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Muffled
Amelia does not like noise. In fifth grade, she has to learn to play an instrument or, as she sees it, make noise on purpose. To help Amelia cope, her father gives her a pair of earmuffs to wear. When she makes a new friend in trombone class, the two form an unlikely friendship that helps Amelia find a way to let in the noisy world she’s muffled for so long.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published October 27, 2020
19 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Gennari
2 books28 followersMy stories come from my passion for truth and justice and my compassion for people of all ages. When I was young, I read everything, which introduced me to the different experiences people have in the world. I am an optimist at heart, and I hope my books connect us, one to another.
I'm a big reader! I hope you are one, too. By the time I was ten, I was carrying stacks of books home on a bus from the public library. Curling up with a book is still one of my favorite things to do.
I'm a big reader! I hope you are one, too. By the time I was ten, I was carrying stacks of books home on a bus from the public library. Curling up with a book is still one of my favorite things to do.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 9, 2021
Middle grade GOLD. I inhaled this story in one sitting and ached the entire time for highly sensitive 5th grader Amelia and the world’s inability to try to understand her needs. As someone with a mild noise sensitivity myself, I could relate so strongly with Amelia and wanted to cry every time an adult told her she had to take off her ear muffs or didn’t let her wear them. As an educator and librarian, I really appreciate the work Gennari did to ensure the story was an accurate representation of noise sensitivity and the resources she provides at the end of the book. And somewhat related ~ I LOVE my Loop Experience ear buds when the world is just a bit too much for me.
October 28, 2020
I was almost in disbelief when this book was first announced on PM. I have never come across a novel (much less one for children) about sound sensitivity. I've suffered from Misophonia since I was ten, which is nearly two decades now. Reading this book, I'd never felt so seen, or thought someone else could share the thoughts and reactions I've had to sound.
Of course, Amelia's experience in the book and my personal experience had noticeable differences. However, I know that if this book had been available when I was younger, it could have really helped me deal with my reactions to certain sounds, and realize I wasn't alone. I'm so glad more attention is being brought to noise sensitivity in this day and age, and that people are writing about it.
Thank you, Jennifer Gennari, for writing this book.
Of course, Amelia's experience in the book and my personal experience had noticeable differences. However, I know that if this book had been available when I was younger, it could have really helped me deal with my reactions to certain sounds, and realize I wasn't alone. I'm so glad more attention is being brought to noise sensitivity in this day and age, and that people are writing about it.
Thank you, Jennifer Gennari, for writing this book.
March 8, 2021
Amelia is starting 5th grade, and her parents and teachers want it to be a fresh start for the noise-sensitive student . . . which means no noise-cancelling headphones this year. But Amelia doesn't feel ready to navigate her loud world without some kind of buffer. Thank goodness for purple earmuffs!
November 26, 2022
Such a wonderfully written middle grade novel with fantastic metaphors and character growth. I do wish the teachers did something about the teasing as that part was just kind of ignored and it makes me sad that Amelia and her friend have endured and will continue to endure being teased / bullied without any help from the adults. But perhaps the story wanted to focus on individual growth and being brave.
December 5, 2023
Whew, reading this as an adult is kind of brutal. This child is so clearly struggling and the adults’ solution is to take away her noise-canceling headphones?? And not a single person thinks of earplugs (or any other accommodation?). It’s one thing from her parents, but the teachers and counselor at her school?? I was so mad the whole first 2/3 or so of the book.
Overall, this book does a really good job depicting the experience of having a sensory/sound sensitivity and trying to cope with the world.
I went into this thinking it might include or mention an autism diagnosis; instead the author doesn’t give Amelia a diagnosis, and the notes in the back refer to Highly Sensitive ppl instead (also important rep/education, even though obviously there is a lot of overlap.) I will say that some of the language in the notes about how “most doctors and educators” advise against the “excessive” use of noise protection like noise-canceling headphones and earbuds because kids could become “dependent” on them rubs me the wrong way — I thought we were supposed to be siding with Amelia against the adults in her life who were saying stuff like this. It also says “to encourage adaptation, therapists often retrain the brain to make a child feel safe and secure” — ok great but emotional “security” doesn’t solve sensory sensitivities or make classrooms etc less loud, so?? This made me bump down the overall rating, especially because it clearly means I took away something slightly different from the book than what the author intended.
Overall, this book does a really good job depicting the experience of having a sensory/sound sensitivity and trying to cope with the world.
I went into this thinking it might include or mention an autism diagnosis; instead the author doesn’t give Amelia a diagnosis, and the notes in the back refer to Highly Sensitive ppl instead (also important rep/education, even though obviously there is a lot of overlap.) I will say that some of the language in the notes about how “most doctors and educators” advise against the “excessive” use of noise protection like noise-canceling headphones and earbuds because kids could become “dependent” on them rubs me the wrong way — I thought we were supposed to be siding with Amelia against the adults in her life who were saying stuff like this. It also says “to encourage adaptation, therapists often retrain the brain to make a child feel safe and secure” — ok great but emotional “security” doesn’t solve sensory sensitivities or make classrooms etc less loud, so?? This made me bump down the overall rating, especially because it clearly means I took away something slightly different from the book than what the author intended.
October 30, 2021
Excellent addition to any school library - very well done and a unique but important topic.
June 8, 2020
This is such a sweet story! I loved watching Amelia learn to decide for herself when she needs earmuffs and when she would rather listen to the sounds happening around her. The friendship between her and Madge is very sweet, and I loved watching her learn to roar at the end! Read this if you loved FISH IN A TREE!
March 1, 2022
I really wanted to enjoy this book. As someone with sensory sensitivities I was excited to read a kids book with a character who also has these sensitivities. I think the idea behind the story was good. At its core, the book was about a middle schooler named Amelia trying to learn when she wanted to use her noise canceling aides and when she was okay without them. It also talked a lot about being friends with people who are different from you. However, I think this book was unintentionally ableist in a lot of ways. For starters, the story came across as very dismissive of Amelia's sound sensitivities. They were treated as something she should be able to ignore if she tried hard enough, which is such a damaging message. There was also a running message that no one uses noise canceling aides in the "real world," or using these aides prevents individuals from having friends, both of which are simply inaccurate. I'm not certain the author intended this, but it is how it came across. The book did discuss different "levels" of aides (such as noise canceling vs noise reducing), but it did so in a way that made the "lowest level" aide seem like the "good" option and the highest level as the "bad" option. I think this particular subject would have been handled much better if it had framed in the context of "what is the good/best option for Amelia?" instead of "what is the good aide and what is the bad?". The whole story came across as saying "how can we make neurodivergent people seem neurotypical?", which was honestly uncomfortable. There was one particular scene where a character says something along the lines of, "oh is she autistic? you know they have therapy to make them seem normal. right?". While this comment is rightly treated as a bad thing, the mother's response to it came across as if she were saying "my daughter is normal *because* she doesn't have autism." rather than "my daughter is normal. Also she doesn't have autism." The author also included a note in the book talking about "highly sensitive people" which is widely considered an ableist label, usually given by parents who don't want their kid to be called autistic (perpetuating the idea that autistic people are less than or undesirable).
October 5, 2020
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the eARC to read and review!
Muffled is a fantastic book that exceeded my initial curiosity. I fell wholeheartedly in love with the story and its main character, Amelia.
Amelia is a bright girl who I immediately connected with. She’s also a bookworm who also loves Alanna from Tamora Pierce’s Tortall universe, so that was a huge bonus.
As someone also with sound sensitivity, I think the author does a great job depicting what it’s like to be a kid with – in the case of this book – sound sensitivity. Gennari’s personal experience (her partner) and research about sound sensitivity really shows. Amelia has always relied on her noise-cancelling headphones. It’s protected her from the worst sounds until she’s forced to go without at the start of 5th grade. In Muffled, we see Amelia’s life at school/home/public places as well as others’ (her parents, teachers, classmates) perspective about her.
Readers can still relate to Amelia and her desire to fit in. She wants to be like everyone else but it’s hard and the world is too loud. I like the inclusion of coping mechanisms – counting and breathing – when she’s experiencing sensory overload. The purple earmuffs are her first step in existing despite sounds.
Middle school is such a tough time socially and being different is often seen as something bad. I think just seeing Amelia try, fail, and try again will go a long way in helping others understand themselves and embrace their differences. Which is why Madge (a classmate) is the perfect antithesis to Amelia’s character. Madge is the opposite of Amelia but is also everything Amelia wants to be: seen, happy, and accepted. I loved watching their friendship blossom.
Muffled is very much a character-driven story. I loved Amelia’s character and teared-up several times during her struggles. I felt a certain kinship to her. Muffled is a quick but complete story-wise that you can read in a day. I recommend reading the back matter. There the author provides suggested resources and information about sound sensitivity, and what inspired her to write this book.
I enjoyed the story a lot and would read more books by Gennari. I would definitely recommend this diverse read to others.
Muffled is a fantastic book that exceeded my initial curiosity. I fell wholeheartedly in love with the story and its main character, Amelia.
Amelia is a bright girl who I immediately connected with. She’s also a bookworm who also loves Alanna from Tamora Pierce’s Tortall universe, so that was a huge bonus.
As someone also with sound sensitivity, I think the author does a great job depicting what it’s like to be a kid with – in the case of this book – sound sensitivity. Gennari’s personal experience (her partner) and research about sound sensitivity really shows. Amelia has always relied on her noise-cancelling headphones. It’s protected her from the worst sounds until she’s forced to go without at the start of 5th grade. In Muffled, we see Amelia’s life at school/home/public places as well as others’ (her parents, teachers, classmates) perspective about her.
Readers can still relate to Amelia and her desire to fit in. She wants to be like everyone else but it’s hard and the world is too loud. I like the inclusion of coping mechanisms – counting and breathing – when she’s experiencing sensory overload. The purple earmuffs are her first step in existing despite sounds.
Middle school is such a tough time socially and being different is often seen as something bad. I think just seeing Amelia try, fail, and try again will go a long way in helping others understand themselves and embrace their differences. Which is why Madge (a classmate) is the perfect antithesis to Amelia’s character. Madge is the opposite of Amelia but is also everything Amelia wants to be: seen, happy, and accepted. I loved watching their friendship blossom.
Muffled is very much a character-driven story. I loved Amelia’s character and teared-up several times during her struggles. I felt a certain kinship to her. Muffled is a quick but complete story-wise that you can read in a day. I recommend reading the back matter. There the author provides suggested resources and information about sound sensitivity, and what inspired her to write this book.
I enjoyed the story a lot and would read more books by Gennari. I would definitely recommend this diverse read to others.
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March 27, 2022Ok, I'll admit I was drawn to this cover design. I knew in my head the earmuff wouldn't be fluffy when I ordered the book, but in my heart, I hoped it would be. Sigh...a little disappointed, but not disappointed in the book at all!
Amelia and her father are extremely sensitive to sounds, especially loud sounds. Amelia has grown up wearing noise canceling headphones. Now that she is about to start fifth grade, it's been suggested that she try not wearing the headphones. Because her father understands how difficult this is going to be, he gives her a gift the day before school starts. Even though her mother objects, her father gives her earmuffs. They are purple and fuzzy and hopefully just what Amelia needs.
The earmuffs do help some, but they aren't like the headphones. Amelia is managing to focus despite the classroom noise until she is told she must take a music class this year. The choices are singing in the choir or learning to play the flute or trumpet or trombone. She decides choir is the best option; that is until the first day. Singing is not for Amelia. Since her old best friend picked flute, Amelia switches to that. Not only does the high-pitched noise bothers her, but she is also frustrated that her former friend and another girl poke fun at her efforts.
When Amelia promises that trombone will be her last and final choice, she discovers a new friend and possibly an instrument she can tolerate. School starts to improve, but Amelia is discovering that friendship is definitely a give and take operation that may prove more difficult than figuring out how to play the trombone.
MUFFLED by Jennifer Gennari explores a condition many don't know about. Readers will soon relate to Amelia's struggle and cheer for her when things go well. Perfect for readers 4th grade and up.
Amelia and her father are extremely sensitive to sounds, especially loud sounds. Amelia has grown up wearing noise canceling headphones. Now that she is about to start fifth grade, it's been suggested that she try not wearing the headphones. Because her father understands how difficult this is going to be, he gives her a gift the day before school starts. Even though her mother objects, her father gives her earmuffs. They are purple and fuzzy and hopefully just what Amelia needs.
The earmuffs do help some, but they aren't like the headphones. Amelia is managing to focus despite the classroom noise until she is told she must take a music class this year. The choices are singing in the choir or learning to play the flute or trumpet or trombone. She decides choir is the best option; that is until the first day. Singing is not for Amelia. Since her old best friend picked flute, Amelia switches to that. Not only does the high-pitched noise bothers her, but she is also frustrated that her former friend and another girl poke fun at her efforts.
When Amelia promises that trombone will be her last and final choice, she discovers a new friend and possibly an instrument she can tolerate. School starts to improve, but Amelia is discovering that friendship is definitely a give and take operation that may prove more difficult than figuring out how to play the trombone.
MUFFLED by Jennifer Gennari explores a condition many don't know about. Readers will soon relate to Amelia's struggle and cheer for her when things go well. Perfect for readers 4th grade and up.
October 22, 2023
I bought this book off of eBay after hearing its praises on a recommended-for-tweens reading list.
I loved it. I read it all in one afternoon. It's about a girl with a really strong sensitivity to noise and sound.
After reading the author's afterword, I couldn't decide if the author intended to make a case for introversion being a side effect of sensitivity to sound. I'm introverted; I need quiet time. I have noise-suppressing headphones for certain activities, like pep rallies, which I don't think is a particular sign of sensitivity to sound since I've brought apps into pep rallies to check the decibel levels during a pep rally--those things are L-O-U-D!
I'm going to recommend this as a read-aloud to our SPED students who are familiar with being different and being treated differently just because they process stimuli differently than average. I know I would like to read it aloud to my students.
I loved it. I read it all in one afternoon. It's about a girl with a really strong sensitivity to noise and sound.
After reading the author's afterword, I couldn't decide if the author intended to make a case for introversion being a side effect of sensitivity to sound. I'm introverted; I need quiet time. I have noise-suppressing headphones for certain activities, like pep rallies, which I don't think is a particular sign of sensitivity to sound since I've brought apps into pep rallies to check the decibel levels during a pep rally--those things are L-O-U-D!
I'm going to recommend this as a read-aloud to our SPED students who are familiar with being different and being treated differently just because they process stimuli differently than average. I know I would like to read it aloud to my students.
August 9, 2021
Thanks to Jennifer Gennari for this heartwarming and informative tale of Amelia and her sound sensitivity. I had never heard about this condition and was happy to learn more. As a teacher and a teacher of teachers, we need to continue to find ways to meet our students where they are at and not only show support and empathy, but teach our students this powerful skill as well.
I was taken by Amelia's spirit and the fun language and relationship she builds with her best girlfriend. I can remember the days when I was in the back of my car speaking my invented sign language to my bestie, ensuring that no one else could know what we were saying.
I'd encourage this to be a book choice for late elementary age children; we need more female characters on our book shelves and in our hands.
I was taken by Amelia's spirit and the fun language and relationship she builds with her best girlfriend. I can remember the days when I was in the back of my car speaking my invented sign language to my bestie, ensuring that no one else could know what we were saying.
I'd encourage this to be a book choice for late elementary age children; we need more female characters on our book shelves and in our hands.
September 27, 2023
Words cannot describe how much this book has made me felt seen. I have sensory processing and have always struggled to cope with loud sounds. Reading Amelia's story has really helped me see how I'm not the only one who prefers quiet
I've had my own moments where I have broken down because of my sensitive ears and I wished I wasn't so different from other people but this book has helped me to see that it's good to be different and that there can be room for both noise and quiet no matter how they may make you feel. I especially liked the author's note at the end
This book is definitely a keeper!
I've had my own moments where I have broken down because of my sensitive ears and I wished I wasn't so different from other people but this book has helped me to see that it's good to be different and that there can be room for both noise and quiet no matter how they may make you feel. I especially liked the author's note at the end
This book is definitely a keeper!
June 25, 2021
This was a sweet MG realistic fiction book with an interesting protagonist - a girl who struggles with severe sound sensitivity. I enjoyed reading Amelia's story (and LOVED that she's an Alanna of Trebond fan - same), and I thought the story had some really nice moments. Certainly one I will be recommending, even if it wasn't a favourite (it just hasn't lingered...)
January 1, 2021
A sweet late-elementary grade book about a fifth grader with sound sensitivity, Amelia. The book follows Amelia as she begins a new school year and navigates making friends/finding her place. This book was recommended to me by my 11 year old daughter; she recommends it as an “interesting book that teaches what it is like to have sound sensitivity and is relatable to real fifth grade.”
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December 13, 2020Rating & review coming soon!
November 12, 2020
A time for quiet, a time for noise, and a time to MAKE noise! Such a beautiful story of Amelia and her struggle with noise sensitivity. Kiddos everywhere can learn from Amelia’s strength and courage to learn to adapt to a world full of noise.
January 5, 2023
(Really 4.5) Muffled by Jennifer Gennari is a tremendously sweet story about 11-year-old Amelia, who is trying to cope with her sound sensitivity. Amelia is used to wearing noise-canceling headphones, but now that she is starting 5th grade, her counselor and parents feel it is time she stops wearing them. Amelia’s Dad, who also has sound sensitivity, gives her a pair of purple ear muffs to help with the adjustment. But are they enough to help Amelia cope with squeaky sneakers, subway brakes, loud classmates, and music class? This is a terrific book for any young reader to start the new year because it is all about the challenges of trying to make a change, fitting into social norms, and finding your own path. It is beautiful and heartfelt from start to finish.
December 7, 2021
I was concerned that too much emphasis would be put on the adults in Amelia's life. While there is frustration expressed by her parents, for the most part, the adults in her life are supportive and willing to let her set the pace. Interestingly too, many different adults share with her their ways of coping with loud sounds.
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2020
I know my students with SPD would have loved meeting Amelia and reading about how she navigates her day-to-day world, with the challenges of sensory processing, while trying to fit in with her peers in middle school. I am glad this book will be out later this year and plan on buying copies for my special education teachers and the school library. The more students with specialized needs see themselves in the pages of books, the more it helps them feel connected and other readers can learn more about SPD and develop empathy for those that face sensory challenges.
May 6, 2020
What can I say? Proud of this one. It's got flutes and trombones, the T and the Boston Public Library, the Red Sox and a snowstorm. Can't wait for you all to meet earmuff-wearing Amelia!
June 16, 2020
Amelia suffers from sound sensitivity, but her parents and school counselor have decided that 5th grade will be the year she ditches her noise cancelling headphones. To her mother's chagrin, Amelia's father gifts her some fuzzy purple earmuffs on her first day of school- to dampen the noises when she needs. From Amelia's perspective, she needs them all the time. To muffle the noises of "silent" reading time. To make the ruckus of the cafeteria tolerable. To keep herself from being overwhelmed by all of the sounds that come with each day. When she thinks things can't get worse, she finds out that she is going to have to get through music class!
As someone who struggles with sensitivity to sound, I appreciated what Amelia is going through. Though my experience is not as extreme as hers, I struggle with sounds that stick in my brain and overwhelm all the other things happening in the moment. I believe this book is important because it will offer young readers the chance to empathize with those who struggle with sounds sensitivity.
I found a couple of things frustrating in this text. The first was the seemingly complete lack of empathy from the mother at the beginning of the book. As the husband has similar struggles with sound, and Amelia is 10- I feel as though she has had plenty of time to grow and be an understanding parent.
Second, was a small thing- but I struggled with some of Amelia's independence. Specifically that at 10 she would be allowed to ride the T in Boston alone. Not only is she very young, but she has some fairly debilitating responses to sound that make me feel that most parents would never send her off on her own in that way.
Overall, it was a good read and I would recommend it to upper elementary students.
As someone who struggles with sensitivity to sound, I appreciated what Amelia is going through. Though my experience is not as extreme as hers, I struggle with sounds that stick in my brain and overwhelm all the other things happening in the moment. I believe this book is important because it will offer young readers the chance to empathize with those who struggle with sounds sensitivity.
I found a couple of things frustrating in this text. The first was the seemingly complete lack of empathy from the mother at the beginning of the book. As the husband has similar struggles with sound, and Amelia is 10- I feel as though she has had plenty of time to grow and be an understanding parent.
Second, was a small thing- but I struggled with some of Amelia's independence. Specifically that at 10 she would be allowed to ride the T in Boston alone. Not only is she very young, but she has some fairly debilitating responses to sound that make me feel that most parents would never send her off on her own in that way.
Overall, it was a good read and I would recommend it to upper elementary students.
October 13, 2023
I thought this was a decent younger middle grade book that addressed an interesting struggle for the protagonist. I almost wouldn't call it middles grade, though, because the main character is 10, so I would expect the interested readers to be aged 7-9. The main character also felt especially young. I would have guessed more like 8. My main questions about the premise of the story include how Amelia's parents (mostly mom) could be so insensitive to her situation. I couldn't believe they wanted her to go cold turkey on her noise-cancelling headphones. Seems cruel to me. I would have liked to see more of her journey from the headphones to the earmuffs as a compromise, then to the challenge as it unfolds in the book. I'm also curious how a school councilor wasn't more compassionate about the situation. Another question is how a pair of earmuffs can really block sounds out that much. I can't say I've ever noticed that much of a difference in the level of sounds with earmuffs on. Also, the ultimate solution to Amelia's problem felt a bit of a no-brainer to me and I don't get why a professional didn't suggest that in the first place. But then, I guess, there wouldn't have been a story to tell. I did like the book overall and would recommend it to readers 10 and under.
February 12, 2023
After hearing the premise of this book, I looked forward to reading it, and had high hopes that it would fall into the category of "middle grade books I wish existed when I was younger and could relate more closely to the characters." Unfortunately, that was not my experience.
As an Autistic person who is often sensory-avoidant, I was hopeful this book would give representation that I never saw when I was the age of Amelia...like maybe its existence would provide some kind of relief or respite for the younger me that never saw myself in the books I read when I was a child. This book was far from a relief or respite, though. This book promoted an awfully ableist viewpoint of using sensory aids (like hearing protection, which, in Amelia's case, are either headphones or earmuffs) being bad and something that an Autistic person should be discouraged from doing.
In the real world, though, sensory sensitivities are NOT things that should be unlearned, but rather fostered and nurtured. It was frustrating that so many of the adults in Amelia's life had such a misguided viewpoint, not to mention that they envisioned her best life to be one where she appears as abled and neurotypical as possible. This trope is incredibly harmful and, for that reason, this book was often painful to read. My heart aches for Amelia.
While I believe the intent of the author of this book was good, I think it's pretty clear that it was written by someone from the outside looking in...someone who cannot relate on a personal level. (This thought was then verified when reading the author's note at the end of the book, which stated as such.)
As an Autistic person who is often sensory-avoidant, I was hopeful this book would give representation that I never saw when I was the age of Amelia...like maybe its existence would provide some kind of relief or respite for the younger me that never saw myself in the books I read when I was a child. This book was far from a relief or respite, though. This book promoted an awfully ableist viewpoint of using sensory aids (like hearing protection, which, in Amelia's case, are either headphones or earmuffs) being bad and something that an Autistic person should be discouraged from doing.
In the real world, though, sensory sensitivities are NOT things that should be unlearned, but rather fostered and nurtured. It was frustrating that so many of the adults in Amelia's life had such a misguided viewpoint, not to mention that they envisioned her best life to be one where she appears as abled and neurotypical as possible. This trope is incredibly harmful and, for that reason, this book was often painful to read. My heart aches for Amelia.
While I believe the intent of the author of this book was good, I think it's pretty clear that it was written by someone from the outside looking in...someone who cannot relate on a personal level. (This thought was then verified when reading the author's note at the end of the book, which stated as such.)
January 15, 2021
Overall I enjoyed this book. I am glad to see more children's literature embracing diverse characters, and the children in this book were easy to relate to. As a mom, I was a bit disappointed that this is another book in which the character's mother failed at first to understand her differences, and the adults are pushing her to be as typical as she is capable of being. It was a bit of a struggle, as it is in real life, to find a good balance between "fitting in" and respecting differences, but I feel the novel does a decent job of reaching a resolution. As someone with a background in instrumental music, I appreciated the discussion on how the character was affected by musical sound. I hope to recommend this to my daughters when they are a bit older for its good representation of female friendships and overcoming struggles.
July 16, 2025
Muffled: DNF. As an autistic reader, I wasn't pleased/comfortable with:
-the characters' and backmatter's prioritization of trying to make sound-sensitive kids appear/act neurotypical rather than having them feel comfortable
-the backmatter's mention that the author consulted with "therapists and teachers" for authenticity (what about actual neurodivergent people like Amelia?)
-the backmatter's list of diagnoses that relate to sound sensitivity that doesn't mention autism at all
-the story's contraction-avoiding, almost robotic narration and dialogue style
Sigh. These are all frequently-ableist patterns that I've seen all too often in books by neurotypical authors about autistic or otherwise-neurodivergent characters.
-the characters' and backmatter's prioritization of trying to make sound-sensitive kids appear/act neurotypical rather than having them feel comfortable
-the backmatter's mention that the author consulted with "therapists and teachers" for authenticity (what about actual neurodivergent people like Amelia?)
-the backmatter's list of diagnoses that relate to sound sensitivity that doesn't mention autism at all
-the story's contraction-avoiding, almost robotic narration and dialogue style
Sigh. These are all frequently-ableist patterns that I've seen all too often in books by neurotypical authors about autistic or otherwise-neurodivergent characters.
September 1, 2020
I received an advanced reader copy from the author. What a beautiful story about a fifth grade girl named Amelia with sound sensitivity. I was completely drawn in witnessing Amelia navigating the world without noise canceling headphones. I’ve worked with children with students like Amelia for over 14 years. This is the first time I felt I really understood the “feeling“ of the plethora of simultaneous sounds “bouncing around the walls of my head like a rubber ball“. Jen Gennari was really able to draw me in with her beautifully detailed descriptions of Amelia going through life. I am looking forward to the sequel!
December 3, 2020
This is an incredibly sweet story of a ten year-old girl struggling with the noises in the world around her, as well as with the dynamics of changing friendships, being different, feeling unseen/misunderstood by some important adults in her world and still finding her way. An empathic read for any child who needs to march to the beat of their own drum (or, in this case, their own trombone!) however it may look, feel and sound.
May 7, 2024
Although the author intends to give the reader a glimpse into what it is like to be sensitive to sound, this book perpetuates the idea that neurodivergent people should mask and conform to neurotypical standards. I will not recommend this book to my sound-sensitive, autistic child, as I want them to grow up in a world where they feel supported to access accommodations and be themself regardless of what others think.
February 13, 2022
Good book, excellent depiction of the struggle a young girl has with navigating 5th grade with noise sensitivity. Loved Amelia’s strong voice, and the realism of her parents support — sometimes missteps, but showing up. Everyone has challenges, and this book does a great job of putting the various classmates difficulties in perspective.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews