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Rowan and Gemma
In this new middle grade novel by Schneider Award-winning author Sally J. Pla, two neurodivergent tweens, one of whom is nonverbal, forge a friendship against the backdrop of their feuding families.
Rowan Monahan has lived in the town of Friendship Prairie forever. He knows everyone, and they know him. Some folks judge him, too, for being a slow learner. But Rowan knows in his heart that he's capable of more than people think.
Gemma Caplan is new in town. Back in the city, people understood she used her assistive device (AAC) to speak. But here in tiny Friendship Prairie, she's afraid she won't fit in.
When Rowan and Gemma meet, they form an instant, magic bond. But just as the two are growing close, their mothers start a they're running terribly nasty campaigns against each other for school board.
Since their moms detest each other, Gemma and Rowan feel they must keep their connection a secret.
When they're discovered and punished, Rowan and Gemma decide it's time to take a stand -- and show their families what a place called Friendship Prairie is supposed to be about.
Rowan Monahan has lived in the town of Friendship Prairie forever. He knows everyone, and they know him. Some folks judge him, too, for being a slow learner. But Rowan knows in his heart that he's capable of more than people think.
Gemma Caplan is new in town. Back in the city, people understood she used her assistive device (AAC) to speak. But here in tiny Friendship Prairie, she's afraid she won't fit in.
When Rowan and Gemma meet, they form an instant, magic bond. But just as the two are growing close, their mothers start a they're running terribly nasty campaigns against each other for school board.
Since their moms detest each other, Gemma and Rowan feel they must keep their connection a secret.
When they're discovered and punished, Rowan and Gemma decide it's time to take a stand -- and show their families what a place called Friendship Prairie is supposed to be about.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published October 20, 2026
About the author
Sally J. Pla
8 books287 followersSally J. Pla is the author of the Schneider Family Book Award winning novel, THE FIRE, THE WATER, AND MAUDIE McGINN, the Dolly Gray Award winning THE SOMEDAY BIRDS, and other acclaimed novels and picture books. Her work has gained many awards and starred reviews, and has been included on many state awards lists and “best book” roundups.
Her books all feature young main characters whose brains work a bit differently -- just like Sally's, as she is neurodivergent. But her books are meant for everyone - all readers, young and old alike.
Sally has appeared on television and radio as an author and neurodiversity advocate. She also runs A Novel Mind, an online resource for neurodiversity/mental-health/disability representation in children's lit.
Sally believes in the beauty of different brains. We are all stars shining with different lights.
For more, visit her website at sallyjpla.com .
Her books all feature young main characters whose brains work a bit differently -- just like Sally's, as she is neurodivergent. But her books are meant for everyone - all readers, young and old alike.
Sally has appeared on television and radio as an author and neurodiversity advocate. She also runs A Novel Mind, an online resource for neurodiversity/mental-health/disability representation in children's lit.
Sally believes in the beauty of different brains. We are all stars shining with different lights.
For more, visit her website at sallyjpla.com .
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Review of advance copy
E ARC provided by Blue Slip Media
Rowan Monahan's family is deeply invested in their hometown of Friendship Prairie. His Uncle Lucky runs the local pub, where the family members work, and his cousin Ty is on the high school football team. His mother Maggie is involved in many community initiatives, and has a lifelong dream to restore the run down Jepson house near the family's home. When it is town down and a big new house is built, she is angry. Rowan stutters and has some developmental delays, but it's a small town, and people understand. He's somewhat concerned about starting high school, and his best friend, Mark (who may be on the autism spectrum), is anxious as well. Neither boy is as anxious as Gemma Caplan, whose mother Clare inherited the Jepson house and moved Gemma and her triplet brothers from the city out to the country after retiring from the law after having heart issues. Gemma has speech apraxia, so doesn't communicate verbally. Instead, she uses an AAC (Augmentative/Alternative Communication tablet). She has some social anxiety as well, and is particular about her clothing. Her mother does relent and drives her to school so she doesn't have to take the bus, but it is a big change. When both Rowan and Gemma are seeking a little quiet to gather themselves, they meet in an art room storage area. Rowan is having a bit of a melt down, but is nonplussed by Gemma's AAC tablet. He helps her get to her first period class, and hopes to see her again. The people in Friendship Prairie are not happy with all of the new development, and the new people in town. Rowan reminds his mother that she is usually kind to everyone, and she does take brownies to the Caplans, but when she realizes that Clare was the one who side swiped her car at school pick up, things don't end well. Rowan's cousin Ty is aggressive toward the Caplan triplets, Tom, Nick, and Harry, even though they seem like they are friendly and a good addition to the football team. After Clare decides to run for the school board, community feelings run high, and Maggie throws her hat into the race. The parents' arguments greatly affect Rowan and Gemma, who at one point go around town replacing negative campaign signs with positive ones. The homecoming dance is the night of the school board elections, and the couple decides to attend, even if they don't want to tell their families. When the weather turns rough, the town realizes that the health and happiness of its citizens is more important than politics.
Strengths: I'm not entirely sure that most middle schoolers will get the Romeo and Juliet references, but there are many of them for readers who love a twist on Shakespearian or classic tales like Rhodes' Runaway Gold or LaRocca's Much Ado About Baseball. Friendship Prairie is an interesting small town with a lot of built in drama, and there are many small towns struggling with an influx of new citizens right now, at least in Ohio. It's difficult to see one's town changing. While Clare does have ties to the community, she keeps them under wraps. Rowan and Gemma's struggles and embarassments are realistically portrayed, and they have a very sweet romance. I do wish that more middle grade books depicted early high school experiences, and I appreciated that while things were challenging, they weren't absolutely horrible. There's an exciting and generally happy ending to round things off.
Weaknesses: I would have much preferred more glimpses at Rowan and Gemma's high school experience rather than all of the family drama and the community uproar about the school board election. Seeing the two of them try out different groups, work on school projects, and perhaps raise awareness for different health conditions would have been more helpful than the immature bickering the mothers and townspeople got caught up in. Also, the dance would have to be held on a Tuesday, or the elections on a Friday, in order for the results to be announced the same night as the homecoming dance.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who want to understand what it is like to navigate the world with conditions that are different from the mainstream. Most young readers will have met someone like Rowan, but Gemma's AAC tablet is much more visible and might not be something they have encountered. Add this to Kuyatt's Good Different or Vrabel's A Blind Guide to Stinkville as a book to promote understanding and empathy.
Rowan Monahan's family is deeply invested in their hometown of Friendship Prairie. His Uncle Lucky runs the local pub, where the family members work, and his cousin Ty is on the high school football team. His mother Maggie is involved in many community initiatives, and has a lifelong dream to restore the run down Jepson house near the family's home. When it is town down and a big new house is built, she is angry. Rowan stutters and has some developmental delays, but it's a small town, and people understand. He's somewhat concerned about starting high school, and his best friend, Mark (who may be on the autism spectrum), is anxious as well. Neither boy is as anxious as Gemma Caplan, whose mother Clare inherited the Jepson house and moved Gemma and her triplet brothers from the city out to the country after retiring from the law after having heart issues. Gemma has speech apraxia, so doesn't communicate verbally. Instead, she uses an AAC (Augmentative/Alternative Communication tablet). She has some social anxiety as well, and is particular about her clothing. Her mother does relent and drives her to school so she doesn't have to take the bus, but it is a big change. When both Rowan and Gemma are seeking a little quiet to gather themselves, they meet in an art room storage area. Rowan is having a bit of a melt down, but is nonplussed by Gemma's AAC tablet. He helps her get to her first period class, and hopes to see her again. The people in Friendship Prairie are not happy with all of the new development, and the new people in town. Rowan reminds his mother that she is usually kind to everyone, and she does take brownies to the Caplans, but when she realizes that Clare was the one who side swiped her car at school pick up, things don't end well. Rowan's cousin Ty is aggressive toward the Caplan triplets, Tom, Nick, and Harry, even though they seem like they are friendly and a good addition to the football team. After Clare decides to run for the school board, community feelings run high, and Maggie throws her hat into the race. The parents' arguments greatly affect Rowan and Gemma, who at one point go around town replacing negative campaign signs with positive ones. The homecoming dance is the night of the school board elections, and the couple decides to attend, even if they don't want to tell their families. When the weather turns rough, the town realizes that the health and happiness of its citizens is more important than politics.
Strengths: I'm not entirely sure that most middle schoolers will get the Romeo and Juliet references, but there are many of them for readers who love a twist on Shakespearian or classic tales like Rhodes' Runaway Gold or LaRocca's Much Ado About Baseball. Friendship Prairie is an interesting small town with a lot of built in drama, and there are many small towns struggling with an influx of new citizens right now, at least in Ohio. It's difficult to see one's town changing. While Clare does have ties to the community, she keeps them under wraps. Rowan and Gemma's struggles and embarassments are realistically portrayed, and they have a very sweet romance. I do wish that more middle grade books depicted early high school experiences, and I appreciated that while things were challenging, they weren't absolutely horrible. There's an exciting and generally happy ending to round things off.
Weaknesses: I would have much preferred more glimpses at Rowan and Gemma's high school experience rather than all of the family drama and the community uproar about the school board election. Seeing the two of them try out different groups, work on school projects, and perhaps raise awareness for different health conditions would have been more helpful than the immature bickering the mothers and townspeople got caught up in. Also, the dance would have to be held on a Tuesday, or the elections on a Friday, in order for the results to be announced the same night as the homecoming dance.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who want to understand what it is like to navigate the world with conditions that are different from the mainstream. Most young readers will have met someone like Rowan, but Gemma's AAC tablet is much more visible and might not be something they have encountered. Add this to Kuyatt's Good Different or Vrabel's A Blind Guide to Stinkville as a book to promote understanding and empathy.
October 20, 2026
4 stars
The most important advice I can share about this book is that if it's an accessible format for you, this should absolutely be listened to as an audiobook versus read by sight. Why? Gemma's AAC. Unbeatable.
Rowan and Gemma live in the same small town, and this is a new development, since Gemma, her wild triplet brothers, and her mom are recent transplants to the area. It's not the smoothest arrival for some of these folks. Fortunately, Rowan and Gemma find each other, and together, they'll not only enrich each other's lives, but those of the folks around them...readers included.
I really enjoyed the development of both of the titular characters, and I also appreciated the way that they helped mitigate the impact of other's bad behaviors (and highlight ways to be better). There's a lot to learn from the ways folks interact in this book, and discerning readers will come away with an appreciation for this fictional world along with practical applications for this one!
This was my first experience with this writer, and I'll aim to have many more after this enjoyable read.
This is a review of the audiobook.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this arc and alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
The most important advice I can share about this book is that if it's an accessible format for you, this should absolutely be listened to as an audiobook versus read by sight. Why? Gemma's AAC. Unbeatable.
Rowan and Gemma live in the same small town, and this is a new development, since Gemma, her wild triplet brothers, and her mom are recent transplants to the area. It's not the smoothest arrival for some of these folks. Fortunately, Rowan and Gemma find each other, and together, they'll not only enrich each other's lives, but those of the folks around them...readers included.
I really enjoyed the development of both of the titular characters, and I also appreciated the way that they helped mitigate the impact of other's bad behaviors (and highlight ways to be better). There's a lot to learn from the ways folks interact in this book, and discerning readers will come away with an appreciation for this fictional world along with practical applications for this one!
This was my first experience with this writer, and I'll aim to have many more after this enjoyable read.
This is a review of the audiobook.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this arc and alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Their families are choosing sides. Rowan and Gemma are choosing each other.
🗳️
Rowan, who has ADHD and learning disabilities, and Gemma, an autistic girl who communicates using a device, bond over feeling misunderstood by the people around them. Their new relationship is put to the test when their mothers run against each other for the local school board and a nasty campaign turns their families into rivals.
🗳️
A middle grade Romeo & Juliet for this generation. I love that this centers two neurodivergent kids who are so often underestimated by the adults around them. Rowan and Gemma’s relationship was incredibly sweet, and I especially appreciate that Gemma is nonverbal but still has so much to say, if people would actually listen to her. The school board drama felt timely, too. This book by @sallyjpla was heartfelt, funny, and full of empathy and releases October 20!
CW: blood, medical content, assault, ableism, bullying, social isolation
🗳️
Rowan, who has ADHD and learning disabilities, and Gemma, an autistic girl who communicates using a device, bond over feeling misunderstood by the people around them. Their new relationship is put to the test when their mothers run against each other for the local school board and a nasty campaign turns their families into rivals.
🗳️
A middle grade Romeo & Juliet for this generation. I love that this centers two neurodivergent kids who are so often underestimated by the adults around them. Rowan and Gemma’s relationship was incredibly sweet, and I especially appreciate that Gemma is nonverbal but still has so much to say, if people would actually listen to her. The school board drama felt timely, too. This book by @sallyjpla was heartfelt, funny, and full of empathy and releases October 20!
CW: blood, medical content, assault, ableism, bullying, social isolation
August 22, 2026
Oh my gosh this was so so sweet. My gosh, I can hardly handle it. I’ve loved the author’s other books and loved them, and this was no exception. (Also, I saw in the acknowledgments of this book that the author is a late-diagnosed adult, which I had not known previously!) There was a wide span of representation in this one- autism, learning disabilities, an non-speaking MC who signs and uses an AAC, a MC who stutters, and Down Syndrome. It’s a Romeo and Juliet retelling, which I usually HATE, but this was so well done with its modern twist. I’m not a huge fan of young teen romance (the MCs are 14) and I do kind of wish the MCs were just a little older, but it was sweet and didn’t cross any lines for their ages. Truly, it was a perfect romance. Both MCs are so considerate of each other’s needs, and it is just wonderful.
Also, I very much appreciated the little spiel on manipulation tactics in media and AI usage and such. It is VERY timely in today’s climate and was handled perfectly for the age range.
Overall, just a wonderful book. Highly recommend!
Also, I very much appreciated the little spiel on manipulation tactics in media and AI usage and such. It is VERY timely in today’s climate and was handled perfectly for the age range.
Overall, just a wonderful book. Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
“Two households, both alike in dignity,
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,…”
Actually taking place in fair Friendship Prairie, this story of star-crossed “lovers,” ninth-graders Gemma Caplan and Rowan Monahan, is actually the sweet friendship/beginning romance between two children of feuding mothers that ends on a much happier note than Shakespeare’s characters, Juliet Capulet and Romeo Montague.
When Gemma’s mother retires from her law practice and moves her and her older triplet football-playing brothers to Friendship Prairie, it is because she formed childhood memories there and has inherited her relatives’ property.
When Claire has the ancient, abandoned farmhouse torn down and builds a modern-style house, she unknowingly incurs the wrath of Maggie Monahan whose pipe dream was to buy the property and restore the old home. And a viable relationship goes downhill from there.
Meanwhile Gemma, who has speech apraxia and uses an assistive device, an Augmentative/Alternative Communication tablet, to communicate, meets Rowan, a sweet thoughtful boy who is known by all the townspeople but not given a lot of credit because he stutters and has learning differences; looking for her first class, she finds Rowan having a meltdown. She tells him, “I know about meltdowns. You are …safe “ (45) The two hit it off and become friends, not knowing that they are part of the family of their mothers’ enemy.
Both mothers run for School Board, a heated rivalry commences, and the campaigns becomes malevolent, especially signs posted by Maggie and her Maggie’s Mob, even though Maggie is known as one of the most compassionate people in town. Claire Caplan launches her own campaign. The editor of the Friendship Reporter, a friend of Maggie’s, also supports her and her contention that Claire is an “outsider,” and the town becomes divided. Rowan thinks, “To me, it feels like something’s been broken. Cracked open like Humpty Dumpty, and I’m not sure our town can even patch it up again and get back to how friendly and nice and easy and innocent we used to be. Or seemed to be.” (154)
Gemma and Rowan try to fix things but their first attempt goes awry and lands them at the police station, and they are punished and forbidden to see each other again. But with the aid of Rowan’s father, they attend the school dance and together find a way to lead their mothers back to civility, if not actually friendship.
This is a sweet story with characters who will provide good role models for readers. Readers will root for the relationship of these two caring, neurodivergent adolescents who see the best in each other and give each other the courage to stand up for what they think is right.
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,…”
Actually taking place in fair Friendship Prairie, this story of star-crossed “lovers,” ninth-graders Gemma Caplan and Rowan Monahan, is actually the sweet friendship/beginning romance between two children of feuding mothers that ends on a much happier note than Shakespeare’s characters, Juliet Capulet and Romeo Montague.
When Gemma’s mother retires from her law practice and moves her and her older triplet football-playing brothers to Friendship Prairie, it is because she formed childhood memories there and has inherited her relatives’ property.
When Claire has the ancient, abandoned farmhouse torn down and builds a modern-style house, she unknowingly incurs the wrath of Maggie Monahan whose pipe dream was to buy the property and restore the old home. And a viable relationship goes downhill from there.
Meanwhile Gemma, who has speech apraxia and uses an assistive device, an Augmentative/Alternative Communication tablet, to communicate, meets Rowan, a sweet thoughtful boy who is known by all the townspeople but not given a lot of credit because he stutters and has learning differences; looking for her first class, she finds Rowan having a meltdown. She tells him, “I know about meltdowns. You are …safe “ (45) The two hit it off and become friends, not knowing that they are part of the family of their mothers’ enemy.
Both mothers run for School Board, a heated rivalry commences, and the campaigns becomes malevolent, especially signs posted by Maggie and her Maggie’s Mob, even though Maggie is known as one of the most compassionate people in town. Claire Caplan launches her own campaign. The editor of the Friendship Reporter, a friend of Maggie’s, also supports her and her contention that Claire is an “outsider,” and the town becomes divided. Rowan thinks, “To me, it feels like something’s been broken. Cracked open like Humpty Dumpty, and I’m not sure our town can even patch it up again and get back to how friendly and nice and easy and innocent we used to be. Or seemed to be.” (154)
Gemma and Rowan try to fix things but their first attempt goes awry and lands them at the police station, and they are punished and forbidden to see each other again. But with the aid of Rowan’s father, they attend the school dance and together find a way to lead their mothers back to civility, if not actually friendship.
This is a sweet story with characters who will provide good role models for readers. Readers will root for the relationship of these two caring, neurodivergent adolescents who see the best in each other and give each other the courage to stand up for what they think is right.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this middle grade forbidden romance novel featuring two characters with different disabilities. Gemma is non-speaking and uses an AAC device to communicate - MORE books with character like Gemma please!! Both Rowan and Gemma's moms are running for Student Trustee and things get ugly but when a tornado hits the town and both children are missing, the parents find themselves bonding. The disability rep in this book is top notch, it's good on audio and PERFECT for fans of books like The many mysteries of the Finkle Family or Plant Earth is blue. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sally J. Pla has such a gift for writing characters who feel fully alive on the page, and this book is no exception. Rowan and Gemma’s friendship and eventual romance is tender, funny, brave, and completely believable. It's the kind of connection you root for instantly. I especially loved the way the story honors different kinds of communication, intelligence, and courage without ever turning didactic. It’s warm, sharp, and deeply human all at once. I was rooting for them from the very first page.
At its heart, this is a story about being underestimated, but also about the people who truly see us anyway. Friendship Prairie may be small, but the emotional world of this novel feels huge. Highly, highly recommend. I’m so glad we'll soon have a new Sally J. Pla book in the world. I'm so glad I got an early read of this gem.
At its heart, this is a story about being underestimated, but also about the people who truly see us anyway. Friendship Prairie may be small, but the emotional world of this novel feels huge. Highly, highly recommend. I’m so glad we'll soon have a new Sally J. Pla book in the world. I'm so glad I got an early read of this gem.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sally J. Pla scores a touchdown with this sweet high school love story. It's loosely based on Romeo and Juliet, but without the death and tragedy! It has a target audience of ages 10-14, and does fit that audience. Surveys of actual children report increasing interest in romantic story lines beginning at about age 10.
Rowan is a 14 year old small town resident whose family owns a local pub/restaurant. He's about to begin his freshman year of high school, and worried about it. He stutters, has a processing disorder, and has undefined sensory challenges that can lead him to become overwhelmed and need solitude to calm himself. He's endearingly sweet and kind, and seeks out affirming friendships with others. He's somewhat of a misfit in his setting (the pub is loud and busy, and his mom is brash and assertive).
Gemma is a 14 year old transplant from the big city. She has moved to Rowan's small town with her mom (highly successful attorney) and her triplet older brothers. Gemma is non-speaking and uses assistive devices to communicate. She's very intelligent, but has been homeschooled via a home tutor. The triplets (Tom, Harry, and Nick) are popular football players who present as pretty regular but kind popular kids.
The family feud centers around tension between the two mothers, who almost instantly dislike each other, and who are both running for the local school board.
This set up leads to lots of character tension and action, and also provides the opportunity to discuss relevant issues such as treatment of others during political campaigns.
The charm of Rowan & Gemma is in the characters. It's great to have a plausible presentation of kids with challenges who are working on engaging with their world. Even better, the two neurodivergent main characters are making the tough efforts (reaching out to others, forming friendships and connections, and even the sweet romance) that are costly but so rewarding for neurodiverse kids. I love the realistic portrayal of autistic or spectrum-adjacent kids learning to navigate their world and finding friendship and even love. I am eager to give this book to our older middle grade readers.
One small kiss. No spice, only sweetness.
Rowan is a 14 year old small town resident whose family owns a local pub/restaurant. He's about to begin his freshman year of high school, and worried about it. He stutters, has a processing disorder, and has undefined sensory challenges that can lead him to become overwhelmed and need solitude to calm himself. He's endearingly sweet and kind, and seeks out affirming friendships with others. He's somewhat of a misfit in his setting (the pub is loud and busy, and his mom is brash and assertive).
Gemma is a 14 year old transplant from the big city. She has moved to Rowan's small town with her mom (highly successful attorney) and her triplet older brothers. Gemma is non-speaking and uses assistive devices to communicate. She's very intelligent, but has been homeschooled via a home tutor. The triplets (Tom, Harry, and Nick) are popular football players who present as pretty regular but kind popular kids.
The family feud centers around tension between the two mothers, who almost instantly dislike each other, and who are both running for the local school board.
This set up leads to lots of character tension and action, and also provides the opportunity to discuss relevant issues such as treatment of others during political campaigns.
The charm of Rowan & Gemma is in the characters. It's great to have a plausible presentation of kids with challenges who are working on engaging with their world. Even better, the two neurodivergent main characters are making the tough efforts (reaching out to others, forming friendships and connections, and even the sweet romance) that are costly but so rewarding for neurodiverse kids. I love the realistic portrayal of autistic or spectrum-adjacent kids learning to navigate their world and finding friendship and even love. I am eager to give this book to our older middle grade readers.
One small kiss. No spice, only sweetness.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sally J. Pla's Rowan and Gemma is an incredible novel perfect for upper middle grade and early high school students looking for neurodivergence representation, light romances, and friendship in the face of adversity! Pla's ability to represent disability without it being cliched, a weakness, or a "less than abled people" is truly wonderful (as also seen in The Fire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn).
First, let's start with Gemma--the nonspeaking female main character who uses an Augmentative and Alternative Communication device (AAC device) to communicate. Gemma is brilliant in her poems, and her AAC doesn't take away from that power--not even in a world that views that tablet as a weakness. Gemma's mom is also INCREDIBLY supportive (the fact that she got a tattoo of the letters so Gemma could always communicate with her was SO heart-warming!! Truly a highlight of the book!).
Then, we have Rowan--the male main character who has both ADHD and learning disabilities who is one of the kindest, gentlest characters in the book. While his family might worry about his place in the world and his capabilities, Rowan doubts that--and as a reader, I do too because the world needs more Rowans (and Gemmas)! More kind-hearted people who stand against Othering whether it be Othering due to disability, moving into a new town, or any other reason someone might be Othered.
Furthermore, while Gemma's and Rowan's disabilities impact their day-to-day life, Pla paints their disabilities with nuance, weaving a story that doesn't rely on the disabilities to create plot or character development; rather, the story highlights two people who happen to be disabled walking through high school, connecting with one another, and trying to get their parents to get along.
Sally J. Pla paints a sweet, light romance with two vibrant characters in Rowan and Gemma, and I truly cannot wait for her future books!
First, let's start with Gemma--the nonspeaking female main character who uses an Augmentative and Alternative Communication device (AAC device) to communicate. Gemma is brilliant in her poems, and her AAC doesn't take away from that power--not even in a world that views that tablet as a weakness. Gemma's mom is also INCREDIBLY supportive (the fact that she got a tattoo of the letters so Gemma could always communicate with her was SO heart-warming!! Truly a highlight of the book!).
Then, we have Rowan--the male main character who has both ADHD and learning disabilities who is one of the kindest, gentlest characters in the book. While his family might worry about his place in the world and his capabilities, Rowan doubts that--and as a reader, I do too because the world needs more Rowans (and Gemmas)! More kind-hearted people who stand against Othering whether it be Othering due to disability, moving into a new town, or any other reason someone might be Othered.
Furthermore, while Gemma's and Rowan's disabilities impact their day-to-day life, Pla paints their disabilities with nuance, weaving a story that doesn't rely on the disabilities to create plot or character development; rather, the story highlights two people who happen to be disabled walking through high school, connecting with one another, and trying to get their parents to get along.
Sally J. Pla paints a sweet, light romance with two vibrant characters in Rowan and Gemma, and I truly cannot wait for her future books!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to #NetGalley, Sally Pla, and the publisher of the book for the eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Rowan has lived in Friendship Prairie his whole life. Everyone knows him, but not everyone understands him. Some people judge Rowan because learning takes him a little longer, but he knows he’s capable of more than they give him credit for. Gemma is the new girl in town, and fitting in isn’t going to be easy. In the city, people understood that she uses an AAC device to communicate. But in a small town like Friendship Prairie, she worries that being different will make it harder to find friends. Then Rowan and Gemma meet, and something just clicks. They understand each other in a way that feels almost magical, and before long, they become close friends.
There’s just one BIG problem: their moms can’t stand each other!
Both mothers are running for the school board, and their campaigns are getting downright nasty. With their families constantly fighting, Rowan and Gemma feel like they have to hide their friendship. But keeping secrets gets harder by the day, especially when their moms’ rivalry threatens to tear them apart. When their friendship is discovered and they’re punished for it, Rowan and Gemma have had enough. They refuse to let their families decide who they can be friends with. Now, they’re ready to take a stand and show the whole town what Friendship Prairie should really stand for.
Can two kids bring a divided town together and prove that friendship matters more than winning, fitting in, or being like everyone else?
I LOVED this book! First, I loved the representation of a kid using an AAC device. As a teacher with students who have used or use one currently, I love that readers are learning about how not everyone communicates in the same way. I also loved that this was a modern version of Romeo and Juliet. I will definitely recommend this book to others!
Rowan has lived in Friendship Prairie his whole life. Everyone knows him, but not everyone understands him. Some people judge Rowan because learning takes him a little longer, but he knows he’s capable of more than they give him credit for. Gemma is the new girl in town, and fitting in isn’t going to be easy. In the city, people understood that she uses an AAC device to communicate. But in a small town like Friendship Prairie, she worries that being different will make it harder to find friends. Then Rowan and Gemma meet, and something just clicks. They understand each other in a way that feels almost magical, and before long, they become close friends.
There’s just one BIG problem: their moms can’t stand each other!
Both mothers are running for the school board, and their campaigns are getting downright nasty. With their families constantly fighting, Rowan and Gemma feel like they have to hide their friendship. But keeping secrets gets harder by the day, especially when their moms’ rivalry threatens to tear them apart. When their friendship is discovered and they’re punished for it, Rowan and Gemma have had enough. They refuse to let their families decide who they can be friends with. Now, they’re ready to take a stand and show the whole town what Friendship Prairie should really stand for.
Can two kids bring a divided town together and prove that friendship matters more than winning, fitting in, or being like everyone else?
I LOVED this book! First, I loved the representation of a kid using an AAC device. As a teacher with students who have used or use one currently, I love that readers are learning about how not everyone communicates in the same way. I also loved that this was a modern version of Romeo and Juliet. I will definitely recommend this book to others!
November 9, 2026
A mishap at his family's restaurant results in an unfortunate encounter between Rowan and Gemma. Their next meeting, at school, proves to be more pleasant. Rowan goes looking for a safe space after an ugly encounter with his cousin. Gemma, a student who is nonverbal and autistic, gets lost looking for her classroom and ends up in the art storage room with Rowan. Rowan isn't bothered by Gemma's use of a device to speak and Gemma isn't bothered by Rowan's slower response times and stutter. As they become good friends, their mothers become enemies after some misunderstandings and overreactions. Rowan and Gemma hide their friendship at first. But they can't keep it a secret forever especially when the mothers end up running against each other for the open school board seat. As the nastiness grows to include the rest of the town, Rowan and Gemma are desperate to make peace between the families. What will it take to bring the two families together? A fundraiser? A dance? A natural disaster? Told from both Rowan's and Gemma's points-of-view, readers catch a glimpse into the lives of two young people who value their friendship enough to speak out in their own unique ways. While Gemma and Rowan are freshmen in high school, the relationship is sweet and innocent with maybe one brief kiss. Other content includes one minor character using illegal drugs. A tender story about friendship and what it takes to build one with or without neurodivergent characteristics. A book designed to make the reader smile at the sweet and fun moments, and cringe at some awful behavior. Definitely a book for my favorites shelf. Highly recommended.
October 27, 2026
📚💕 A modern-day Romeo + Juliet retelling with a special education twist?! SIGN ME UP!💕📚
✨ Rowan + Gemma by Sally J. Pla is such a cute, heartwarming retelling of a classic story, and I absolutely loved it! ❤️
We meet Gemma Caplan, a new girl in Friendship Prairie who is autistic and nonspeaking, communicating through her AAC tablet, and Rowan Monahan, a local tween who stutters and is often underestimated by others. But Rowan has a deep emotional intelligence and an incredible ability to understand people. 🥹💗
As their friendship blossoms, their families’ ongoing rivalry threatens to get in the way. Sound familiar, Shakespeare fans? 👀📖
What made this story extra special for me was its thoughtful and accurate representation of disabilities, the personalities of the characters, and the way it highlights the importance of looking beyond labels. 💕 I loved seeing a familiar story retold through a special education lens!
⭐ Rating: 5 STARS!⭐
And a little bookish tip: 🎧 I HIGHLY recommend the audiobook! The narration made an already wonderful story even better for me!
📚 I think this would be a fantastic addition to any special education classroom, middle school library, or classroom bookshelf in general. It’s a fun, accessible read that encourages empathy, understanding, and seeing people for who they truly are. 💖
🙏 Thank you to NetGalley, Sally J. Pla, and HarperCollins for the ALC! My thoughts and review are my own.
✨ Rowan + Gemma by Sally J. Pla is such a cute, heartwarming retelling of a classic story, and I absolutely loved it! ❤️
We meet Gemma Caplan, a new girl in Friendship Prairie who is autistic and nonspeaking, communicating through her AAC tablet, and Rowan Monahan, a local tween who stutters and is often underestimated by others. But Rowan has a deep emotional intelligence and an incredible ability to understand people. 🥹💗
As their friendship blossoms, their families’ ongoing rivalry threatens to get in the way. Sound familiar, Shakespeare fans? 👀📖
What made this story extra special for me was its thoughtful and accurate representation of disabilities, the personalities of the characters, and the way it highlights the importance of looking beyond labels. 💕 I loved seeing a familiar story retold through a special education lens!
⭐ Rating: 5 STARS!⭐
And a little bookish tip: 🎧 I HIGHLY recommend the audiobook! The narration made an already wonderful story even better for me!
📚 I think this would be a fantastic addition to any special education classroom, middle school library, or classroom bookshelf in general. It’s a fun, accessible read that encourages empathy, understanding, and seeing people for who they truly are. 💖
🙏 Thank you to NetGalley, Sally J. Pla, and HarperCollins for the ALC! My thoughts and review are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed this book by Sally J. Pla. Rowen and Gemma are lovable characters. Rowen has a learning disability, and Gemma is non-speaking autistic. When Gemma moves to Rowan's small town, they instantly feel drawn toward one another. But their mothers instantly hate each other, thus causing lots of drama. It took me about half of the book until I made the connection that this was a Romeo and Juliet retelling (and then I felt really dumb, because it was pretty obvious. Star-crossed lovers from feuding families, Caplans and Monahans, and they were learning about Shakespeare's sonnets. Duh.) I found the moms to be pretty unlikeable, but most of the other supporting characters were great.
October 27, 2026
As always Sally Pla delivers a nuanced, brilliantly written, story that works on so many levels, touching on what it’s like to be different, how civil discourse is becoming rarer and rarer, and how finding someone who really gets you can change everything. The clever callback to Romeo and Juliet is wonderful, and by the end of the book, you realize you are rooting for all the characters, even the ones you didn’t think were likeable. I hope Sally revisits these characters again in a few years, because I would love to see how Rowan and Gemma age! Kids ( and adults!( will love this story! Bravo!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sweet and charming middle grade retelling of Romeo and Juliet. Rowan has learning differences, Gemma is nonverbal but brilliant and a poet. Both are such lovely characters, and shine a bright light on acceptance and embrace of everyone as they are. Now I need to read the author's other books!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sweet and charming middle grade retelling of Romeo and Juliet. Rowan has learning differences, Gemma is nonverbal but brilliant and a poet. Both are such lovely characters, and shine a bright light on acceptance and embrace of everyone as they are. Now I need to read the author's other books!
October 20, 2026
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love everything Sally J. Pla writes and I really believe this will get some serious Newbery attention if the committee doesn’t think it leans too YA!
I love everything Sally J. Pla writes and I really believe this will get some serious Newbery attention if the committee doesn’t think it leans too YA!
November 3, 2026
Friendship and love go deeper than words spoken aloud and communication takes a variety of forms. Rowan and Gemma are different from each other and unique within their hometown. Their story is a poignant tale about how diversity creates connection and deepens human experience.
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