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Roxie in Color
Roxie wants to blend in at a new school, which is hard to do when your parents are blind, in this remarkable novel about friendship, misperceptions, and family—plus a dog’s view of the world.
Roxie loves her parents, but other people can’t seem to see past the fact that they’re blind—and they don’t really see Roxie, either. To them, she’s just “the girl with the blind parents.” So when her family moves to a new town and Roxie starts seventh grade at a new school, she’s determined to be known for the other parts of who she is: an artist, an animal lover, and the kind of person who bakes cookies for people she cares about for no special reason. But that means keeping her parents’ blindness a secret from the kids at school and definitely not telling anyone that she might inherit the eye condition that caused her mother’s vision loss—at least until they get to know her.
For a while, Roxie is happier than she’s ever been. But when her lies and omissions lead to a visit from Child Protective Services, will Roxie find and the courage to be fully honest with her friends, her parents, and herself? This heartfelt depiction of a girl establishing her own identity, with some chapters told from the perspective of her mother’s loyal guide dog, is an authentic portrayal of the joys, challenges, and everyday ordinariness of being raised by parents who have a disability.
Note: The novel is typeset in Atkinson Hyperlegible, a font developed by Braille Institute specifically for low-vision readers.
Roxie loves her parents, but other people can’t seem to see past the fact that they’re blind—and they don’t really see Roxie, either. To them, she’s just “the girl with the blind parents.” So when her family moves to a new town and Roxie starts seventh grade at a new school, she’s determined to be known for the other parts of who she is: an artist, an animal lover, and the kind of person who bakes cookies for people she cares about for no special reason. But that means keeping her parents’ blindness a secret from the kids at school and definitely not telling anyone that she might inherit the eye condition that caused her mother’s vision loss—at least until they get to know her.
For a while, Roxie is happier than she’s ever been. But when her lies and omissions lead to a visit from Child Protective Services, will Roxie find and the courage to be fully honest with her friends, her parents, and herself? This heartfelt depiction of a girl establishing her own identity, with some chapters told from the perspective of her mother’s loyal guide dog, is an authentic portrayal of the joys, challenges, and everyday ordinariness of being raised by parents who have a disability.
Note: The novel is typeset in Atkinson Hyperlegible, a font developed by Braille Institute specifically for low-vision readers.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2026
About the author
Diane Debrovner
1 book11 followersDiane Debrovner believes that great stories start with unforgettable characters. As a middle grade author, journalist, and former magazine editor, she writes for anyone who’s ever felt different, left out, or unsure where they belong. Her debut novel, Roxie in Color (Candlewick Press, 2026), co-authored with Stacy Cervenka, was sparked by her article “What Blind Parents Want You to See.” Before turning to fiction, Diane spent many years as deputy editor of Parents Magazine, where she covered child development, education, health, and books. Her work has been featured on TODAY, Good Morning America, CBS Early Show, and CNN, and she’s hosted podcasts and panels on parenting and family life. She now helps nonprofits share their stories to secure grant funding. Diane lives in New York City with her family and a dog who loves watermelon.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 24, 2026
A new school means an opportunity to make friends and actually do so many of the things Roxie missed at her old school, but she is certain that keeping her parents’ blindness is key to change.
Roxie’s father was born blind and her mother’s blindness came during teen years due to Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and while they are capable, independent, successful adults and are well-loved by their children, Roxie has experienced some teasing, there was an undeserved report to Child Protection Services, and a traumatic (at least from Roxie’s perspective) Cupcake Incident. As a result, Roxie is determined that in a new school, she needs to find a friend or two and then slowly and carefully introduce them to her parents and Nash, her mom’s service dog. All is going according to plan with a quick connection to Kayla and when Roxie’s quick thinking saves Quinn from being struck by a car, her inclusion into a group of girls is cemented. But this is middle grade realistic fiction, so plans have to come undone or at least become complicated.
Like most jr high school girls, Roxie makes mistakes both large and small and must fix damaged trust as well as navigate questions about her risk of inheriting the RP gene, explore new opportunities to share her artistic talent, and learn to stand up and speak up for not only herself, but her parents and the greater blind community. Excellent information provided to readers regarding the technology and life adaptations used by those who are blind, at least one potentially new painting technique called pointillism, and great encouragement to step out of their comfort zone in order to make new discoveries and possibly, friends.
Recommended for book collections serving grades 4-7 especially if looking for more disability representation and/or if realistic fiction in a school setting has high circulation.
Target age: grades 4-7 (altho the over 300 pages may make it a challenge for those on the lower end of that range)
Profanity: none
Violence: none
Sexual content: none
Representation: There are a number of blind characters, both adult and one young child, some who use a cane to navigate the world and others who prefer a guide dog.
LBGTQ+: none
Thanks for the eARC, Edelweiss.
Roxie’s father was born blind and her mother’s blindness came during teen years due to Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and while they are capable, independent, successful adults and are well-loved by their children, Roxie has experienced some teasing, there was an undeserved report to Child Protection Services, and a traumatic (at least from Roxie’s perspective) Cupcake Incident. As a result, Roxie is determined that in a new school, she needs to find a friend or two and then slowly and carefully introduce them to her parents and Nash, her mom’s service dog. All is going according to plan with a quick connection to Kayla and when Roxie’s quick thinking saves Quinn from being struck by a car, her inclusion into a group of girls is cemented. But this is middle grade realistic fiction, so plans have to come undone or at least become complicated.
Like most jr high school girls, Roxie makes mistakes both large and small and must fix damaged trust as well as navigate questions about her risk of inheriting the RP gene, explore new opportunities to share her artistic talent, and learn to stand up and speak up for not only herself, but her parents and the greater blind community. Excellent information provided to readers regarding the technology and life adaptations used by those who are blind, at least one potentially new painting technique called pointillism, and great encouragement to step out of their comfort zone in order to make new discoveries and possibly, friends.
Recommended for book collections serving grades 4-7 especially if looking for more disability representation and/or if realistic fiction in a school setting has high circulation.
Target age: grades 4-7 (altho the over 300 pages may make it a challenge for those on the lower end of that range)
Profanity: none
Violence: none
Sexual content: none
Representation: There are a number of blind characters, both adult and one young child, some who use a cane to navigate the world and others who prefer a guide dog.
LBGTQ+: none
Thanks for the eARC, Edelweiss.
Review of advance copy
Roxie in ColorA middle-grade novel that sees you and dares you to be seen.
What if you could paint over the worst moments of middle school the way you paint a wall—layer by layer, color by color?
Roxie in Color follows Roxie Glass, a seventh grader starting over at a new school with one big hope: this time, she won’t be the girl with blind parents she’ll just be Roxie. An artist. A kid who loves butter pecan ice cream. Someone who belongs.
Roxie doesn’t just like color; she feels it. Color is how she understands the world, her emotions, and the people around her. When words fail, paint speaks. Watching Roxie navigate friendship, fear, and self-discovery through art is quietly breathtaking, making every page feel alive.
This book captures middle school with startling accuracy: the way lunch tables feel like battlegrounds, the courage it takes to say “Can I sit here?”, and how one moment of kindness can change everything. The friendships are messy, hopeful, and honest. The stakes feel enormous because when you’re twelve, they are.
And then there’s Nash, the family’s guide dog, whose chapters add warmth, humor, and emotional grounding in the best possible way. Through him, we see love, responsibility, and loyalty in action—and we see Roxie’s family as they truly are: capable, loving, and whole.
What makes Roxie in Color stand out is its heart. It doesn’t ask for pity. It offers understanding. It invites readers to think about visibility, disability, and difference not as problems to solve, but as parts of life that shape who we become.
This is the kind of book kids will press into a friend’s hands and say, “You have to read this.” It’s for readers who love art, for kids figuring out where they fit, and for anyone who has ever wished they could start over and do it braver this time.
Don’t miss this one.
What if you could paint over the worst moments of middle school the way you paint a wall—layer by layer, color by color?
Roxie in Color follows Roxie Glass, a seventh grader starting over at a new school with one big hope: this time, she won’t be the girl with blind parents she’ll just be Roxie. An artist. A kid who loves butter pecan ice cream. Someone who belongs.
Roxie doesn’t just like color; she feels it. Color is how she understands the world, her emotions, and the people around her. When words fail, paint speaks. Watching Roxie navigate friendship, fear, and self-discovery through art is quietly breathtaking, making every page feel alive.
This book captures middle school with startling accuracy: the way lunch tables feel like battlegrounds, the courage it takes to say “Can I sit here?”, and how one moment of kindness can change everything. The friendships are messy, hopeful, and honest. The stakes feel enormous because when you’re twelve, they are.
And then there’s Nash, the family’s guide dog, whose chapters add warmth, humor, and emotional grounding in the best possible way. Through him, we see love, responsibility, and loyalty in action—and we see Roxie’s family as they truly are: capable, loving, and whole.
What makes Roxie in Color stand out is its heart. It doesn’t ask for pity. It offers understanding. It invites readers to think about visibility, disability, and difference not as problems to solve, but as parts of life that shape who we become.
This is the kind of book kids will press into a friend’s hands and say, “You have to read this.” It’s for readers who love art, for kids figuring out where they fit, and for anyone who has ever wished they could start over and do it braver this time.
Don’t miss this one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Once I started reding "Roxy in Color," I couldn’t put the book down. I had to see what happened next. I finished the whole book in one sitting. 😊
I loved Roxy's growth throughout the story. I loved the way Nash’s point of view was included. I loved Roxy's expression of her feelings through art. I liked her friend group at school, and I thought the pull of wanting to be included versus wanting to do the right thing was very powerfully shown. I liked how Charlie showed Roxy a different perspective about having blind parents than she had thought of before. I liked the fact that the cupcake lady and her daughter turned out to have a stomach bug, and the way Roxy stood up to her but managed to turn that situation into something positive with the videos. I like the way Roxy was able to solve the CPS problem herself, at least in part, by making the videos. I really liked the way Roxy's favorite house on the block, the one with the red swing, turned out not to be what it appeared from the outside. At times, I felt the explanations about blindness skills went on a little too long, but maybe that’s because I’m blind and all that stuff is mundane to me. People who aren’t blind might really want to know every detail of how we cook and how we tag our clothes, etc.
I’m also glad the story of CPS interfering in the lives of blind parents is getting told. In thirty-five states, disabled parents can still lose their children in custody disputes or child abuse or neglect cases simply on the grounds of disability, when no other evidence against them is present. As a disabled author, I believe word needs to be spread about the terrible injustice of the situation in any way possible, and fiction is a good option because people learn while they’re relaxed and not feeling defensive.
Great book! We need more books in which disabled characters are neither heroes nor invalids, but just people living their normal lives.
I received an advance reader copy of "Roxy in Color."
I loved Roxy's growth throughout the story. I loved the way Nash’s point of view was included. I loved Roxy's expression of her feelings through art. I liked her friend group at school, and I thought the pull of wanting to be included versus wanting to do the right thing was very powerfully shown. I liked how Charlie showed Roxy a different perspective about having blind parents than she had thought of before. I liked the fact that the cupcake lady and her daughter turned out to have a stomach bug, and the way Roxy stood up to her but managed to turn that situation into something positive with the videos. I like the way Roxy was able to solve the CPS problem herself, at least in part, by making the videos. I really liked the way Roxy's favorite house on the block, the one with the red swing, turned out not to be what it appeared from the outside. At times, I felt the explanations about blindness skills went on a little too long, but maybe that’s because I’m blind and all that stuff is mundane to me. People who aren’t blind might really want to know every detail of how we cook and how we tag our clothes, etc.
I’m also glad the story of CPS interfering in the lives of blind parents is getting told. In thirty-five states, disabled parents can still lose their children in custody disputes or child abuse or neglect cases simply on the grounds of disability, when no other evidence against them is present. As a disabled author, I believe word needs to be spread about the terrible injustice of the situation in any way possible, and fiction is a good option because people learn while they’re relaxed and not feeling defensive.
Great book! We need more books in which disabled characters are neither heroes nor invalids, but just people living their normal lives.
I received an advance reader copy of "Roxy in Color."
May 26, 2026
This was such a great read that manages to be both genuinely fun and deeply inclusive at the same time. There is so much more happening beneath the surface of this story than you might initially expect, and I think that layered approach makes it especially impactful for younger readers.
I experienced this one on audio, which honestly felt like the perfect format for the story because it allows you to become completely immersed in Lucy’s world. Hearing the perspective of Nash, Luca’s mother’s guide dog, added such a unique dimension to the listening experience. Narrators Aria Mia Loberti and Jeff Ebner both did a fabulous job bringing these characters to life. I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to listen through the PRH Audio Influencer Program ahead of publication.
What especially stood out to me was how rarely we see stories centered around a sighted child with disabled parents and the ways that impacts daily life emotionally, socially, and practically. This book tackles that beautifully through Lucy’s experiences with her parents, who are both blind but came to blindness through very different circumstances. The story is packed with moments and details that will likely feel incredibly validating for children in similar situations while also helping peers better understand disability, accessibility, and respectful behavior in an organic way.
Lucy herself is far from perfect, which honestly made her feel believable. She makes several questionable decisions throughout the story, and while I do think the book’s biggest weakness may be the lack of deeper exploration surrounding parental consequences, there were definitely natural consequences woven into the narrative. There’s honestly so much more I could say, but this is definitely one where I don’t want to spoil the journey for future readers.
This is absolutely a MUST for both home and school libraries. More importantly, though, it deserves to be actively recommended to students and not simply left sitting quietly on a shelf. Its impact and relatability extend far beyond the blindness and visual disability community alone.
I experienced this one on audio, which honestly felt like the perfect format for the story because it allows you to become completely immersed in Lucy’s world. Hearing the perspective of Nash, Luca’s mother’s guide dog, added such a unique dimension to the listening experience. Narrators Aria Mia Loberti and Jeff Ebner both did a fabulous job bringing these characters to life. I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to listen through the PRH Audio Influencer Program ahead of publication.
What especially stood out to me was how rarely we see stories centered around a sighted child with disabled parents and the ways that impacts daily life emotionally, socially, and practically. This book tackles that beautifully through Lucy’s experiences with her parents, who are both blind but came to blindness through very different circumstances. The story is packed with moments and details that will likely feel incredibly validating for children in similar situations while also helping peers better understand disability, accessibility, and respectful behavior in an organic way.
Lucy herself is far from perfect, which honestly made her feel believable. She makes several questionable decisions throughout the story, and while I do think the book’s biggest weakness may be the lack of deeper exploration surrounding parental consequences, there were definitely natural consequences woven into the narrative. There’s honestly so much more I could say, but this is definitely one where I don’t want to spoil the journey for future readers.
This is absolutely a MUST for both home and school libraries. More importantly, though, it deserves to be actively recommended to students and not simply left sitting quietly on a shelf. Its impact and relatability extend far beyond the blindness and visual disability community alone.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a delight! The co-authors take a familiar new-kid-in-school story and add so much depth. Roxie is a seventh grader facing a new school with the hope that things will be better than at her old school. There, she was seen only as the kid with blind parents, often teased and hassled. Her parents were treated disrespectfully, also. To get a fresh start, Roxie decides to keep her parents' blindness a secret.
The co-authors do several innovative things in this novel. First, the BIG SECRET is resolved halfway through the book instead of hanging over the whole book which is so refreshing. They also use two narrators - Roxie and Nash, her mother's guide dog. There are only a few of Nash's chapters, and they serve as a way to see Roxie from outside of herself. Nash is also a wise dog, a nice break from the squirrel-distracted frantic dog narrators. This light touch with Nash provides a nice balance without derailing Roxie's narrative.
The co-authors also handle the blindness of the parents with a caring and respectful touch. They dispel ableist stereotypes deftly, without getting preachy.
Finally, the friend story line has a nice balance of good friends doing nice things and regular kids doing stupid things.
Just a wonderful addition to middle grade.
The co-authors do several innovative things in this novel. First, the BIG SECRET is resolved halfway through the book instead of hanging over the whole book which is so refreshing. They also use two narrators - Roxie and Nash, her mother's guide dog. There are only a few of Nash's chapters, and they serve as a way to see Roxie from outside of herself. Nash is also a wise dog, a nice break from the squirrel-distracted frantic dog narrators. This light touch with Nash provides a nice balance without derailing Roxie's narrative.
The co-authors also handle the blindness of the parents with a caring and respectful touch. They dispel ableist stereotypes deftly, without getting preachy.
Finally, the friend story line has a nice balance of good friends doing nice things and regular kids doing stupid things.
Just a wonderful addition to middle grade.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As seventh grader Roxie navigates life in a new town where nobody knows her or her family, she has to make a lot of difficult choices about which parts of her life to share, whether she wants to fit in or stand out, and how to be vulnerable (and honest!) even when it's scary.
I absolutely ADORED this book - not only is it an incredibly thoughtful and accessible educational tool for kids with an interest in or experience with blindness, but Roxie was such a delightful protagonist to follow and of course so was Nash! Seriously, I now want every book I read to be interspersed with wagging dog thoughts!! The family dynamics here were beautifully complex, and Debrovner and Cervenka do such a good job of naming discrimination in clear, strong language, as well as offering examples of how such moments can be handled & how people's minds can sometimes be changed. So many important lessons for both kids and adults to chew on! And, of course, it's all wrapped up in the earnestness and awkwardness and joy of middle school friendship. An all-around-beautiful MG novel, painted in brilliant swirling colors <3
I absolutely ADORED this book - not only is it an incredibly thoughtful and accessible educational tool for kids with an interest in or experience with blindness, but Roxie was such a delightful protagonist to follow and of course so was Nash! Seriously, I now want every book I read to be interspersed with wagging dog thoughts!! The family dynamics here were beautifully complex, and Debrovner and Cervenka do such a good job of naming discrimination in clear, strong language, as well as offering examples of how such moments can be handled & how people's minds can sometimes be changed. So many important lessons for both kids and adults to chew on! And, of course, it's all wrapped up in the earnestness and awkwardness and joy of middle school friendship. An all-around-beautiful MG novel, painted in brilliant swirling colors <3
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Told from the perspective of a middle-schooler, the insights into her feelings are spot on. As a reader, I could sympathize with so many of the big feelings Roxie was experiencing. I was equally shocked at some of the experiences she describes surrounding discrimination and biases with regards to blind people. Being a part of a group which has a disability that is often ‘unseen’ on the outside is a struggle for all involved. The authors do a wonderful job sharing those feelings and the confusion that a family member may experience - wanting to support their family but wanting to feel normal. I would highly recommend this book for families to read together, talking about ways to support friends and family who have a disability or a family member with one. It is an enjoyable, fast read with every day characters to which many readers can relate.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Great middle grade novel taking the struggles and triumphs of tweens/teens navigating friends and family seriously. Roxie loves to paint, loves her family, and her best friend: her mom’s service dog. But she’s ready for real friends, too. Should she tell her new friends at her new school that her parents are blind? It did not go well at her last school, so why can’t her parents understand she doesn’t want people to know her as that girl with the blind parents. Well, they might understand, if she could bear to tell them. Teens and tweens will see themselves in Roxie and all the colors and shades of her experience. This book would also make a great classroom read aloud.
ARC provided by author.
ARC provided by author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Roxie Glass is a relatable, creative, dimensional, and easy-to-root-for protagonist. I loved getting to know her, her train-obsessed little brother, and their parents, both blind, who are steadfast, loving, resilient, and so much more capable than some neighbors and acquaintances are ready to believe. Theirs is a family middle grade readers will want to spend time with, and Roxie, who will do just about anything to hold onto her first real friend group, will have them turning pages, hearts beating fast. Roxie in Color is as compelling as it is enlightening. I couldn’t put it down!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read this book as part of a debut MG ARC tour and loved it! Roxie’s struggles with fitting in, finding her way forward at a new school, and navigating the world’s unfair, external pressures on having blind parents are written in a way that feels rich and real.
I also learned a lot about disability accommodations and what blindness in America can mean for different types of families.
Not only is this book an important read, but it’s also one that will make you tear up at the end. A fantastic read!!
I also learned a lot about disability accommodations and what blindness in America can mean for different types of families.
Not only is this book an important read, but it’s also one that will make you tear up at the end. A fantastic read!!
Review of advance copy
It is a rarity in children’s literature when a book can create such a detailed world of resiliency, and pride in one’s self. Roxie is the daughter of two blind parents. While the story does focus on struggles and challenges that arise because of this, the book focuses on typical trials and tribulations of a preteen. Roxie, a talented artist, is a 7th grader who deals with social challenges, friendships, peer pressure and making mistakes. This is a wonderful, easy story that will endear all readers to Roxie and her family.
June 6, 2026
I did not expect one of my top reads of the year to star a bunch of 7th graders… and yet here we are.
Is it written for a younger audience? Yes.
Did I love it anyway as a fully grown adult? Also yes.
This book is charming in all the best ways—well written, perfectly paced, and full of characters who are mostly delightful (they are middle schoolers, after all). It’s a story packed with perseverance, friendship, family, hope, and a thoughtful look into the blind community.
My favorite parts were the chapters from Nash's POV!
You won’t be disappointed.
Is it written for a younger audience? Yes.
Did I love it anyway as a fully grown adult? Also yes.
This book is charming in all the best ways—well written, perfectly paced, and full of characters who are mostly delightful (they are middle schoolers, after all). It’s a story packed with perseverance, friendship, family, hope, and a thoughtful look into the blind community.
My favorite parts were the chapters from Nash's POV!
You won’t be disappointed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Outstanding! Roxie in Color by Diane Debrovner and Stacy Cervenka is a heartfelt gift of a story! Readers will fall in love with Roxie as she navigates misperceptions, secrets, and the nuances of middle school friendships. And they will cheer for her when she finds her courage, her voice, and the true meaning of family. Highly recommend!
I was honored to receive an arc of this book from the author.
I was honored to receive an arc of this book from the author.
June 2, 2026
A heartwarming and very readable story that will definitely hit home with any young reader who has ever just longed to fit in. It's a terrific way for kids to learn a bit about the challenges of living with a disability. And for dog lovers, the chapters narrated by guide dog Nash are an absolute delight!
March 13, 2026
Heartfelt, sweet, and with tremendously lovable characters. The chapters from the dog’s POV were so cute, and I found myself incredibly invested in Roxie’s journey finding friends and acceptance. Readers of all ages will get a lot out of this book, especially from its messages about accessibility!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 out of 5.
June 2, 2026
RTC!!! This was great with really good and nuanced blindness rep.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
**SPOILER**
Roxie and her family, which includes younger brother Theo, move to a new home in Greenview, Long Island. Roxie is a bit apprehensive about starting seventh grade, but determined to make it a good year, despite dealing with a bit of anxiety. She doesn't want her classmates to know that both of her parents are blind, since students at her previous school either made fun of her or were overly solicitous about the situation. It's wearing to always have to explain how her parents navigate their lives, especially since her mother has a service dog named Nash. When classes start, Roxie finds she has a few things in common with Kayla, like a fondness for butter pecan ice cream and rock climbing, and Roxie makes an effort to talk to Kayla and invite her to sit together at lunch. Kayla has a twin, Taylor, who is a bit controlling and doesn't want to welcome a newcomer, but after Roxie prevents another girl in the friend group, Quinn, from walking into traffic while distracted by her phone, the group welcomes her. Roxie loves art, and is allowed to paint a mural on her bedroom wall, so she wants to join art club. Since Roxie is trying to hide her parents from her classmates, she gets involved in some difficult situations, such as buying jeans at the mall with her credit card and lying to her mother when she gets the bill. The family is busy settling in and preparing for her mother's book launch, and Roxie takes advantage of these distractions to push the boundaries of what she is allowed to do. When she has a sleepover with Kayla and her friends, she takes a dare to walk to the local train station, and Theo runs off. Child Protective Services is involved, and her parents have to defend their ability to parent again. While things work out, there is also some sadness when Nash is clearly ready to retire, and Roxie's mom wants to send him away instead of keeping him as a home dog. Roxie continues to make some bad choices, but starts to see that she needs to embrace her parents instead of hiding them.
Strengths: It is always good to see books about children who move and try to react positively to change. It makes sense that Roxie wants to be judged on her own merits and wants to keep her parents' condition from her classmates, even if it isn't the best idea. Her interest in art adds some interest to the story, and young readers will understand Roxie's anxiety and her coping strategies. Kayla and the friend group are typical middle school girls who are trying to figure out how to fit in and get along with others. This is cowritten with Stacy Cercenka, a middle grade author and leader of the Iowa Department for the Blind, so there are lot of good details about the strategies the parents use to help with school communication, travel, and taking care of children. I don't like PDFs either, but hadn't realized that they are problematic for people with sight impairment because they are images that can't be read by text-to-speech apps, so I learned something!
Weaknesses: If Roxie were my own child, she would have been grounded until the end of time. I was surprised at how REALLY bad her choices were. Buying three pair of jeans at the mall without permission, lying about it, sneaking out with friends, endangering her brother, and burning a candle inside, with very bad consequences? As a parent, I wanted to see more consequences, and perhaps some therapy, since the mother was a psychologist herself.
What I really think: There are a few books about tweens with vision impairment, like Morrison's Squint or Vrabel's A Blind Guide to Stinkville, but I can't think of any where the parents are navigating these challenges. The only book that's at all similar is the nonfiction The Sounds of Silence: Growing Up Hearing with Deaf Parents by Myron Uhlberg. Definitely an intriguing book.
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**SPOILER**
Roxie and her family, which includes younger brother Theo, move to a new home in Greenview, Long Island. Roxie is a bit apprehensive about starting seventh grade, but determined to make it a good year, despite dealing with a bit of anxiety. She doesn't want her classmates to know that both of her parents are blind, since students at her previous school either made fun of her or were overly solicitous about the situation. It's wearing to always have to explain how her parents navigate their lives, especially since her mother has a service dog named Nash. When classes start, Roxie finds she has a few things in common with Kayla, like a fondness for butter pecan ice cream and rock climbing, and Roxie makes an effort to talk to Kayla and invite her to sit together at lunch. Kayla has a twin, Taylor, who is a bit controlling and doesn't want to welcome a newcomer, but after Roxie prevents another girl in the friend group, Quinn, from walking into traffic while distracted by her phone, the group welcomes her. Roxie loves art, and is allowed to paint a mural on her bedroom wall, so she wants to join art club. Since Roxie is trying to hide her parents from her classmates, she gets involved in some difficult situations, such as buying jeans at the mall with her credit card and lying to her mother when she gets the bill. The family is busy settling in and preparing for her mother's book launch, and Roxie takes advantage of these distractions to push the boundaries of what she is allowed to do. When she has a sleepover with Kayla and her friends, she takes a dare to walk to the local train station, and Theo runs off. Child Protective Services is involved, and her parents have to defend their ability to parent again. While things work out, there is also some sadness when Nash is clearly ready to retire, and Roxie's mom wants to send him away instead of keeping him as a home dog. Roxie continues to make some bad choices, but starts to see that she needs to embrace her parents instead of hiding them.
Strengths: It is always good to see books about children who move and try to react positively to change. It makes sense that Roxie wants to be judged on her own merits and wants to keep her parents' condition from her classmates, even if it isn't the best idea. Her interest in art adds some interest to the story, and young readers will understand Roxie's anxiety and her coping strategies. Kayla and the friend group are typical middle school girls who are trying to figure out how to fit in and get along with others. This is cowritten with Stacy Cercenka, a middle grade author and leader of the Iowa Department for the Blind, so there are lot of good details about the strategies the parents use to help with school communication, travel, and taking care of children. I don't like PDFs either, but hadn't realized that they are problematic for people with sight impairment because they are images that can't be read by text-to-speech apps, so I learned something!
Weaknesses: If Roxie were my own child, she would have been grounded until the end of time. I was surprised at how REALLY bad her choices were. Buying three pair of jeans at the mall without permission, lying about it, sneaking out with friends, endangering her brother, and burning a candle inside, with very bad consequences? As a parent, I wanted to see more consequences, and perhaps some therapy, since the mother was a psychologist herself.
What I really think: There are a few books about tweens with vision impairment, like Morrison's Squint or Vrabel's A Blind Guide to Stinkville, but I can't think of any where the parents are navigating these challenges. The only book that's at all similar is the nonfiction The Sounds of Silence: Growing Up Hearing with Deaf Parents by Myron Uhlberg. Definitely an intriguing book.
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
(ARC provided by Stacy Cervenka herself!!!)
Okay WOW. I adore books that put me smack-dab in the middle of someone else's life and their day-to-day experiences. I learned so much about the various tools that Roxie's parents use to navigate the world...as well as the ways that the world is stacked against them. Roxie's relatable middle-school "little white lies" realistically snowballed and I could very easily see how her family's safety could be threatened due to forces far outside anyone's control. An insightful and empathetic read along with the loving perspective of an aging guide dog!
Okay WOW. I adore books that put me smack-dab in the middle of someone else's life and their day-to-day experiences. I learned so much about the various tools that Roxie's parents use to navigate the world...as well as the ways that the world is stacked against them. Roxie's relatable middle-school "little white lies" realistically snowballed and I could very easily see how her family's safety could be threatened due to forces far outside anyone's control. An insightful and empathetic read along with the loving perspective of an aging guide dog!
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