship. There was a lot a sort of love-square situation that was unexpected and I didn’t dig at all.

I liked this book just fine. And I think a lot of people will like it. There was just something missing! I think it will be a big YA hit for those who are interested in the highschool debate scene, political family life, and looking for chronic illness representation.

[Adam · Rating 2 out of 5]

I probably should have stopped reading Three Things About Emmy Crawford by Allison L. Bitz around page 50 or so. It hits two of my most sensitive/triggering topics: politics and a certain form of mental illness in a (non-protagonist's) parent. I thought it wouldn't be too bad; usually in YA books these topics don't take up too much space. Little did I know the book would come back to these topics again and again. This, plus some pretty awful pacing, incredibly unlikable characters, and an eye-rollingly bad romance, made this book not for me.

[Bernadette Bloom · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up.

Emmy is a high school debater, with oldest daughter energy so, in short, a perfectionist. Add to this her mom is being considered for president (it’s not really clear here if she’s running or just hoping to run) but, as a senator, is also working on a healthcare bill. Emmy suffers from Crohn’s Disease so pushing herself hard isn’t good for her body.

It’s a good story about family, mental health, sacrifice, peer pressure, and a positive argument for healthcare equity. It’s just sometimes all over the place with too many moving plot points.

[rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a lot of good in this book: the representation, realistic portrayal of anxiety and meeting expectations, fun supporting characters. On the other hand, the book dragged for me, I didn’t fully see the connection between characters, I didn’t buy into the romance, and pacing was definitely an issue.

3⭐️

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc.

[Soon Perez · Rating 3 out of 5]

-Libby 🎧

[Lectus · Rating 2 out of 5]

Deals with chronic illness, perfectionism, and emotional burdens often placed on girls.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the oldest child of a senator and possibly the future president, Emmy has a lot on her plate. Not only is she working hard at debate, helping her sister with anxiety, a disease she doesn't want to bother with, but she also has to face the boy she liked that ghosted her once again.

This was so much more than I expected or asked for. All the notes were hit, and I could not find a anything to complain about this book. The plot is very well thought out, and I just appreciate the amazing flow of the story and the writing is just superb.

Is it perfect? No. Is it my new favorite? No. However, I know for sure that this book is something that I will not forget the plot about. You know how you give five stars to such an amazing book, then years later, you can't even remember what the book was about? I'm sure already that this story will stay with me.

I truly love the characters and Emmy. They were relatable and realistic. It handles topics that truly affect at least one person you know. This book is one of those social justice books that don't over do it. Like it was safe, with whatever stance I take.

Plus, I haven't even talked about the romance! It was cute, messy, but relatable. It has that feel of being the type of love I wish I could have.

This was a wonderful book, and it made me curious what the author's debut novel was.

*I received an eARC of this book

[The Bookish Elf · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know how sometimes life feels like it's playing a cosmic joke on you? Like, here you are, trying to be all perfect and put-together, and then BAM! The universe decides to toss you a curveball – or in Emmy Crawford's case, a whole dang pitching machine full of 'em.

Allison L. Bitz's sophomore novel, "Three Things About Emmy Crawford," dives headfirst into the messy, complicated world of a teenage girl juggling more than her fair share of challenges. It's like watching a high-stakes game of Jenga, where every piece Emmy pulls could send her carefully constructed life tumbling down. And let me tell you, it's one heck of a ride.

Plot Rundown: Emmy's Excellent (and Not-So-Excellent) Adventures

So, picture this: Emmy Crawford, our protagonist, is the kind of girl who probably color-codes her planner and has a ten-year plan laminated and pinned to her bedroom wall. She's got three main goals:

1. Crush it at the national debate championship
2. Protect her anxiety-prone sister, Issy, from... well, everything
3. Be the perfect daughter for her mom, who's gunning for the presidency

Sounds doable, right? Ha! If only.

The Plot Thickens (Like Emmy's Gut Issues)

Enter the antagonists of Emmy's story:

- Crohn's disease (because who doesn't love a chronic illness to spice things up?)
- Paparazzi (always ready to catch a senator's daughter with spinach in her teeth)
- Gabe Castillo (ex-almost-boyfriend and debate rival extraordinaire)

Oh, and did I mention Issy's now crushing on Gabe? Yeah, cue the dramatic soap opera music.

As Emmy tries to keep all her plates spinning, we watch her gradually realize that maybe – just maybe – she can't control everything. It's like watching a Type A personality have an existential crisis in slow motion, and honestly? It's both hilarious and heartbreaking.

Character Deep Dive: Emmy and Her Crew

Emmy Crawford: Our Flawed and Fabulous Heroine

Let's talk about Emmy. On the surface, she's the kind of girl you'd love to hate – smart, driven, seemingly perfect. But Bitz does a fantastic job of peeling back those layers to reveal a vulnerable, scared kid who's just trying to keep it all together.

Emmy's journey from "I can handle everything on my own" to "okay, maybe I need some help" is painfully relatable. Who among us hasn't tried to push through when we really should've been asking for a time-out?

The Supporting Cast: More Than Just Sidekicks

- Issy: Emmy's sister, dealing with anxiety and finding her voice (literally – girl can sing!)
- Gabe: The love interest with his own baggage (and some killer debate skills)
- Liv: Emmy's debate partner and BFF, who deserves a medal for putting up with Emmy's intensity

Each character feels fully realized, with their own struggles and growth arcs. It's like watching a whole ecosystem of teenage drama and development.

Themes: More Than Just Teen Angst

Bitz tackles some heavy themes with a deft touch:

1. The Pressure to Be Perfect

Emmy's constant striving for perfection is exhausting just to read about. It's a poignant look at the pressures teens face, especially those in the public eye.

2. Chronic Illness and Mental Health

The portrayal of Crohn's disease and anxiety is spot-on. Bitz doesn't sugar-coat the reality of living with these conditions, but she also shows that they don't have to define a person.

3. Family Dynamics and Sisterhood

The relationship between Emmy and Issy is *chef's kiss*. It's complicated, messy, and ultimately beautiful.

4. Politics and Privacy

Living in the political spotlight adds an extra layer of complexity to Emmy's life. It's a unique perspective that adds depth to the story.

Writing Style: Witty, Warm, and Oh-So-Real

Bitz's writing style is like that friend who always knows exactly what to say – whether it's a perfectly timed joke or a comforting word. The dialogue crackles with authenticity, and Emmy's internal monologue is a delightful mix of sarcasm and vulnerability.

Favorite Quotes That Hit Different

- "I maintain that my stubbornness is one of my greatest assets, even if I don't always use my powers for good."
- "We're all fucked up, sister. You, me, everyone in the world in their own ways. It's what we do with our fuckery that makes the difference."

I mean, come on. That's some t-shirt worthy wisdom right there.

The Good, The Bad, and The Cringeworthy

What Worked:

- The authentic portrayal of chronic illness and mental health
- The complex sister relationship
- Emmy's growth arc (girl learns some valuable lessons)
- The balance of humor and serious topics

What Could've Been Better:

- Sometimes the political aspects felt a bit glossed over
- The pacing in the middle dragged a tiny bit
- I wanted more of Gabe's perspective (but maybe that's just me being greedy)

Final Thoughts: A Book That Sticks With You

"Three Things About Emmy Crawford" is like that one friend who calls you out on your BS but still loves you anyway. It's not afraid to get messy, to show the ugly parts of growing up and figuring yourself out. But it also celebrates the small victories, the moments of connection, and the realization that it's okay to not have it all together.

Bitz has crafted a story that feels both timely and timeless. It's about politics and chronic illness, sure, but at its core, it's about learning to be vulnerable, to ask for help, and to accept yourself – flaws and all.

Who Should Read This?

- Fans of contemporary YA with depth
- Anyone who's ever felt the pressure to be perfect
- Readers looking for authentic portrayals of chronic illness and mental health
- Those who appreciate a good debate (verbal or internal)

The Verdict: To Read or Not to Read?

Look, I'm not saying this book will change your life. But it might just change how you look at it. It's a reminder that we're all works in progress, that it's okay to stumble, and that sometimes the best thing we can do is lean on the people around us.

So, grab a copy, find a cozy spot, and prepare to laugh, cry, and maybe learn a thing or two about yourself along the way. Emmy Crawford's journey might just inspire you to embrace your own beautiful mess of a life.

A Personal Note from the Reviewer

You know, as I was reading "Three Things About Emmy Crawford," I couldn't help but think about my own high school days. No, I wasn't the daughter of a senator or a debate champion, but that feeling of trying to keep it all together while everything's falling apart? Yeah, that hit home.

There's something universally relatable about Emmy's struggle, even if the specifics of her life are unique. It's a reminder that no matter how put-together someone might seem on the outside, we're all dealing with our own stuff.

Bitz has created a story that's both a mirror and a window – reflecting our own experiences back at us while also giving us a glimpse into someone else's world. And isn't that what great literature is all about?

So, here's to Emmy Crawford, to Allison L. Bitz, and to all of us out here just trying to figure it out. May we all learn to cut ourselves some slack, ask for help when we need it, and maybe enjoy an orange scone or two along the way.

[Kealy Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emmy Crawford, the daughter of a presidential candidate. When Emmy was little she was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and it affected her life in many ways. Now it’s her senior year and she is learning how to balance debating, school, the paparazzi, and Gabe Castillo. After being ghosted by Gabe she eventually learns to move on until he shows back up in her life making things more difficult. In her book Three Things About Emmy Crawford, Allison Bitz gives us the inside to Emmy’s thoughts and world.

Most of the book was written with Emmy as the narrator, so it’s written how a teenager would think. I believe Allison Bitz does a great job of using specific diction to display that. Bitz uses words like “saucy” or “heebie-jeebies” to help show the reader that the narrator is just a teenage girl. Since the book is written in first person it does impact the prose of the book. The writing style and word choice is more modern and is used by people in younger generations. This connects to Emmy because she is a senior in high school and the book is written from her point of view.

The plot of this book was entertaining, it had surprise and curiosity all mixed in together. Emmy has a very interesting life with being the daughter of a potential future president and being the captain of her debate team. She also has Chron’s disease which also impacts her day to day life. When Gabe Castillo is reintroduced to her life it adds surprise to the plot. It made me want to know more about why he ghosted her in the first place. Then once we learned why, his reasoning surprised me. As the book continues on there are more surprises and questions that add to the plot making it more entertaining.

Throughout most of the book the author made me feel empowered. Emmy is only a senior in high school and manages to keep her busy and important life all together. Emmy has to juggle certain things that most high school students don’t have to, but there are still parts about her life that make it relatable and empowering. In the book Emmy is faced with many paparazzi encounters and she handles it very well. This empowers me because even though I won’t have to face the paparazzi there are still many stressful things in my life that I can learn to handle better.

I would recommend this book to someone who likes books with romance in them and are written with more of a modern word choice. If you have read or seen The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han I would recommend this book to you. I would recommend this book to a teenage girl who enjoys reading romance books with surprise and suspense all together. Although I think the book was good, there are some people who would disagree with me because they don’t enjoy books that written with a teenage girl as the narrator.

[Nicole Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"Three Things About Emmy Crawford" by Allison L. Bitz is a heartwarming coming-of-age novel that has a sweet academic rivals/lovers romance while also focusing on different themes revolving around both mental health and physical health with different conditions/disabilities. Through the story of Emmy Crawford, Bitz deftly explores the complexities of family and relationships.

Emmy Crawford is a high school senior with ambitious goals despite facing numerous obstacles, including Crohn's disease and the constant media attention that comes with being the daughter of a prominent senator. Bitz paints a vivid and compelling portrait of Emmy, showcasing her strength and determination while also showcasing Emmy’s flaws as she learns to grow as both a person as well as someone living with Crohn’s disease. She learns that she can’t just ignore her problems, both in her actual life as well as her physical problems, in order to achieve her dreams. I really enjoyed Emmy’s growth in the book, especially when she learns how to take care of herself and that she doesn’t need to have the weight of both her world and her sister’s world on her shoulders.

Central to the story is Emmy's deep bond with her sister, Issy, whom she fiercely protects from stressors of her anxiety. Bitz skillfully navigates the complexities of sibling relationships; the focus of Emmy’s relationship with her sister was the highlight of the book for me, especially when as the reader see the depth in which Emmy tries to protect her sister while her sister is also trying to protect Emmy. This does lead to some misunderstands/miscommunications throughout the book, which are all thankfully cleared up in the end.

Bitz is able to bring Emmy's world to life, especially when showing the electrifying world of debate competitions; there are snippets of debate speeches within the book, which I thoroughly enjoyed as you were able to experience the characters’ perspectives, though I wish we were able to read others’ speeches, such as Gabe’s in the book. While I enjoyed the romance in the book, I think the focus family dynamics was the most important part. I didn’t like some of the miscommunications that were established and how there was basically a “love square” at some point. I was definitely more invested in the characters more than the actual romance.

Overall, "Three Things About Emmy Crawford" is an emotional read filled with self-growth and togetherness. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I definitely can’t wait to read more from Bitz.

[Deborah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Emmy is the daughter of a senator. A perfectionist, she is determined to win her debate competitions, be the best daughter and the most supportive sister. She's in love with a rival debater, Gabe, but decides she can't be with him because her little sister has a big crush on him. She's also hiding the fact that she has Chrone's disease from both herself and her friends.

Spoilers...

Things I liked:
- Emmy is a flawed, unreliable protagonist, and I know I would have related to her as a teen.
- Chronic illness representation.
- Conversations about mental health.

Things I didn't like:
- The pacing dragged at times, especially towards the end.
- The twist that Gabe and Issy were working together was anti-climactic and unconvincing. That sort of twist only works if the story is told from the match maker's perspective. I know that Emmy isn't a realiable narrator, but Jesus... Issy's explanation for the "obvious" signs was ridiculous. "I was praising him so you'd see how great he was - not because I liked im myself! How did you not get that, you terrible sister?!"
- The universal healthcare point was rammed home extensively. I'm pro healthcare, but I don't like it when authors info-dump under the guise of a speech.
- The idea that Gabe went from being a swarve, pro debater to a puddle because he had to argue against his mum's healthcare was...odd. Surely he'd already had to argue for and against things that were close to his heart/mum? E.g. assisted dying, welfare, etc. Not to mention, Emmy's conflict about it ("I'm forcing Gabe to argue against!!") was so overblown and melodramatic. Jesus. Again, Emmy quite happily argued for and against assisted dying, which affects disabled people, but this was where she had a crisis of conscience.
- The question of Emmy's mum running for president was sort of brushed over and tied up with a bow at the end. It was very clear that it was terrible for their family, but it was deemed that Issy and Emmy would just have to change their attitudes and deal with it for the greater good.

[Kaija · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/3 ish

If I was a teenager, I probably would like this book a lot more. But I'm not, so it was difficult.

I couldn't get this through my library, but I had heard great things, so I bought the audiobook. If I had borrowed it, I'm not sure I would have finished it. I had been more for more story, instead of so much LOVE story. That's my bad, I guess, I just assumed it was more like 3 things (repeated over and over), and not LOVE/ROMANCE/why I should be with him but can't (but we all know she will). Anyway, rant over.

Oh, also not being from the States probably made this a harder sell as a book, because for some reason that country doesn't think people deserve to live if they're ill. So, that made it hard to relate too.

Emmy Crawford, a Senator's daughter ( and who's mom is on track to go to the White House) is very type A. She's going to be the best debater (she's GOING TO GO TO NATIONALS), she's going to be the best daughter, she's going to get all As- you get the idea.
But, she has Crohn's disease and doesn't take care of it, she MUST protect her sister because she has anxiety, and she must be single because, well, sure. So, she can't be with Gabe. Even though she wants to. Right? And it's all going to go swimmingly.

If you have a semblance of a literary brain, you know exactly how this will play out.

It got really really whiny for me a lot, and I just really wanted to put the book down. But, sadly, I paid for it.

If you're a teen, and in the States, I do think you'd like this book. But it's not a YA that I rate highly.

[Ellie Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚Three Things About Emmy Crawford
🖌️Author: Allison L. Bitz
🖋️Publication: @harper360ya
📝P.g.: 352
🗂️Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance

5/⭐️

📌Summary:
There are three things high school senior Emmy Crawford will accomplish, no matter what:

⭐️Taking Nationals in debate this season.

⭐️Shielding her sister, Issy, from anything that could hurt her, especially her anxiety.

⭐️Representing her family well, since her mom may be the next president.

And nothing can get in Emmy’s way. Not Crohn’s disease, even if her gut has been acting up. Not the paparazzi, who snap any photos they can get of the daughters of a presidential candidate.

And definitely not her feelings for Gabe Castillo, the only debater in DC who stands a chance at beating her—and who she used to be on secret kissing terms with, before he ghosted her.

When Gabe unexpectedly returns to the debate scene and Issy starts crushing on him, Emmy works harder than ever to keep her eyes on winning and off her aching heart and body, because the alternative means losing the three things that matter most.

📌Review:
It’s so refreshing to read books that explore mental health, and highlight how impartant therapy is. Many people reading the book can identify with Emmy, the pressure, the anxiety, the need to be perfect.

This has been an emotional read and i am greatful i got the chance to know Emmy’s story.

📌Thoughts:
This book left me with the need to read more from the author.

I would like to thank @harper360ya for the free copy.

[Ronnie Sievers · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 rounded up)
YES. This is exactly how slowburn romances should be resolved when both characters need time to work on themselves.
I LOVED how real this book felt, even with the liberties taken to accelerate personal growth (mentioned in author's note). All the characters were dynamic and engaging, and Bitz's prose is so fun and engaging! (I especially love the way she uses backstory to build Emmy's personality.)
Also, I felt there was a well-rounded balance between friendship, family, romance, personal issues, and political drama. Emmy is such a well-written main character, and I loved watching her learn and grow. I felt with Emmy so much while reading this and I am so, so glad this book exists.
At times I got lost in the dialogue (lack of tags), but I always managed to reorient myself.
I aspire to write books like this.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Three things about Emmy Crawford. She crohn’s disease…and we hear about it a lot, but she is the top in her high school debate team. She keeps everything to herself. You can tell that will go well. Emmy ignores her doctors orders, and her friends have no idea what she is struggling with. Her sister has anxiety, and their mom is running for president. This book is perfect for EMO teens, or any teen really. In this crazy political environment it addresses healthcare (which I tend to agree with in this book), and other sensitive topics that are debated. As you can tell this book was not for me. Not because of the themes. It was the characters teen angst that annoyed me. This book is heavy on miscommunication. Like very heavy. No one admits to anything. 🙄 I honestly didn’t know it was a YA going into this. Had to skim to the end.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, romantic, heart-breaking at times and so true to life. It really shows the pressures not just on the children of a senator to live up to expectations, but the struggles of teenagers the world over. In some ways it really reminded me of the princess diaries, or similar books in that vein.

However, this book is much more than a teenage romcom. It was clear from the start that some of the book themes- Crohn’s disease, mental health, and the US national health care system - are really close to the author’s heart. Her passion for and expertise on these topics really shine through and make the characters so convincing and human, educating the reader in the process! I would love to revisit these characters in a sequel and see how they continue to grow!

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book I would have benefited from reading as a teen. For one thing, it's an enjoyable book. For another, the main character is very relatable. I see myself in her, since I was also a perfectionist who always pushed myself. I remember bursting in tears a few times over stress--stress that was partly that of my own making due to my always striving to be the best. However, Emmy has some stresses that I didn't have, such as a chronic illness and a senator for a mother. Over the course of the book, she learns more about herself and the people around her, and she learns how to take better care of herself.

[Chelsi Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book leaves me feeling hopeful. Yes, it’s an interesting story with well developed characters that I cared about what happened to. But what I LOVE and experienced as (unfortunately) truly unique was how the characters interacted with themselves and others. They have flaws, and nondefensively (eventually) speak about them. They apologize meaningfully. They name when they have been hurt and ask for space and then come back and talk about what happened. They hold others accountable. The modeling of this is powerful and I can’t wait for my kids to be old enough to read this. Thank you Allison Bitz for this valuable contribution!!

[Lindsay Theaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emmy has a lot on her plate in this YA novel set in DC under the pressures of a presidential candidate’s daughter dealing with a health crisis of Crohn’s disease, trying to win at her speech and debate meets, attempting to appear perfect at all times and to avoid the paparazzi, preparing for college, and thwarting her little sister’s advances on her debate enemy and secret ex-boyfriend Gabe Castillo. I loved the representation of mental and physical health issues in this zingy, heartwarming novel, and could totally see it being a hit on my classroom bookshelf.

[Mikayla Wicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure when I started reading if I was going to love this book, but that turned quickly! It may have been a peek at the back to see the author is from Exeter, NE about 30 minutes from where I grew up. I was also diagnosed with a chronic disease (type 1 diabetes) as a teenager. I related so much to this whole book, and still do. You are not alone when it comes to mental or physically illness, and YES, our healthcare system sucks! This book will go on my list of books I wish I could read for the first time all over again!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I overall liked this book. Perhaps it would be enjoyed more by the YA audience it is intended for though.

I appreciated the Crohns’ representation. Although I agree our healthcare system needs work, it was a too big of a focus in this book. It became a main topic. Also, the parents seemed a little too perfect.

This in some ways reminded me of American Royals series, but cleaner. There is language (f* words) but no sex.

[Amy Whitmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good. Pls check trigger warnings, as emmys sister has very real anxiety, but was good. not stand out issh but not awful <3 [Update: I'm giving it a 4.5 bc upon further reflection this was a really good book. The story was less about the plot and more abt the message. Read the author's note at the end. This book was written by a woman with a story to tell. It is an earnest lesson and message that she tries to convey, and it can be felt in every word of this story <3 much love!]

[Caitie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

This wasn’t a bad book, I enjoyed it for the most part. I appreciated the aspects of chronic illness (in this case Chrons Disease) and the fact that the main character’s mother is a politician—but this came off as too goofy for my taste. There was substance, the author tried for substance but it came off as odd and lacking depth. Something was missing for me.

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three Things About Emmy Crawford:
1. Self acceptance is a must.
2. Honesty is the best policy.
3. Family and friends are the greatest gift.

And, universal healthcare for everyone!!

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC Provided by Edelweiss Plus

Definitely a Young Adult title. Like the story, but won't buy for a middle school.

[Erica Schimmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know who sent me this book in the mail, but thanks--I loved it!

[Lisa Hopken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Great YA book about choices, living with a disease, and being ok with not being perfect!!