კლუბი ასპარაგუსი

by Jessica Scott-Whyte, Keti Chartolani (Translator)

მე ლეონ ლეონ ჯონ კროთერსი მქვია. ვარ 4,779 დღის (მათთვის, ვინც მათემატიკაში მოიკოჭლებს – 13 წლისა და 1 თვის). ექვს სხვადასხვა სკოლაში ვსწავლობდი. ადამიანების უმრავლესობას ჰგონია, რომ მძიმე ხასიათი მაქვს…

თითქმის ყოველთვის ყველაფერს ძალიან, ძალიან არასწორად ვიგებ. ეს კი იმას ნიშნავს, რომ ყოველთვის ვიტყვი საწყენ სიტყვებს და იმაზე განსხვავებულად მოვიქცევი, რაც „ნორმად“ მიიჩნევა… ჩემი ტვინი განსხვავებულადაა მოწყობილი და ამას უნდა გავუმკლავდე.

აი, ყველაფერი, რაც ჩემზე უნდა იცოდე.

Genres: Middle Grade, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, School, Psychology, Humor, Family, Childrens

291 pages, Paperback

First published July 21, 2022

Reviews

[Ivana - Diary of Difference · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny, informative and powerful book - full review to come soon!

[Ravenclaw Library Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Asparagus Bunch by Jessica Scott-Whyte is a delightful and funny book about Leon who at aged 13 and having changed schools seven times is diagnosed as having Asperger's. Leon finally learns how to come to terms with his diagnosis with the help of his supportive mother and his doctor. He also finds friends Tanya (who is Dyslexic) and Lawerence (who also has Asperger's) at his new school which also helps him.

I found myself genuinely laughing out loud on multiple occasions. I especially loved the little remarks that Leon made which while others would find quite rude, I found hilarious as it definitely reminds me of my cheeky nephew who also has Asperger's.

The Asparagus Bunch will definitely be in my Top 10 books of 2022 and I will be buying a copy for my personal library so I can reread it.

I absolutely loved this and would highly recommend to anyone.

Received a review copy from Welbeck Publishing UK and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.

#TheAsparagusBunch #NetGalley

[BookBairn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this an interesting read as I've been research neurodiverse titles for young readers. Firstly, based on the cover and synopsis, I wrongly assumed this was a book aimed at primary school children when it's definitely more suitable to readers aged 11+ so that was my error.
But even still I found the representation in this left my uncomfortable. It's written by a autistic writer and she describes her family as neurodiverse too so perhaps I should rely on that own voices experience. However, I found the main character wholly unlikable. And sure there are unlikable people both neurotypical and neurodiverse, but it felt like his nastiness, disrespect and at one point racist microaggression, is sort of brushed away as part of his autism. But to me that doesn't sit right, and it also paints neurodiversity in negative light. When representation is so few and far between I wonder if this sort of representation is helpful. And I'd be curious if there were any sensitivity readers involved in the editing of this book.
I'd be keen to hear from own voices reviewers on this book as perhaps I am off the mark.

[Carolyn Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous and entertaining voice with a memorable ND character, I really enjoyed reading this. I love the facts about the sweets and chocolate too!

[slay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is one of my funniest yet most enlightening reads of 2022 so far. I can’t put into words how much I loved reading about the life of Leon Crothers, and how he comes to terms with this Asperger’s diagnosis (or in this book, ass-burger or asparagus diagnosis) with the help of his delightful and unique friends and supportive mother. This book was also quite educational as it gave a look into the mind of a child with Asperger’s, and although each person with it differs it was still highly educational. As well as all of that, I found myself genuinely laughing out loud on multiple occasions, something that for me rarely happens! Tanya and Lawrence (Leon’s friends) and even his doctor really help him through his diagnosis and other events which change the course of his life, and together they form the asparagus bunch. There is so much representation in this book, with Leon obviously being newly diagnosed with Asperger’s and Lawrence also has Asperger’s. Tanya is a black dyslexic girl which leads me onto the one fault I did have with this book- Leon does make some pretty racially ignorant comments about Tanya’s hair, which in my opinion as a black girl were brushed over a bit too quickly. If I was the subject of those comments from anyone I wouldn’t change the subject and brush over the comments I would say something about it which in this book did not happen, so i would have liked to see a bit of character building on that front because younger readers may interpret those comments as jokes that are acceptable to make. Other than that though, I love love love how quintessentially british this book is, It’s such a nice feeling to read a reference to a curly-whirly or a fruit pastille and actually know what is being talked about! This book does deal with some sensitive topics like bullying, prejudice and (minor) violence I would say it’s a 12+. This book was thoroughly enjoyable and educational and I’m so incredibly glad I had a read!

[Karen Cairns-Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, Leon is someone you need to know. So many layers to his character. It is heart warming to see how Leon evolves and even though he lives his life in rigid routine he soon learns from his friends that you can become flexible without your world crashing apart.

It is funny, emotional and an insightful glimpse into the neurodiversity world.

Thank you to Susan Barry @KidsWelbeck for my ARC and a chance to take part in the Blog Tour.
All opinions are my own.

[Lisa Friel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some funny comments in there but it gives mixed (and not very consisten) messages about Asperger's and autism.

[Anna Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This heartwarming and funny story would make a great class read aloud of middle to upper primary, despite being on the longer side. Fans of Fish in a Tree, Wonder and Superstar will enjoy this.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not often that I'm not sure how to start writing a review but The Asparagus Bunch has got me in a spin. It's left me thinking - what makes a good book? What am I looking for? Am I looking to be entertained, to empathise, feel represented, to be whisked away to somewhere unfamiliar, to be horrified? Just what am I looking for?! My initial thought is I'm very much a mood reader so I often want all of these things but at different times and I don't expect them to all be in the same book. I love the solitude that is afforded by reading books but equally want to wade into discussion when I feel passionately about a book that I've read. I very much want to talk about this book, I want to know the opinions of others and have the opportunity to probe into the thinking of others.



Leon lives with his Mum who he calls by her first name Caroline. He's about to start at his 7th school. He knows that he can anger and upset others. His mum takes him to see Doctor Snot who tells Leon about his neurodivergence - autism. The 7th school starts off just as bad as the rest. However, things change when he's surprised to realise he's made friends in Lawrence and Tanya - sorry 'mate' not friend in the case of Tanya! Things begin to spiral as Leon goes to take revenge on the school bully for upsetting Lawrence. While planning his revenge he stumbles upon his Mum's double life which rocks his world.



- Initially, I loved Leon's voice in the book, it's quirky and funny (however, I'm not sure Leon would say he felt what was written a comical). As someone who identifies as being on the spectrum it was a narration that felt quite comfortable. However, I found it more challenging to read in the middle of the book as I felt quite frustrated with how he responded to others. I'm so glad I persevered and continued reading as it was interesting to see how Leon's internal monologues were influenced by the new people around him in his life.

- Totally adored all the sweet references and fascinating facts about the world of confectionary. These bits of the book were real highlights for me.

- I loved the characters of Lawrence and Tanya, they were such amazing friend role models. Great that they too were neurodivergent - one autistic and one dyslexic. I thought it was inspired having two autistic characters. Both characters had some similarities but lots of differences. I felt this was very important representation to show that you don't just put all autistic people in a box and they're all the same.

- **I didn't like that the racist comments from Leon in the book were not challenged in a way that felt appropriate in a book designed for 11 years+. This is a particular part of the book I think would be good to spark discussion. I felt that although the comments were often labelled as racist by characters in the book I didn't feel that Leon truly understand that his words were racist and the impact of those words. The comments were often throw away lines not delved into any deeper and it made me wonder what the intention of the author was including this racist element to the storyline.

**The author Jessica replied to my review and explained that as the copy I read was an early proof there has since been some editing (based on early reviews) particularly around the racist comments from Leon. When the final book comes out I will make sure I read and update my review.

Interested to find out where Leon's next adventure goes in the next book due out 2023.

[Jae · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Wendy Bamber · Rating 5 out of 5]

The blurb describes this book perfectly. Neurodiverse characters who stand by their flaws and celebrate their differences together as the Asparagus Bunch. Would be brilliant as a read aloud for year 5/6+, possibly 7/8s.

[Juliet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not the target audience but still enjoyed this book. Listened on borrowbox.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wanted to love this more than i did.

[Camilla Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me forever to get round to starting this book (life) but once I did I gulped it up. Very original and hilarious and bravely honest - I loved Leon’s voice. What a challenge to be Caroline!!!

The author did an excellent job and I can’t wait for book 2.

[Victoria Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book a challenge to read. Not because I didn't love it, but because I felt the pain and confusion the main character, Leon caused to his friends and family. At the start of the book Leon is so in control of everything that happens and that is how he likes it. His mum Caroline is very supportive of all the decisions he makes (some might say too supportive as some of his choices aren't in his best interests). But suddenly he has to navigate friendships, a diagnosis of neuro-divergence that he doesn't agree with and changes in his family dynamics and he finds it really hard. I enjoyed the way Tanya and Lawerence continue to fight for their friendship with Leon, even when he wasn't aware they were friends. It was also good to see so many people trying to fit their world around Leon and support him, despite his lack of flexibility or self-awareness. I just wish this was more true in the real world. I don't know for sure if I would use this book in my school, just because there is some language that I think some parents might find questionable, although I am sure that many of the children would enjoy reading it and I feel it would help them understand their peers better.

[Georgia Zevs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the voice of Leon, a 13 year old with "an attitude problem" (ASD). We see his resilience as he deals with a new new new new new new school and what that brings with it. I particularly enjoyed the way he developed friendships with Tanya and Lawrence.

Definitely a book to recommend to students, particularly for "reading for pleasure", maybe even as a class reader. Yr 5 - 8, I would say.

[Beth Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review to come soon. Copy from NetGalley.

[Leonie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Somehow the balance between funny and powerful was perfect! It made it easy to read and understand, and I thought it explained autism in a way that was informative and relatable. Loved the characters and the relationships between them. Just beautiful.

[AMANDA ADAMS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book as part of the 2022 Juniper Book Awards Shadowing Scheme.

I adored the cast of characters in this novel, which had so many genuine laugh out loud moments, combined with more poignant moments of self-reflection. This is LIFE seen through the eyes of three kids who "Just do it. Differently". Leon thinks Bountys are sus, so is definitely my kinda kid, and I see so many similarities with Scribs in my own teenage daughter. Caroline is the mum, Leon needs her to be and I loved the way Jessica has written their relationship. A massive thumbs up for this funny, uplifting, empathy-boosting debut and I can't wait for more adventures from Blackpool!!

[Mila Motik]

I could not remember the last book I read that made me laugh as much as The Asparagus Bunch (2022). I was reading the introduction on my sofa at the corner of my living room when I genuinely let out a big laugh, that my mother asked me ‘What in the world are you reading?’ If Jessica Scott-Whyte’s intention in writing this book was to create an entertaining way to educate people on the subject of children in the spectrum, then I would say she has done a terrific job. Soon as I opened page one and started reading it, I was very much amused and I got the gist of what Leon (the main character) was like as a person. Might I add, I thought the combination of the colours bright yellow and soft blue on the cover of the novel is a brilliant choice: it contrasts Leon’s low tolerance for popping colours on account of his Asperger’s Syndrome, which serves as a juxtaposition since he says he owns a multiple number of the exact same rain jacket of the same colour that he wears very frequently. The cover was not the only aspect of the novel that caught my eye early, I thought the font designs fit perfectly for this book! The font designs really complement each section accordingly. For example, the font changes from the main narrative part of the novel into another design for parts such as Leon’s daily ‘acceptable’ food menu and his other lists.
I finished reading this book all within twenty-four hours, which is a rare occurrence for me. It almost felt as if I was reading a comic book as opposed to a novel – Leon’s narrative was very easy to follow and his straightforwardness very much got me invested. The storyline is as simple as it is being written: Leon is a thirteen-year-old English boy who learns that he has Asperger’s Syndrome. He lives with his mother, whom he calls by name. He likes things a certain way and does not respond well to changes, no matter how small it might be. Due to his ‘attitude problem,’ he has had to move school multiple times. He meets two other kids in the spectrum (one is dyslexic and the other also has Asperger’s Syndrome) whom eventually become his first friends. But that is not without so many obstacles owning to his attempts to navigate through life with his Asperger’s. I think for those who are not familiar with people within the autism spectrum disorder, this novel could be a good introduction. Since it is told by a first-person narrative, the readers can see effortlessly what goes inside Leon’s head as he makes certain decisions in his life. And for those who are familiar with people within the spectrum, perhaps this novel could help them into a better understanding of the disorder. That being said, I cannot contest to the latter as I fall into the category of the former. Anyhow, I would not go into reading this book expecting some deep, dark twist. Leon is very clear on what he feels: when he is angry, he says he feels angst and when he feels betrayed, he would say, ‘Betrayal.’ It is such a pleasant feeling to read something for once without having to decipher some metaphorical meanings behind the passages – with Leon, basically what you read is what you get – and I personally like that very much so.
I cannot stress this enough – The Asparagus Bunch (2022) is a very amusing book to read. Leon’s tone-deafness (if that is even a word?), his inability to read between the lines and how he bluntly reacts to every situation is hilarious, and Scott-Whyte does have impeccable comedic timing (not supposed to be funny perhaps, but still). Upon learning the fact that his doctor’s name was ‘Snot,’ he reacted by throwing this line, ‘Which controversial family tree are you trying to distance yourself from? Was your grandfather Hitler’s secret love child or something?’ (The Asparagus Bunch 18) Cue my laugh as a reader. Look, that is very fair reaction to someone learning that another is named, ‘Snot.’ But the way Leon figured out that he had done something wrong is through devising the literal reaction of his mother, ‘When Caroline’s voice gets loud it means I’ve said something that’s likely to have caused upset, anger or offence.’ (ibid) I hope I do not cause any offence by writing this review, but this book not only serve as an entertainment for me but it was also as a medium for my personal education on people within the spectrum. I do have distant family members who are within the spectrum, and I found myself questioning why they behave the way that they do, but I left it at that for fear of upsetting the parents. By reading this book, I feel like I can understand autism spectrum disorder a little bit better. Learning such an important thing, I would say that is a win for everyone right there. But I think, overall, it is a bit of a slippery slope with Leon as a character – or at least that is what I had initially thought. If I had met Leon in person, would I, as a person who has minimum experience on the disorder, have reprimanded him for being the way he is? The story then takes a turn where it had been made clear that Leon had indeed crossed a line – with his friends, his doctor, his mother – which serves as a chance for Leon to grow as a character. As I did (learn), by the end of the novel, he too has learnt some new positive things.
What warmed me the most though, is Leon’s newfound friendships with Tanya and Lawrence. ‘Kind-hearted misfits’ – I would call those three. I found it so profound the way Leon’s mother reacted to him having friends. The moment was so infectious that reading it, I also felt his mother’s joy (or was it relief? Either way, it was a good feeling). I liked that Leon slowly came to terms with his condition, partly because he had seen in person that there are other people in the spectrum such as Tanya with her dyslexia and Lawrence with his Asperger’s. I thought the part where they formed a club (in a chapter called ‘We’re Not Forming a Club’) was really wholesome. What made it even more so was the drawing of their club’s logo with the tagline ‘Just do it. Diferently.’ It was spot on: the drawings help illustrate Tanya’s talent in drawing, the name of the club ‘The Asparagus Bunch’ is an excellent play on Asperger’s Syndrome, and the misspelling highlights the dyslexia – and there is absolutely nothing wrong it. One thing that gutted me, I did not think that the book was going to continue on another volume! That being said, the ending was quite satisfying and it has created a leeway for the second volume to follow. Please, do yourself a favour and read this wonderful novel. I for one, cannot wait to get my hands on the second volume.

[Kate S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this book for my ten year old son. We read some together and the rest by himself. He loved it, choosing to read this book on a school morning rather than watch television! I asked him what he liked and he said ‘the way it was written like a diary and I learnt about autism’. He said it ‘made me smile’ and he ‘couldn’t wait to pick it up the next day and start reading it again’. It was a joy to see him so fully engrossed. This author has a real talent (wit and empathy) and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.

[Nicola Friar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this. It's not something I'd normally pick up but the title intrigued me. Not being familiar with autism in any way, I found Leon's story to be both enlightening and refreshing. I really enjoyed seeing how Leon and his friends navigate a world in which they are other and his attempts to gain insight into his diagnosis. I also really liked how the characters' diagnoses were presented as explanations rather than excuses for their actions. It's a story that manages to be sweet, moving, frustrating, and very funny. The writing style has events zipping along nicely and it's a really fresh approach to the the topic. An unexpected gem.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. It was well written and covered the topic of autism spectrum disorders very sensitively but also in a way that makes it easy for people to understand how thought processes work when you are on the spectrum.

[Millie Webster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personally, I think it was an awesome book with lots of fun facts and relatable moments, and also that sense of humour and adventure, keeping that important message and pointing out the problems that different people struggle with.

[The Reading Teacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking for a book to use in a reading lesson for Autism awareness and what perfection this is. Leon's character is absolutely unintentionally hilarious and gives such a delightful insight into a neurodiverse mind.

[EC · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful book full of humour and heart. Loved it!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was funny from the outset as Leon isn't very bothered about what other people think.
When they do interact with him he knows if there is a pause or hesitation in the conversation he has probably said something to anger, cause offence I'd upset but he doesn't know what it was.

Having a good hobby like confectionary keeps him busy, a lot of facts to be found here.
His single mother, Caroline has booked him in to his 7th school and he is sure things will turn out the same. But somehow they don't no
Somehow it's s much worse.

There's a girl who talks to him and a boy who introduces himself as like Leon, like they're the same and should be friends but Leon doesn't want that.

Too many changes happen at once and Leon must have a good hard chat to himself.
Can he sort things out so it can all go back to how it was? Him and Caroline and getting thrown out if school for an attitude problem?

With a cast of neurodiverse characters, who have different diagnoses of aspergers and dyslexia, trying to get through school and be themselves. I found this witty and easy to see how they felt conversations twisting to a different meaning when together.

The confectionary references like 'oh fudge' might be directed at an older reading audience more suited to the characters ages of 13 (13 and one month, yes Leon) and above but it's all mainly tongue in cheek (oh dear idiom, I'd better stop)

An easy interesting read in 40 short chapters - if you don't include the conclusion which wasn't numbered - I'd highly recommend it for summer reading lists with a bag of your favourite sweets for full enjoyment.

Looking forward to more adventures from The Asparagus Bunch in From Blackpool With Love out 2023

[Ellie (bookmadbarlow) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a super hard one to review, but after reading The Reason I Jump recently, I can see how Leon as a character has been created and why.
It was an interesting one, there was a lot about Leon that made his character difficult to gel with, but also there was little things that he did that were his way of being nice.
I liked the idea of the Asparagus Bunch, the club, the friends he made, but it wasn't an easy read, there were a lot of mean things said, some racist comments, that Leon didn't quite ever understand he made. Which is hard to get my head around.
This is written by an own voices author, who has lived experiences that I can never fully ever put myself into, not being neurodivergent.
Overall, I didn't love this one, but I am glad I read it.

[Kelly Furniss · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Asparagus Bunch is a book about Leon who is 13yrs old and has had to change schools several times. He is diagnosed as having Asperger's syndrome. With the help of people around him he tries to come to terms and make sense of his diagnosis. A great example of friendship is portrayed between the characters in this book. Leon does not find life easy but tolerance, forgiveness, kindness and compassion are subjects that are all explored and fundamental to this story.

[Brette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely not the best autism rep I've read. I'd recommend Elle McNicoll's A Kind of Spark for a great book with a MC with autism. If you're looking for that "autism making you unlikable" thing this book tries to pull off but instead just makes a MC who's a terrible person... Where was I going with that sentence? Read Keedie also by Elle McNicoll.