Background Noise: A Novel About Twice-Exceptionality

by Susan Larsen Krause

Jeremy knows he isn't like other 12-year-old boys, but he doesn't know why. Even his parents don't understand him. Failing at making friends. Failing at school. Failing at doing anything normal twelve-year-old boys do. His biggest failure of all? Jeremy accidentally starts a fire that destroys his house. His dad is so disappointed in Jeremy that he leaves. For good.

Once, the only place he felt at peace is on the rooftop of his home where the world makes sense and calms the noise in his jumbled brain. Now, even that's gone.

Being different from other kids is one thing. But learning differently is another. After his latest crash and burn, Jeremy is off to another new school, dragging along the same old problems. He doesn't listen, doesn't pay attention, doesn't care. At least, that's what everyone says. Every new thing in Jeremy's life just makes him feel worse. A new home that's nothing like the other one. A new school that means all new opportunities to mess things up.

But this school is different. The classes, the teachers, even the kids are different. It isn't long before Jeremy has friends who don't think he's weird. Friends who are different, just like he is. Except for one: Bree, the smartest girl he's ever met and the meanest. She's also the best Parkour athlete in school until Jeremy comes along and discovers he just might have finally found the one thing he is really, really good at.

Just as Jeremy begins to learn that Parkour may be a new way to manage his life, Bree sets in motion a plan that's sure to knock him down for good. Thanks to Bree, Jeremy is right back where he started. A failure.

Or is he?

285 pages, Paperback

Published May 17, 2017

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fair representation of what a twice exceptional child may think and feel. The hiding behind the hair (or some object), the overpowering curiosity that often gets them in trouble, the poor grades despite being exceptionally bright, poor self esteem due to multiple "failures," all are very real in their world. However, for many, the opportunity of a school such as the Equator School, much less teachers as amazing as those portrayed, is not reality and they are left navigating a system that doesn't understand them or their needs. My son wouldn't relate to the Parkour aspects either due to fine and gross motor challenges and his pure detest of all things sports related. (However I know many 2e kids that have found their niche in Parkour or other individual sports). The "folder of failure" broke my heart. It made me feel like I need a new system in which I document my own 2e's trials and tribulations so that he doesn't see it as his own "folder of failure." I would have liked to see more development on the parents' roles, but perhaps this book was meant more for the child to read, in which case that wouldn't have been appropriate or necessary. If you have a 2e child, it's worth the read, if for no other reason, it gives you hope.

[LKnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a teacher of the Gifted and Talented, I thought this was a great book for all teachers to read. Now, I feel it is a great book for all to read, especially if you come across someone who is just different. They are brilliant with a touch of uniqueness. This is a great story and you get to get a feel for how some kids think. I loved it and hope to add some things to my own teaching world, including the five "Truths."

[Christine Laforet · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this, I feel like I understand twice-gifted kids a bit better.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this book had a twice-exceptional character. Highly recommend for neurodivergent kiddos who don't often relate to book characters.