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Dear Isaac Newton, You're Ruining My Life
As if seventh grade isn't hard enough, Truth Trendon learns that she has to wear a back brace to help her worsening scoliosis. It's hard plastic, tight, and uncomfortable. Truth has to wear a t-shirt under it and bulky clothes over it, making her feel both sweaty and unfashionable. She's terrified that her classmates are going to find out about it.
But it's hard keeping it a secret (especially when gym class is involved), and secrets quickly turn into lies. And when Truth's crush entrusts her with a big secret of his own, it leads to even more lying. Add to that a fight with her best friend, a looming school-wide presentation, and mean rumors, and it's a recipe for disaster.
Ultimately, Truth begins to accept her true self, curvy spine and all, as she figures out the best way to navigate the overwhelming time of life that is middle school.
Debut author Rachel Hruza brings humor and heart to this upper middle grade story about friendship, crushes, and the importance of being yourself.
But it's hard keeping it a secret (especially when gym class is involved), and secrets quickly turn into lies. And when Truth's crush entrusts her with a big secret of his own, it leads to even more lying. Add to that a fight with her best friend, a looming school-wide presentation, and mean rumors, and it's a recipe for disaster.
Ultimately, Truth begins to accept her true self, curvy spine and all, as she figures out the best way to navigate the overwhelming time of life that is middle school.
Debut author Rachel Hruza brings humor and heart to this upper middle grade story about friendship, crushes, and the importance of being yourself.
- GenresMiddle Grade
356 pages, Hardcover
Published March 20, 2018
30 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 17, 2018
Rating: 3.5 Stars
I used to be a teacher, and we always talked about how tough middle school is. It's such an in-between age, with the kids experiencing so many of those "growing up" changes. Truth had to not only deal with growing up, boys, and complicated friendships, but she had to deal with a physical deformity that was possibly irreparable.
•Pro: I found Truth to be very thoughtful, and I appreciated her inner struggles with who she thought she was and who she thought she was becoming. I think a lot of people would be able to related to her insecurities and her struggles.
•Pro: There were a lot of positive adults in this story. Truth's parent were quite wonderful, as were some of her teachers, and the doctor who made her brace.
•Pro: Oliver was fabulous. I liked that he was included, because it allowed Truth to have some perspective on her situation, and besides that, I absolutely loved him!
•Con: In fact, I loved Oliver so much, I wish he had been given more page time.
•Pro: Hruza did a good job incorporated many of the normal issues school aged children experience. These every day worries combined with Truth's health concerns painted a complete picture of Truth for us.
•Con: There was some friction between Truth and another girl that escalated a little bit.
•Pro: BUT, I did like the way Hruza resolved the situation.
•Pro: Truth grew quite a bit over the course of this story, and realized that the things she thought were important really weren't. She matured in her understanding of the world and herself.
Overall: A charming #OwnVoices tale of middle school woe, where a back brace leads to some self discovery.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
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I used to be a teacher, and we always talked about how tough middle school is. It's such an in-between age, with the kids experiencing so many of those "growing up" changes. Truth had to not only deal with growing up, boys, and complicated friendships, but she had to deal with a physical deformity that was possibly irreparable.
•Pro: I found Truth to be very thoughtful, and I appreciated her inner struggles with who she thought she was and who she thought she was becoming. I think a lot of people would be able to related to her insecurities and her struggles.
•Pro: There were a lot of positive adults in this story. Truth's parent were quite wonderful, as were some of her teachers, and the doctor who made her brace.
•Pro: Oliver was fabulous. I liked that he was included, because it allowed Truth to have some perspective on her situation, and besides that, I absolutely loved him!
•Con: In fact, I loved Oliver so much, I wish he had been given more page time.
•Pro: Hruza did a good job incorporated many of the normal issues school aged children experience. These every day worries combined with Truth's health concerns painted a complete picture of Truth for us.
•Con: There was some friction between Truth and another girl that escalated a little bit.
•Pro: BUT, I did like the way Hruza resolved the situation.
•Pro: Truth grew quite a bit over the course of this story, and realized that the things she thought were important really weren't. She matured in her understanding of the world and herself.
Overall: A charming #OwnVoices tale of middle school woe, where a back brace leads to some self discovery.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
November 26, 2020
A lot of this is that hard, unfair reaction where scoliosis just wasn't LIKE THAT for me (the author also has scoliosis). It's very important to Truth to keep her back brace a secret. Mine had a neck ring, so I didn't have that option, but I don't think that would've been my style anyway. I don't think I'd have gone out of my way to talk about it (and I didn't, even with the neck ring), but I wouldn't have hid it. And I just . . . I didn't rail against scoliosis like she did. That's just not how I am.
I also didn't really relate to the friendship and boy drama.
I also didn't really relate to the friendship and boy drama.
September 24, 2023
2.5 stars. Average. Middle school, so obviously some stupid choices and drama. But let’s be honest: I did live for the middle school drama in this book. There was so much going on at once and it worked. Imagine your neighbor dancing outside really weird and awkwardly. That’s like this book: you don’t *enjoy* it, but you can’t take your eyes off of them. Maybe you smile occasionally, shake your head, cringe, and even find some of it wholesome, but overall.. not fantastic. I LOVED the diversity and representation of disabilities though!! Not something I would gravitate towards, but could see the appeal for young teens. Themes of loyalty, sticking to your morals, friendship and family, self-discovery, vulnerability and (obviously) telling the Truth.
ALSO loved how the author made Isaac Newton like a real character in this book!! Very cool.
ALSO loved how the author made Isaac Newton like a real character in this book!! Very cool.
March 24, 2018
When Truth learns that she needs to start wearing a brace to help stop the progression of her scoliosis, she vows to keep it secret from everyone but her family and best friend Megan. But when she starts to befriend her crush and help him with his own secret problem, Megan starts to become less of a friend and more of a frenemy. Add to that Oliver, the boy in a wheelchair her family has enlisted to befriend her, and Jenny, Truth's sworn enemy, and Truth is overwhelmed with confusion about who she can trust and how to be herself. She in turn takes this frustration and establishes a running discourse of complaints to Isaac Newton, whom she knows is not the reason for gravity worsening her scoliosis, but seems to be a good person to voice her complaints to.
This heartrending book will give kids a beacon of hope that anyone can survive middle school, and one can even do it while being true to oneself. Also at the core is the topic of body image and being confident in one's own body despite the qualms one may have.
Overall, this is a great book to put into the hands of children about to go to middle school or already in it, and one that I definitely will be recommending to customers. (In fact, I was already recommending it while I was reading the Advance Copy of it a couple of months before it was released.)
I was given an ARC of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.
This heartrending book will give kids a beacon of hope that anyone can survive middle school, and one can even do it while being true to oneself. Also at the core is the topic of body image and being confident in one's own body despite the qualms one may have.
Overall, this is a great book to put into the hands of children about to go to middle school or already in it, and one that I definitely will be recommending to customers. (In fact, I was already recommending it while I was reading the Advance Copy of it a couple of months before it was released.)
I was given an ARC of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.
February 10, 2018
I received an advanced copy of this book.
As someone who has scoliosis and wore a back brace in junior high, this touching and quick-witted story is a highlight to read at such a transformative time of life. Truth, the strong voiced main character takes us through her personal narrative and helps us all learn to be receptive to our own thoughts and to others.
I now work with children with brain injuries, illness, and spinal cord injuries. This book sheds light on accepting others at all ability levels and loving yourself for who you are. I plan to use this book in therapy to address reading comprehension, but also for discussing how to deal with change in life.
It’s comforting to know that if my daughter is diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis someday, there are others, like Truth, who can help her through this journey.
As someone who has scoliosis and wore a back brace in junior high, this touching and quick-witted story is a highlight to read at such a transformative time of life. Truth, the strong voiced main character takes us through her personal narrative and helps us all learn to be receptive to our own thoughts and to others.
I now work with children with brain injuries, illness, and spinal cord injuries. This book sheds light on accepting others at all ability levels and loving yourself for who you are. I plan to use this book in therapy to address reading comprehension, but also for discussing how to deal with change in life.
It’s comforting to know that if my daughter is diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis someday, there are others, like Truth, who can help her through this journey.
October 12, 2021
No matter how much I think about it, I can’t see the connection between scoliosis and gravity! I’ve studied physics and anatomy, but there is nothing gravity can do to cause a crooked spine! It just doesn’t make sense. I didn’t like how much Truth complained about people knowing about her brace.. Believe me, I know how it feels.
It wasn’t convincing that a guy in seventh grade can’t read and wasn’t caught. Like, aren’t there reading classes where you have to read out loud?! How can no one find out for almost ten years?!!!
Putting that aside, the plot is well done, the story is awsome, filled with emotions and I really could relate to Truth in so many parts of it (not the complaining nor the love parts though). I liked this book so much.
It wasn’t convincing that a guy in seventh grade can’t read and wasn’t caught. Like, aren’t there reading classes where you have to read out loud?! How can no one find out for almost ten years?!!!
Putting that aside, the plot is well done, the story is awsome, filled with emotions and I really could relate to Truth in so many parts of it (not the complaining nor the love parts though). I liked this book so much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2020
I loved this book, mainly because my family is going through this same issue. My daughter just recently had spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis, and she wore a back brace from the ages of 5-11. Although she didn't have the middle school experiences as the character in the book, she still went through the same issues such as insecurity, awkwardness, etc. Very funny and quick to read. I loved it.
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November 21, 2019This book was the best ! I loved every bit of it ! The tale of a girl with scoliosis and a back-brace, knows a boy whom she has a crush on, but he just uses her for her BFF and for her brain. Obviously Oliver was made for her. At night I had to limit myself to 1 chapter, a night , or else I wouldn't stop reading it. I realy enjoyed reading this book. It should be #1 best seller!
December 20, 2018
BEST BOOK EVER! I loved and thought that it was really good. I so wish there was a second one!! So going to get more books by this author next time we go to the library!!
January 21, 2019
This book is 👍
October 23, 2019
I enjoyed this book, especially the insight into a teenaged girl dealing with scoliosis and how it affects not only one part of her life but the entire of it. Catchy title too :) Totally got me.
April 19, 2023
I wanted to love this more than I did, specifically for the all-too-rare scoliosis representation. But, what can I say? It just didn't live up to my expectations, and felt like a "generic version" of Braced.
I may no longer be the target age for a middle grade novel, but I enjoy some good middle school nostalgia when I see it. Unfortunately, this voice just wasn't it, and I found myself annoyed more often than not. Halfway through the book, her scoliosis is put on the back burner (which is fine - a book doesn't have to center around a diagnosis). But, instead of making way for a plot of any consequence, it becomes a dramatic boy-girl "he said, she said" story of epically excruciating proportions, where no one (not even Truth) comes out looking good. The most likable character ended up being Truth's original enemy who has a rather poorly executed change of heart towards the end of the book. A lot of back and forth "revenge" and "bullying" going on in this book, and most of it felt too "mean girl". Middle school was universally weird, I guess, but it sure wasn't that universally mean or dramatic! (Thankfully, I might add)
My other particular annoyance was also a result of some of the negative attitudes I saw towards Truth's diagnosis in this book (both from her and others) that just didn't ring true (no pun intended) or ever get resolved in a meaningful way. She goes to lengths to hide that she has a brace, and those around her (such as the boy she likes) are treated like saints for not spilling her "secret" and still liking her despite her brace, and the whole "crush" plot brings across a murky message around self-acceptance and acceptance from others, which readers may be vulnerable to, based on the target age for this book. I think if I had read this when I was in middle school, it would not have made me feel seen, but would have instead made me a little more uncertain of myself. To top it off, the entire resolution hinges around a totally unrealistic public demonstration for the entire school that involves stripping to show off her brace. Totally confused, but at least it had me laughing.
That is all to say - it was not a bad book by any means, and I know there must be girls in the target age who will love these characters and this story, and relate to it in their own ways. That's great! For the representation (whatever I think of it), and some of the funnier moments that I enjoyed, I'm going to go with 3 stars for this one, and recommend that those looking for more scoliosis-inclusive literature take a look at it - it might not be high quality reading, but I think it's safe to say you might not regret picking it up it too much!
I may no longer be the target age for a middle grade novel, but I enjoy some good middle school nostalgia when I see it. Unfortunately, this voice just wasn't it, and I found myself annoyed more often than not. Halfway through the book, her scoliosis is put on the back burner (which is fine - a book doesn't have to center around a diagnosis). But, instead of making way for a plot of any consequence, it becomes a dramatic boy-girl "he said, she said" story of epically excruciating proportions, where no one (not even Truth) comes out looking good. The most likable character ended up being Truth's original enemy who has a rather poorly executed change of heart towards the end of the book. A lot of back and forth "revenge" and "bullying" going on in this book, and most of it felt too "mean girl". Middle school was universally weird, I guess, but it sure wasn't that universally mean or dramatic! (Thankfully, I might add)
My other particular annoyance was also a result of some of the negative attitudes I saw towards Truth's diagnosis in this book (both from her and others) that just didn't ring true (no pun intended) or ever get resolved in a meaningful way. She goes to lengths to hide that she has a brace, and those around her (such as the boy she likes) are treated like saints for not spilling her "secret" and still liking her despite her brace, and the whole "crush" plot brings across a murky message around self-acceptance and acceptance from others, which readers may be vulnerable to, based on the target age for this book. I think if I had read this when I was in middle school, it would not have made me feel seen, but would have instead made me a little more uncertain of myself. To top it off, the entire resolution hinges around a totally unrealistic public demonstration for the entire school that involves stripping to show off her brace. Totally confused, but at least it had me laughing.
That is all to say - it was not a bad book by any means, and I know there must be girls in the target age who will love these characters and this story, and relate to it in their own ways. That's great! For the representation (whatever I think of it), and some of the funnier moments that I enjoyed, I'm going to go with 3 stars for this one, and recommend that those looking for more scoliosis-inclusive literature take a look at it - it might not be high quality reading, but I think it's safe to say you might not regret picking it up it too much!
October 4, 2021
I loved this book! As a middle-schooler with scoliosis, and a fellow back-brace wearer, I think the book did a good job of showcasing not only the external conflicts of middle-school and wearing the brace, but also the internal conflicts that Truth faces. This would be her struggling with her body image in the brace and how she looks, as well as the "down-in-the-dumps funk" she goes through. I do like how Truth did turn around and except herself in the end and I think having a great family life and support system helped with that.
Oliver was also a very important character that helped in Truth's character development, as it gave her more perspective on her situation. Oliver validated her feelings as well as helping her realize she wasn't in the worst situation possible which was a very healthy and positive experience for Truth. She wasn't just told "It's not the worst situation, get over it." but she wasn't praised and didn't have the attitude "Poor me, I am helpless." It was a good in-between mixture of those.
I did find Truth's relationship with Megan to be toxic in some scenarios, especially when Megan tried to steal Brendan. I do understand how after the whole tooth pulling accident it was probably hard for Megan to fully trust her best friend, but she did not respond to it in a good way. She also should have told Truth about her feelings for Brendan, but she didn't which made their relationship even more tense. Megan was not a good influence for Truth, stealing her crush was a toxic thing to do and a best friend would never do that. I am glad they made up in the end and Megan realized her mistakes though. I was a good self-improving lesson for her.
The last thing which I liked about the book was Truth becoming friends with Jenny. It was a real personal growth for Truth to be able to be friends with someone who she thought was her enemy. I also think that the new found friendship is something that Truth will benefit from, and I think it was good that she realized Jenny's kindness. While we don't know too much about Jenny, I think it is an overall growth in Jenny's character to be nice to Truth as well since she is known as the mean, popular girl.
Overall, this was a great book and very well written! The author did a great job, I would definitely read it again!
Oliver was also a very important character that helped in Truth's character development, as it gave her more perspective on her situation. Oliver validated her feelings as well as helping her realize she wasn't in the worst situation possible which was a very healthy and positive experience for Truth. She wasn't just told "It's not the worst situation, get over it." but she wasn't praised and didn't have the attitude "Poor me, I am helpless." It was a good in-between mixture of those.
I did find Truth's relationship with Megan to be toxic in some scenarios, especially when Megan tried to steal Brendan. I do understand how after the whole tooth pulling accident it was probably hard for Megan to fully trust her best friend, but she did not respond to it in a good way. She also should have told Truth about her feelings for Brendan, but she didn't which made their relationship even more tense. Megan was not a good influence for Truth, stealing her crush was a toxic thing to do and a best friend would never do that. I am glad they made up in the end and Megan realized her mistakes though. I was a good self-improving lesson for her.
The last thing which I liked about the book was Truth becoming friends with Jenny. It was a real personal growth for Truth to be able to be friends with someone who she thought was her enemy. I also think that the new found friendship is something that Truth will benefit from, and I think it was good that she realized Jenny's kindness. While we don't know too much about Jenny, I think it is an overall growth in Jenny's character to be nice to Truth as well since she is known as the mean, popular girl.
Overall, this was a great book and very well written! The author did a great job, I would definitely read it again!
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August 9, 2024Example conversations seem too stilted to be applicable to real life. Also not sure I’ll ever be ”bonded” enough with these kids to use the advice.
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June 5, 2018Great insight to "feeling different" and finding out true friends matter, and so do goals. This Nebraska author went through Wayne Community Schools and was willing to come visit to tell her story. Good reading for grade 4 and up.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews