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Meow or Never
A heartwarming story of secret pets and secret crushes... and learning to take center stage!
Avery Williams can sing, but that doesn't mean she can sing in front of people. She likes to stay backstage at her new school, which is where, to her surprise, she finds a cat tucked away into a nook. Avery names the stray Phantom and visits any time she's feeling stressed (which is a lot these days).
As she sings to Phantom one day, her crush, Nic, overhears her and ropes Avery into auditioning for the school's musical. Despite her nerves, Avery lands the lead role!
She knows she should be excited, but mostly Avery is terrified. Can Phantom help her through her stage fright? And what will happen if anyone finds out about her secret pet?
Avery Williams can sing, but that doesn't mean she can sing in front of people. She likes to stay backstage at her new school, which is where, to her surprise, she finds a cat tucked away into a nook. Avery names the stray Phantom and visits any time she's feeling stressed (which is a lot these days).
As she sings to Phantom one day, her crush, Nic, overhears her and ropes Avery into auditioning for the school's musical. Despite her nerves, Avery lands the lead role!
She knows she should be excited, but mostly Avery is terrified. Can Phantom help her through her stage fright? And what will happen if anyone finds out about her secret pet?
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2021
34 people are currently reading
442 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
May 19, 2022
I thought it was safe to buy a book for my daughter at a book fair in a CHRISTIAN SCHOOL.
Y’all they are after our kids. Everything needs to be vetted. To say that I’m completely disturbed and disgusted is an understatement.
My daughter came to me when she knew in her spirit this was definitely not ok and for that I’m so thankful. Please parents be on guard for your precious kids. This kissing scene between two girls is in chapter 34. This is not advertised as an LGBTQIA+ book.
Y’all they are after our kids. Everything needs to be vetted. To say that I’m completely disturbed and disgusted is an understatement.
My daughter came to me when she knew in her spirit this was definitely not ok and for that I’m so thankful. Please parents be on guard for your precious kids. This kissing scene between two girls is in chapter 34. This is not advertised as an LGBTQIA+ book.
February 13, 2021
This cover is... unfortunate, but sometimes it reaaally pays off to look beyond that. This was an amazing sapphic middlegrade with a Black girl as a main character who struggles with social anxiety and has panic attacks because of it. It's about making friends for the first time, and about what you can overcome and what you actually can't overcome, and how that's okay and you deserve to be accomodated. Highly recommend!
April 8, 2021
4.5 stars!
I was definitely smiling throughout reading this lovely middle-grade novel. Avery loves singing and wishes that she can become a more confident performer. Instead, she has anxiety and is prone to panic attacks in front of her classmates. One day in a room behind the school stage, she stumbles onto a stray kitten who potentially could offer Avery hope and happiness both in and out of school. There is a great representation of anxiety and LGBTQIA+ characters. Avery is also black and in 7th grade (middle school) and has some lovely friendships with two of her classmates. So many things I enjoyed with Meow or Never!
T/W- Panic attacks, bullying
I was definitely smiling throughout reading this lovely middle-grade novel. Avery loves singing and wishes that she can become a more confident performer. Instead, she has anxiety and is prone to panic attacks in front of her classmates. One day in a room behind the school stage, she stumbles onto a stray kitten who potentially could offer Avery hope and happiness both in and out of school. There is a great representation of anxiety and LGBTQIA+ characters. Avery is also black and in 7th grade (middle school) and has some lovely friendships with two of her classmates. So many things I enjoyed with Meow or Never!
T/W- Panic attacks, bullying
January 8, 2021
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and @scholasticinc for an eARC of this book.
I really enjoyed this story about Avery, a girl with social anxiety who signs up to be part of the school play to be around her crush and to calm her dad's fears about her panic attacks, and is horrified to discover she is cast as the lead role. Avery has to first deal with her difficulty speaking to others, and then must figure out how to sing and act in front of an audience, with only 6 weeks until the play. Fortunately, she makes some friends along the way that support her, including a cat who lives in the closet of the school's theatre. But will it be enough to help her get up on stage and perform the night of the play?
This is a very cute cover, but there’s a lot of depth to this book. I really appreciated that it's a story about a Black girl written by Black author. I liked that Avery’s crush is on Nic, the prettiest girl in her school who also becomes her friend. I also felt the anxiety representation was very good. Avery's friends learns to help her with her panic attacks, and offer support rather than judgment. We clearly see that her physical reactions are not a choice, and the process of preparing herself for the play feels very realistic. I especially like the resolution of the story. Avery works hard to face her fears, and many of the techniques she uses will be helpful for young readers. I loved watching her persistence and determination, continually making steps toward her goal even when it’s hard.
I think this is an excellent addition to middle grade collections, and I hope it's available in Scholastic flyers so it reaches a larger audience.
I really enjoyed this story about Avery, a girl with social anxiety who signs up to be part of the school play to be around her crush and to calm her dad's fears about her panic attacks, and is horrified to discover she is cast as the lead role. Avery has to first deal with her difficulty speaking to others, and then must figure out how to sing and act in front of an audience, with only 6 weeks until the play. Fortunately, she makes some friends along the way that support her, including a cat who lives in the closet of the school's theatre. But will it be enough to help her get up on stage and perform the night of the play?
This is a very cute cover, but there’s a lot of depth to this book. I really appreciated that it's a story about a Black girl written by Black author. I liked that Avery’s crush is on Nic, the prettiest girl in her school who also becomes her friend. I also felt the anxiety representation was very good. Avery's friends learns to help her with her panic attacks, and offer support rather than judgment. We clearly see that her physical reactions are not a choice, and the process of preparing herself for the play feels very realistic. I especially like the resolution of the story. Avery works hard to face her fears, and many of the techniques she uses will be helpful for young readers. I loved watching her persistence and determination, continually making steps toward her goal even when it’s hard.
I think this is an excellent addition to middle grade collections, and I hope it's available in Scholastic flyers so it reaches a larger audience.
March 31, 2021
Avery is 12 years old and has been in her new town for a few months but is struggling to make friends. She suffers from social anxiety so it's hard for her to talk to her peers without panic attacks. She does finally find a new friend in a stray cat who is hanging out in a storage closet in the theater at school.
After her crush overhears her singing and convinces her to try out for a part in the school play she lands the role of Juliet in a Romeo & Juliet adaptation. The problem is she's not even comfortable reading out loud in front of the class. How is she going to sing and act? It's making her so anxious she can barely eat and she literally tries to run away from her problems.
This was a sweet contemporary story about young girls navigating middle school life. None of these girls are perfect. They have different family dynamics and insecurities. All three are struggling with finding real friendships until they find each other. There's also great commentary about therapy and the stigmas against it.
And Avery is a queer girl experiencing her first big crush and wondering if those feelings will be reciprocated. I like how normal it's treated and how she doesn't have to worry about hate from outsiders based on who she likes. I think this is a great story to give to children who want a light read that touches on some strong family themes. This book is just so much more than the cute cat on the cover.
I was given an arc from Scholastic in exchange for an honest review
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
After her crush overhears her singing and convinces her to try out for a part in the school play she lands the role of Juliet in a Romeo & Juliet adaptation. The problem is she's not even comfortable reading out loud in front of the class. How is she going to sing and act? It's making her so anxious she can barely eat and she literally tries to run away from her problems.
This was a sweet contemporary story about young girls navigating middle school life. None of these girls are perfect. They have different family dynamics and insecurities. All three are struggling with finding real friendships until they find each other. There's also great commentary about therapy and the stigmas against it.
And Avery is a queer girl experiencing her first big crush and wondering if those feelings will be reciprocated. I like how normal it's treated and how she doesn't have to worry about hate from outsiders based on who she likes. I think this is a great story to give to children who want a light read that touches on some strong family themes. This book is just so much more than the cute cat on the cover.
I was given an arc from Scholastic in exchange for an honest review
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
January 22, 2021
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
My daughter loved the Scholastic Wish novels when she was younger, so I was excited to see a book from this imprint with LGBTQ+ rep! So many aspects of this book would have appealed to her that it made me love the book even more: the musical theatre, the cuddly cat, the strong friendships, the crush, even the MC Avery’s anxiety (my daughter also struggles with anxiety, though it’s not as debilitating as Avery’s). This is just one of those books that makes you want to give it a big hug—it’s utterly sweet! The book tackles issues in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming for a middle grade audience. Not only does it focus on Avery’s anxiety, but it also features a character who is struggling with a mentally abusive parent and explores sexuality in a way that feels authentic and relatable. And I love that Taylor wraps everything up in a way that feels satisfying but is also believable (no, Avery doesn’t miraculously get over her anxiety completely). This middle grade read makes my heart happy!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via Edelweiss for review purposes. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
My daughter loved the Scholastic Wish novels when she was younger, so I was excited to see a book from this imprint with LGBTQ+ rep! So many aspects of this book would have appealed to her that it made me love the book even more: the musical theatre, the cuddly cat, the strong friendships, the crush, even the MC Avery’s anxiety (my daughter also struggles with anxiety, though it’s not as debilitating as Avery’s). This is just one of those books that makes you want to give it a big hug—it’s utterly sweet! The book tackles issues in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming for a middle grade audience. Not only does it focus on Avery’s anxiety, but it also features a character who is struggling with a mentally abusive parent and explores sexuality in a way that feels authentic and relatable. And I love that Taylor wraps everything up in a way that feels satisfying but is also believable (no, Avery doesn’t miraculously get over her anxiety completely). This middle grade read makes my heart happy!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via Edelweiss for review purposes. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
January 24, 2021
This was a delight. As someone with anxiety, I wish I’d been able to read this book when I was a kid.
I read this for the Book Riot Read Harder 2021 Challenge. I picked it up because it was recommended for the task of reading a children’s book that features a character with a disability that doesn’t center their disability. I have to say that this book does not satisfy the task at all and I think whomever put together Book Riot’s list of recommendations doesn’t understand what it means to not center a disability in a story. Avery’s anxiety is the primary source of conflict in the novel.
That is not a criticism of the novel, in fact I think it is a strength. Own voices stories that do center disability are just as important as the ones that don’t, and this novel is a perfect example of why. The portrayal of Avery’s anxiety shows how it’s just a part of how she experiences everything, from small comments from others causing her thoughts to briefly spiral to bigger things triggering panic attacks, and how she is so much more than her anxiety. This book would have meant a lot to me when I was younger and didn’t understand why other kids didn’t seem to struggle the way I did.
I’ve decided to instead count this book towards another Read Harder task - a book featuring a beloved pet where the pet doesn’t die.
I read this for the Book Riot Read Harder 2021 Challenge. I picked it up because it was recommended for the task of reading a children’s book that features a character with a disability that doesn’t center their disability. I have to say that this book does not satisfy the task at all and I think whomever put together Book Riot’s list of recommendations doesn’t understand what it means to not center a disability in a story. Avery’s anxiety is the primary source of conflict in the novel.
That is not a criticism of the novel, in fact I think it is a strength. Own voices stories that do center disability are just as important as the ones that don’t, and this novel is a perfect example of why. The portrayal of Avery’s anxiety shows how it’s just a part of how she experiences everything, from small comments from others causing her thoughts to briefly spiral to bigger things triggering panic attacks, and how she is so much more than her anxiety. This book would have meant a lot to me when I was younger and didn’t understand why other kids didn’t seem to struggle the way I did.
I’ve decided to instead count this book towards another Read Harder task - a book featuring a beloved pet where the pet doesn’t die.
November 3, 2022
I bought this book at a scholastic book fair for my 10 year old daughter who has anxiety. The main character is a female, Avery, and she has a crush on another female, Nic. The girls attraction to the other girl ended up causing my daughter more anxiety and confusion. They mention the crush on the back summary, but not how both characters are female. Sneaky sneaky. I was not prepared.
May 7, 2024
This book was everything I hoped it would be! Avery is a queer Black girl with anxiety, and she finds a stray cat in her school theatre who helps her cope with it called PHANTOM. As in Phantom of the Opera 😭🩷 Gosh this book was too cute and I wash to squish it!
April 30, 2021
Do you know what the best thing about being an author is after seeing your book published and hearing people say wonderful things about it? Watching your author friends succeed. I met Jessica Lewis during the first ever Writer In Motion event, where she was assigned to #TeamJustine. A Twitter chat was started to support and coordinate all participants in the event, and while people have come and gone from the chat, it remains active over two years later.
I loved Jessica’s work when we worked together. So when she announced she would be releasing a middle grade book under a pen name, I put in my preorder. Then I forgot I put in my preorder and put in another one. Whoops. But I don’t feel bad about it at all. Here’s my author’s take on Meow or Never by Jazz Taylor. (I asked her if it was cool to share her real name, promise.)
Book Summary:
Avery Williams can sing, but that doesn’t mean she can sing in front of people. She likes to stay backstage at her new school, which is where, to her surprise, she finds a cat tucked away into a nook. Avery names the stray Phantom and visits any time she’s feeling stressed (which is a lot these days).
As she sings to Phantom one day, her crush, Nic, overhears her and ropes Avery into auditioning for the school’s musical. Despite her nerves, Avery lands the lead role!
She knows she should be excited, but mostly Avery is terrified. Can Phantom help her through her stage fright? And what will happen if anyone finds out about her secret pet?
What I Enjoyed:
This book had three things I love–well drawn female characters, musical theater, and cats! It has lesbian rep and anxiety rep that feels exactly as it should in a middle grade book–taken as something that didn’t need to be explained, but were just facts of life. Some girls like other girls. Some girls have anxiety. While, yes, we struggle with Avery as she tries to get control of her anxiety, anxiety is never viewed as shocking to the people around her.
Another thing I loved about this story is that every character gets their own arc, even the minor ones. I mean yes, there are some people who are just background, but Avery, the girl she likes, the script writer she befriends, her father, her brother, hell, even Phantom the cat, gets a story arc that makes sense and enriches the tale as a whole. It’s touching, and each of these characters have endearing, but very different personalities (the brother, in particular, is such a big brother, and I say this as a baby sister myself).
The resolution to the story is well-crafted as well, and nobody gets the easy out here. Things are resolved, but not everything is perfect. It’s real. Anxiety is not that easy to solve, and I loved the fact that Avery didn’t just get better. That it took the character work to get to where she got, and that she still didn’t get “cured.”
This is a book I’m handing to my son, who has long since been diagnosed with anxiety, because I think he’ll be able to relate to Avery, and that’s important to have in middle grade novels.
What I’d Avoid: Honestly, nothing to speak of. No criticisms for this book. Although I will say I don’t think I could ever write middle grade. It’s too wholesome, even when it’s not simple, and I have a hard time getting my head to that age level, even though I’m able to relate to other writer’s renditions of that age group. So yes, it’s wonderful. For me as a writer, I don’t think I could do it, but I applaud those that do.
What I Can Learn From It: Middle grade allows for a lot of really solid emotional connection and deeper psychological struggles than I realized. Between this book and a couple my son and I have beta-read from a certain critique partner of mine, *cough* Maria Tureaud *cough* I’ve recently realized the full gamut of the emotional spectrum that one can take on in a middle grade book. I mean, I knew middle grade children dealt with a lot, but I wasn’t convinced books could cover all of that without being censored as being considered too old for the kids by publishing companies. But, as I’ve learned, it’s all in the way it is presented.
Would I Recommend It: Absolutely. This book was heartfelt and sweet, and I loved every character but two, but you weren’t supposed to like them. I can’t wait to read more from Jazz Taylor, and for that matter, I can’t wait to take a look at her upcoming YA release, Bad Witch Burning, which is released under the name Jessica Lewis. If she does MG this well, I can’t wait to see what she can do in my staple genre. It’s already been pre-ordered and you can preorder it too.
I loved Jessica’s work when we worked together. So when she announced she would be releasing a middle grade book under a pen name, I put in my preorder. Then I forgot I put in my preorder and put in another one. Whoops. But I don’t feel bad about it at all. Here’s my author’s take on Meow or Never by Jazz Taylor. (I asked her if it was cool to share her real name, promise.)
Book Summary:
Avery Williams can sing, but that doesn’t mean she can sing in front of people. She likes to stay backstage at her new school, which is where, to her surprise, she finds a cat tucked away into a nook. Avery names the stray Phantom and visits any time she’s feeling stressed (which is a lot these days).
As she sings to Phantom one day, her crush, Nic, overhears her and ropes Avery into auditioning for the school’s musical. Despite her nerves, Avery lands the lead role!
She knows she should be excited, but mostly Avery is terrified. Can Phantom help her through her stage fright? And what will happen if anyone finds out about her secret pet?
What I Enjoyed:
This book had three things I love–well drawn female characters, musical theater, and cats! It has lesbian rep and anxiety rep that feels exactly as it should in a middle grade book–taken as something that didn’t need to be explained, but were just facts of life. Some girls like other girls. Some girls have anxiety. While, yes, we struggle with Avery as she tries to get control of her anxiety, anxiety is never viewed as shocking to the people around her.
Another thing I loved about this story is that every character gets their own arc, even the minor ones. I mean yes, there are some people who are just background, but Avery, the girl she likes, the script writer she befriends, her father, her brother, hell, even Phantom the cat, gets a story arc that makes sense and enriches the tale as a whole. It’s touching, and each of these characters have endearing, but very different personalities (the brother, in particular, is such a big brother, and I say this as a baby sister myself).
The resolution to the story is well-crafted as well, and nobody gets the easy out here. Things are resolved, but not everything is perfect. It’s real. Anxiety is not that easy to solve, and I loved the fact that Avery didn’t just get better. That it took the character work to get to where she got, and that she still didn’t get “cured.”
This is a book I’m handing to my son, who has long since been diagnosed with anxiety, because I think he’ll be able to relate to Avery, and that’s important to have in middle grade novels.
What I’d Avoid: Honestly, nothing to speak of. No criticisms for this book. Although I will say I don’t think I could ever write middle grade. It’s too wholesome, even when it’s not simple, and I have a hard time getting my head to that age level, even though I’m able to relate to other writer’s renditions of that age group. So yes, it’s wonderful. For me as a writer, I don’t think I could do it, but I applaud those that do.
What I Can Learn From It: Middle grade allows for a lot of really solid emotional connection and deeper psychological struggles than I realized. Between this book and a couple my son and I have beta-read from a certain critique partner of mine, *cough* Maria Tureaud *cough* I’ve recently realized the full gamut of the emotional spectrum that one can take on in a middle grade book. I mean, I knew middle grade children dealt with a lot, but I wasn’t convinced books could cover all of that without being censored as being considered too old for the kids by publishing companies. But, as I’ve learned, it’s all in the way it is presented.
Would I Recommend It: Absolutely. This book was heartfelt and sweet, and I loved every character but two, but you weren’t supposed to like them. I can’t wait to read more from Jazz Taylor, and for that matter, I can’t wait to take a look at her upcoming YA release, Bad Witch Burning, which is released under the name Jessica Lewis. If she does MG this well, I can’t wait to see what she can do in my staple genre. It’s already been pre-ordered and you can preorder it too.
January 4, 2023
"It was great. I loved Phantom."
For a kid who couldn't stop excitedly telling me what happened next to Avery and Nik, my 9-year-old's review is succinct. This is a kid who has struggled to find a fiction book (beyond beginner books) he enjoyed. Every other MG or chapter book before this, he'd abandon partway through, usually after just the first chapter.
Avery and Phantom caught his imagination, and he really identified with Avery's anxiety and her stage fright. He also thought her crush on Nik was cute, and hoped everything would turn out well for her in the end. (I love the casual sapphic rep, showing people just loving people.) Obviously, he loved Phantom the cat, and he's excited (for the first time!) to read more from the Wish series. He told me "I want to read more from this author!" which is not something I've ever heard from him before, so that's a priceless gift.
While we've immersed him in stories since he was born with nightly reading times, and a wide variety of tales, I'm so excited to see him take off on his own now. His reading skill is more than competent for his age, but his interest in reading on his own had lagged. I'm looking forward to watching his love of reading hopefully bloom, and so grateful that this book gave him that push to enjoy books on his own.
For a kid who couldn't stop excitedly telling me what happened next to Avery and Nik, my 9-year-old's review is succinct. This is a kid who has struggled to find a fiction book (beyond beginner books) he enjoyed. Every other MG or chapter book before this, he'd abandon partway through, usually after just the first chapter.
Avery and Phantom caught his imagination, and he really identified with Avery's anxiety and her stage fright. He also thought her crush on Nik was cute, and hoped everything would turn out well for her in the end. (I love the casual sapphic rep, showing people just loving people.) Obviously, he loved Phantom the cat, and he's excited (for the first time!) to read more from the Wish series. He told me "I want to read more from this author!" which is not something I've ever heard from him before, so that's a priceless gift.
While we've immersed him in stories since he was born with nightly reading times, and a wide variety of tales, I'm so excited to see him take off on his own now. His reading skill is more than competent for his age, but his interest in reading on his own had lagged. I'm looking forward to watching his love of reading hopefully bloom, and so grateful that this book gave him that push to enjoy books on his own.
June 10, 2023
We picked up this book at a live event. Our daughter was excited by the cute kitten on the cover and the back blurb only talks about a “crush” on “Nic”. The back blurb on the physical book intentionally leaves out “a girl named Nic” so that parents and kids are trapped and surprised by the LGBTQ content.
These sneaky tactics more than anything have driven us to try and warn buyers before they make the same mistake we did.
The prose and storyline is so-so, leading us to believe the book was published primarily as a LGBTQ Gotcha! rather than actual worthwhile reading.
Non refundable money down the drain for an author that we wished we hadn’t unintentionally supported.
These sneaky tactics more than anything have driven us to try and warn buyers before they make the same mistake we did.
The prose and storyline is so-so, leading us to believe the book was published primarily as a LGBTQ Gotcha! rather than actual worthwhile reading.
Non refundable money down the drain for an author that we wished we hadn’t unintentionally supported.
March 28, 2021
I loved this. For those who want a rundown, this book features a Black 7th grade girl who likes girls, and she's dealing with some mental health/anxiety stuff. There is an adorable cat. There's amazing friendships. There's a sweet love interest who just wants to help our anxious/full-of-heart MC.
Honestly, this is everything I wish I'd read when I was I was younger. Highly recommend. I am so completely excited for the author's upcoming YA book Bad Witch Burning.
Honestly, this is everything I wish I'd read when I was I was younger. Highly recommend. I am so completely excited for the author's upcoming YA book Bad Witch Burning.
August 9, 2022
Aww this was so cute!! This book is very underrated (and I can probably blame that on the cover, which makes this look more like a baby book than an LGBT middle grade book) and I enjoyed it greatly! I really wish I had books like these when I was a kid.
I enjoyed the discussions of parental abuse, anxiety, panic attacks, etc. It explained these concepts in a way that was appropriate for younger readers. I’m going to give this a 4.5/5!
I enjoyed the discussions of parental abuse, anxiety, panic attacks, etc. It explained these concepts in a way that was appropriate for younger readers. I’m going to give this a 4.5/5!
January 13, 2021
A heartwarmingly sweet LGBTQ+ Middle Grade story about taking chances, friendship, and first crushes. Kids with social anxiety who struggle with making new friends will see themselves in Avery’s story as she learns how to trust her new friends and grow in confidence. And Phantom the cat is an adorable sidekick!
August 4, 2021
This is literally the cutest sapphic MG book in existence! I loved it so incredibly much! The book follows Avery as she struggles with social anxiety and performing in an upcoming play all while she figures out her first queer crush. I absolutely really loved this book so much!!
February 1, 2023
Great book for middle schoolers!😝😘☺️🙃
March 28, 2022
My daughter ( age 9) picked this one up from her school's book fair this year and I couldn't be more pleased with our experience reading it together! The story of Avery Williams, a young girl struggling with anxiety, being new at school, and her big crush on Nic Pearson (the most beautiful and popular girl at school), it also has a lot to say about friendship, the complexities of mental and emotional health, and the ways in which we find ourselves facing things we never thought we could.
You see, Avery is afraid to make friends after the disaster that was her past friendship at her old school, concerned that all the changes brought about by her dad's having changed jobs and moved far away from their old home have doomed them all to unhappiness, and so utterly afraid to speak to Nic that she literally finds herself wordless every time she meets her. Surely she'll never really fit in or figure out how to handle all the changes and the way they make both her anxiety and her panic attacks worse, right? Avery thought that she'd very much like to hide and run from all of these struggles- until she came upon a lost cat in the little closet at the back of the theater and little by little she began to find her footing.
This book does an excellent job of tackling the subject of anxiety and the panic attacks that are all too commonly experienced with it. We genuinely feel Avery's anxiety and the way that her attacks make her feel. Her crush is genuine and handled very well too, an experience I'm all too happy to have after having grown up with too few books that handled the subject of same sex attraction in ways that treated it as if it were forbidden, taboo, tragic, or wrong when it came up at all. Here the complexities of same sex love and attraction are handled with age appropriate sweetness and refreshing honesty. I was also really happy with the way the characters handled conflict, stress, anxiety, and resolution over the course of the book, both adults and children are coping with emotional honesty and care throughout. I would highly recommend this book for kids age 9-14, particularly kids struggling with anxiety and feeling different. It's absolutely a good starting point for age appropriate discussion of same sex relationships and a good fit for lgbt+ kids looking for books with characters like themselves.
You see, Avery is afraid to make friends after the disaster that was her past friendship at her old school, concerned that all the changes brought about by her dad's having changed jobs and moved far away from their old home have doomed them all to unhappiness, and so utterly afraid to speak to Nic that she literally finds herself wordless every time she meets her. Surely she'll never really fit in or figure out how to handle all the changes and the way they make both her anxiety and her panic attacks worse, right? Avery thought that she'd very much like to hide and run from all of these struggles- until she came upon a lost cat in the little closet at the back of the theater and little by little she began to find her footing.
This book does an excellent job of tackling the subject of anxiety and the panic attacks that are all too commonly experienced with it. We genuinely feel Avery's anxiety and the way that her attacks make her feel. Her crush is genuine and handled very well too, an experience I'm all too happy to have after having grown up with too few books that handled the subject of same sex attraction in ways that treated it as if it were forbidden, taboo, tragic, or wrong when it came up at all. Here the complexities of same sex love and attraction are handled with age appropriate sweetness and refreshing honesty. I was also really happy with the way the characters handled conflict, stress, anxiety, and resolution over the course of the book, both adults and children are coping with emotional honesty and care throughout. I would highly recommend this book for kids age 9-14, particularly kids struggling with anxiety and feeling different. It's absolutely a good starting point for age appropriate discussion of same sex relationships and a good fit for lgbt+ kids looking for books with characters like themselves.
June 29, 2023
I found this book at an elementary school Scholastic Book Fair.
This book is about a girl who falls in love with her best friend, which isn’t mentioned in the summary on the back of the book. The author should’ve at least mentioned that there is LGBTQ in this story.
Parents, don’t let your children read this. The author is just trying to fool you by thinking the story is about a cute kitten and, it wouldn’t have been a problem if this book was sold at a middle school book fair. Goodnight.
This book is about a girl who falls in love with her best friend, which isn’t mentioned in the summary on the back of the book. The author should’ve at least mentioned that there is LGBTQ in this story.
Parents, don’t let your children read this. The author is just trying to fool you by thinking the story is about a cute kitten and, it wouldn’t have been a problem if this book was sold at a middle school book fair. Goodnight.
April 5, 2022
It was kind of a struggle to get through and I skimmed that last 40%, but then again I’m not really the target age group for this book. I do think I would have enjoyed it more when I was younger. It would have been nice to see anxiety represented. But at the same time I do think the representation of anxiety wasn’t totally accurate. At least to my experience.
October 12, 2023
I read this to consider adding it to my spreadsheet of diverse books I keep for baby showers/birthdays/my classroom/etc. and when I went to leave a review, I was disgusted by the majority of them, on Amazon, among other places. Other reviews went on and on about it being "sneaky LGBTQ propaganda" and "grooming" and saying it included "sexual content". It's none of those things. I don't know what book they read, but it certainly wasn't the same book I read about an anxious 12 year old dealing with the perils of being 12 years old.
Primary concerns seemed to be that the "love interest" was a girl, and that that was not disclosed in the back summary.
Personally, I used my brain to figure out that "Nic" sounds like it's probably short for Nicole, or Nicki, and therefore the character is likely a girl, and then that was confirmed literally in the first 2 pages. Y'all are so pressed about making sure your kids aren't reading what you deem to be "inappropriate content", but you can't read beyond the 50 words on the back that authors get to summarize their books? OK.
Other concerns noted "sexual content", and I guarantee you that's entirely based on the fact that the relationship is not straight. Had the descriptions of "funny feelings in their stomach" been in reference to a boy, y'all would have no issues with it. Because ITS NOT SEXUAL. Even the end, where they describe a kiss between the main character and Nic- never before has there existed such a chaste depiction of a kiss. They press their lips together, and its warm and soft. What about that exactly is sexual, you ask? I'd love to tell you. None of it. Because LGBTQ+ relationships are not inherently sexual, and nothing about the descriptions of the main character's crush went over the line. Everything was very relatable and very age appropriate for the recommended 8-12 audience.
Parents- no one is trying to trick you or your child into reading books outside of the bubble wrap wall you hide them behind. LGBTQ+ people exist, whether you like it or not. If a kids book depicting a straight relationship wouldn't need a "warning like movie ratings" then neither does a story about a 12 year old lesbian, based only on the fact that she's a lesbian. Nothing about that plot line- which was really secondary to the actual plot of the book- depicted sexual or age inappropriate content. Representation and propaganda are not the same thing, and it's frankly delusional to say that people different from you simply existing is "grooming".
Yet more reviews included pictures of the text, where the main character is having a conversation about gender identity with, presumably, a friend, but presuming is all we can do, because we don't know either of those characters. That exerpt is not from this book (although I'd love to read the book it is part of), and no such friend (Nina) exists.
I thought this was wonderfully done, casual representation of non-white, non-straight experiences. A 7th grader is trying to navigate the hazards of being the new kid and making friends, while dealing with anxiety, panic attacks, and her first crush. All things that actual 7th graders are experiencing. I would have loved a book like this as a kid- all kids should have the opportunity to see themselves reflected in media- and I can't wait to add it to my spreadsheet and my classroom library, and I'm already looking for more by this author.
If I could write my own summary of the book it would be the following:
After her dad gets a new job, Avery is starting 7th grade in a new town, at a new school. She hasn't made any friends yet, and she's beginning to think she never will. No one wants to be friends with the weird girl who doesn't talk, especially not Nic, her crush and the prettiest girl in the whole school. Hoping to make friends, Avery joins theater, where she meets the first person she can speak to without freaking out- who cares if it's a cat?
Appropriate for ages 8-12, grades 3-7
Guided Reading Level V
Lexile Level 500L
Primary concerns seemed to be that the "love interest" was a girl, and that that was not disclosed in the back summary.
Personally, I used my brain to figure out that "Nic" sounds like it's probably short for Nicole, or Nicki, and therefore the character is likely a girl, and then that was confirmed literally in the first 2 pages. Y'all are so pressed about making sure your kids aren't reading what you deem to be "inappropriate content", but you can't read beyond the 50 words on the back that authors get to summarize their books? OK.
Other concerns noted "sexual content", and I guarantee you that's entirely based on the fact that the relationship is not straight. Had the descriptions of "funny feelings in their stomach" been in reference to a boy, y'all would have no issues with it. Because ITS NOT SEXUAL. Even the end, where they describe a kiss between the main character and Nic- never before has there existed such a chaste depiction of a kiss. They press their lips together, and its warm and soft. What about that exactly is sexual, you ask? I'd love to tell you. None of it. Because LGBTQ+ relationships are not inherently sexual, and nothing about the descriptions of the main character's crush went over the line. Everything was very relatable and very age appropriate for the recommended 8-12 audience.
Parents- no one is trying to trick you or your child into reading books outside of the bubble wrap wall you hide them behind. LGBTQ+ people exist, whether you like it or not. If a kids book depicting a straight relationship wouldn't need a "warning like movie ratings" then neither does a story about a 12 year old lesbian, based only on the fact that she's a lesbian. Nothing about that plot line- which was really secondary to the actual plot of the book- depicted sexual or age inappropriate content. Representation and propaganda are not the same thing, and it's frankly delusional to say that people different from you simply existing is "grooming".
Yet more reviews included pictures of the text, where the main character is having a conversation about gender identity with, presumably, a friend, but presuming is all we can do, because we don't know either of those characters. That exerpt is not from this book (although I'd love to read the book it is part of), and no such friend (Nina) exists.
I thought this was wonderfully done, casual representation of non-white, non-straight experiences. A 7th grader is trying to navigate the hazards of being the new kid and making friends, while dealing with anxiety, panic attacks, and her first crush. All things that actual 7th graders are experiencing. I would have loved a book like this as a kid- all kids should have the opportunity to see themselves reflected in media- and I can't wait to add it to my spreadsheet and my classroom library, and I'm already looking for more by this author.
If I could write my own summary of the book it would be the following:
After her dad gets a new job, Avery is starting 7th grade in a new town, at a new school. She hasn't made any friends yet, and she's beginning to think she never will. No one wants to be friends with the weird girl who doesn't talk, especially not Nic, her crush and the prettiest girl in the whole school. Hoping to make friends, Avery joins theater, where she meets the first person she can speak to without freaking out- who cares if it's a cat?
Appropriate for ages 8-12, grades 3-7
Guided Reading Level V
Lexile Level 500L
April 5, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Avery and her father and older brother Andrew have finally moved out of an apartment into a house. Her mother left when she was very young. While Avery is glad that her father has a better job, he is busier, and it's been difficult for her to make friends because of her crippling social anxiety. She really likes Nic, who is very friendly, but is embarrassed by interactions in the past where she couldn't say anything. When a classmate, Harper, writes a play and wins a contest with it, the school starts practicing for a production of it. Nic overhears Avery singing and presses her to audition for a role, although this causes Avery to have a panic attack. The school nurse helps Avery calm down, but has to call her father. She gets the lead role of Juliet, and works with Nic to learn lines and also deal with her anxiety. She finds an abandoned kitten behind the school and makes it a cozy home, taking great comfort in the animal. When Harper realizes Avery is taking care of a cat, the two try to locate the owner. Harper seems to be having trouble at home; she often does not have lunch and is afraid to go home to her mother sometimes. As the play progresses, Nic and Harper start to hang out with Avery more, but she's still worried that they think she is odd. It doesn't help that Avery "like likes" Nic; she has only told her uncle that she likes girls, but her brother Andrew figures this out and tries to support her. Harper also can tell that Avery likes Nic, and tells Avery not to be shy; she might be surprised to learn how Nic feels. The play, the cat, her feelings for Nic-- this is all a lot. How will Avery be able to handle everything?
Strengths: Friend drama is always a popular topic for my students, and this is on trend for including topics of anxiety, challenging home situations, and emerging sexuality in a middle grade focused way. The play is worked into the plot in an engaging way. Nic is a very understanding friend, and I enjoyed that her family was very different from Avery's. Andrew, Avery's brother, is a great and supportive character as well. The details about the calming effects of animals are great, and the cover is super adorable.
Weaknesses: I wish that Avery's father already had her in therapy. It's not something you ask your child to do. If that child has to work with the nurse to deal with panic attacks, you tell them to do it, and if costs are a problem, you work with the school counselor to figure something out. This is especially important if the child also might have lingering concerns about the mother leaving. I also had concerns for the cat's welfare. That said, my own daughter once kept a cat in her closet for two days before I realized it, so this is VERY true to life!
What I really think: The WISH novels are super popular in my library, and it's good to see one with an LGBTQIA+ focus. Will definitely purchase.
Avery and her father and older brother Andrew have finally moved out of an apartment into a house. Her mother left when she was very young. While Avery is glad that her father has a better job, he is busier, and it's been difficult for her to make friends because of her crippling social anxiety. She really likes Nic, who is very friendly, but is embarrassed by interactions in the past where she couldn't say anything. When a classmate, Harper, writes a play and wins a contest with it, the school starts practicing for a production of it. Nic overhears Avery singing and presses her to audition for a role, although this causes Avery to have a panic attack. The school nurse helps Avery calm down, but has to call her father. She gets the lead role of Juliet, and works with Nic to learn lines and also deal with her anxiety. She finds an abandoned kitten behind the school and makes it a cozy home, taking great comfort in the animal. When Harper realizes Avery is taking care of a cat, the two try to locate the owner. Harper seems to be having trouble at home; she often does not have lunch and is afraid to go home to her mother sometimes. As the play progresses, Nic and Harper start to hang out with Avery more, but she's still worried that they think she is odd. It doesn't help that Avery "like likes" Nic; she has only told her uncle that she likes girls, but her brother Andrew figures this out and tries to support her. Harper also can tell that Avery likes Nic, and tells Avery not to be shy; she might be surprised to learn how Nic feels. The play, the cat, her feelings for Nic-- this is all a lot. How will Avery be able to handle everything?
Strengths: Friend drama is always a popular topic for my students, and this is on trend for including topics of anxiety, challenging home situations, and emerging sexuality in a middle grade focused way. The play is worked into the plot in an engaging way. Nic is a very understanding friend, and I enjoyed that her family was very different from Avery's. Andrew, Avery's brother, is a great and supportive character as well. The details about the calming effects of animals are great, and the cover is super adorable.
Weaknesses: I wish that Avery's father already had her in therapy. It's not something you ask your child to do. If that child has to work with the nurse to deal with panic attacks, you tell them to do it, and if costs are a problem, you work with the school counselor to figure something out. This is especially important if the child also might have lingering concerns about the mother leaving. I also had concerns for the cat's welfare. That said, my own daughter once kept a cat in her closet for two days before I realized it, so this is VERY true to life!
What I really think: The WISH novels are super popular in my library, and it's good to see one with an LGBTQIA+ focus. Will definitely purchase.
February 10, 2021
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“Meow or Never” is such a cute book about friendship, drama, crushes, and an adorable cat.
Firstly, I thought the author wrote Avery very well. I could relate to how Avery was feeling. She got nervous in a crowd and had a hard time making friends. The author touched on the issue of anxiety in a relatable way that people to connect. Moreover, I thought she shared a wonderful friendship with Nic and Harper. I enjoyed Harper’s storyline as well and thought the author incorporated it very nicely. The author also wrote their group in a realistic manner, where you don’t know if the three of them will get along initially.
Secondly, I loved Avery and Nic together. It is so refreshing to see more books out that promoting LGTQ themes to the younger age group. The author writes their friendship cutely and charmingly. Nic is adorable throughout the story, and I loved her character. Even though Avery gets moody quite a lot, Nic is always there to cheer her up. She is one of those characters that you would love to be friends with in real life.
However, I wished the author had tweaked a few details. The main one being Avery’s relationship with Andrew. I thought Andrew was the perfect brother. He is frustrating most of the time but has your back when needed. But, I felt that Avery disliked him even after all he did for her. Moreover, Phantom’s storyline is left open-ended, which I found a bit odd. I hoped the author would bring closure to that storyline.
Apart from that, this was a cute middle-grade novel that I feel would resonate well with the younger readers.
January 10, 2021
This is a delightful story, skillfully written, containing a relatable MC with an engaging voice. Jazz Taylor sets the reader into the center of our hero's heart on the very first page and leads us on an emotional journey filled with heartbreak and small triumphs.
The story revolves around a friendless, anxiety-riddled middle school girl named Avery who unexpectedly finds herself the lead of her school play thanks to an amazing hidden talent: a singing voice she keeps in the closet, quite literally. When she finds a stray cat hiding in a theater closet, the animal gives her the peace she needs to do what she loves most. But Nic, the school's most talented actress—and Avery's secret crush—overhears Avery’s girl-to-cat serenade and her secret is out. Avery needs to overcome her anxiety to not only find the courage to sing in front of people, but also make a friend or two, and maybe that stray cat is the key.
Taylor skillfully weaves heavy topics into this children's novel, including anxiety, poverty, neglect, divorce, and sexual identity, along with all the normal pressures that make middle school so confusing...things like math class, annoying siblings, and first crushes. Despite this swirl of emotional content, Taylor manages to avoid overwhelming the reader, keeping the pace moving and the mood hopeful without glossing over the challenging themes and subject matter.
The key plot points center around a middle school theatre, and Taylor has done her homework. I work with a musical theatre company for this age group, and these scenes feel real. But the true emotional gems in this story are the scenes where Avery describes her anxiety attacks. Taylor does this with breathless intensity, giving the reader a sense of true empathy for Avery, as well as organically slipping in practical tools for those afflicted in the same way.
This is an excellent book for any young reader who is interested in theatre, loves animals (the scenes with the cat are adorable), is pondering sexual identity or has a friend who is, or deals with the stigma of mental illness in themselves or others. And if you or your student doesn’t fall into any of these categories, you’ll still enjoy this well-crafted story.
5 stars
The story revolves around a friendless, anxiety-riddled middle school girl named Avery who unexpectedly finds herself the lead of her school play thanks to an amazing hidden talent: a singing voice she keeps in the closet, quite literally. When she finds a stray cat hiding in a theater closet, the animal gives her the peace she needs to do what she loves most. But Nic, the school's most talented actress—and Avery's secret crush—overhears Avery’s girl-to-cat serenade and her secret is out. Avery needs to overcome her anxiety to not only find the courage to sing in front of people, but also make a friend or two, and maybe that stray cat is the key.
Taylor skillfully weaves heavy topics into this children's novel, including anxiety, poverty, neglect, divorce, and sexual identity, along with all the normal pressures that make middle school so confusing...things like math class, annoying siblings, and first crushes. Despite this swirl of emotional content, Taylor manages to avoid overwhelming the reader, keeping the pace moving and the mood hopeful without glossing over the challenging themes and subject matter.
The key plot points center around a middle school theatre, and Taylor has done her homework. I work with a musical theatre company for this age group, and these scenes feel real. But the true emotional gems in this story are the scenes where Avery describes her anxiety attacks. Taylor does this with breathless intensity, giving the reader a sense of true empathy for Avery, as well as organically slipping in practical tools for those afflicted in the same way.
This is an excellent book for any young reader who is interested in theatre, loves animals (the scenes with the cat are adorable), is pondering sexual identity or has a friend who is, or deals with the stigma of mental illness in themselves or others. And if you or your student doesn’t fall into any of these categories, you’ll still enjoy this well-crafted story.
5 stars
May 2, 2021
Avery Williams doesn't want to worry her dad with her anxiety attacks anymore and signs up to do the school play. She loves to sing, but not in front of people. Yet she gets the lead part and it is leading to more panic attacks. All the while, the girl she has a crush on is her best friend in the play. When Avery discovers a cat in the theater closet, she visits every day to calm her nerves. Yet what will she do when it is finally the night of the play and she still can't perform in front of people?
I read this with my 11-year-old, and we both loved it. The cover looks very cutesy, but this is an incredibly well done book. First off, it's a realistic look at a 12-year-old girl's first year at a new school in a new town. Avery has anxiety and has panic attacks. My son has the same thing, and the way Avery is portrayed and how they deal with the anxiety is spot on. (My son and I do the sensory scavenger hunts when he gets overwhelmed just like Avery!) I also very much loved how it isn't treated as a character flaw to be resolved, but as part of who Avery is and how they learn to cope with it and find support. Second, Avery likes girls, and I greatly love the LGBTQ+ representation in her dealing with her first crush. It isn't over the top or swept under the rug. It's just Avery who happens to like the girl who is playing her best friend in the play and who is becoming her friend outside of the theater too. Avery's friends each have their own struggles, but together, they hope to find strength. There needs to be more books like this for young readers.
Did I mention how much I love this book?!
I read this with my 11-year-old, and we both loved it. The cover looks very cutesy, but this is an incredibly well done book. First off, it's a realistic look at a 12-year-old girl's first year at a new school in a new town. Avery has anxiety and has panic attacks. My son has the same thing, and the way Avery is portrayed and how they deal with the anxiety is spot on. (My son and I do the sensory scavenger hunts when he gets overwhelmed just like Avery!) I also very much loved how it isn't treated as a character flaw to be resolved, but as part of who Avery is and how they learn to cope with it and find support. Second, Avery likes girls, and I greatly love the LGBTQ+ representation in her dealing with her first crush. It isn't over the top or swept under the rug. It's just Avery who happens to like the girl who is playing her best friend in the play and who is becoming her friend outside of the theater too. Avery's friends each have their own struggles, but together, they hope to find strength. There needs to be more books like this for young readers.
Did I mention how much I love this book?!
October 22, 2023
I’d like to first say that this is an LGBTQ+ book. However, there are zero markings on this book stating so. (I’ve looked several times) In fact, the back of the book says something about Avery having a crush on “Nic” which leads you to believe that Nic is a boy. (The use of the name Nic does feel particularly misleading and to be honest that is what doesn’t feel right ) I dunno, maybe I sound like a homophobe, maybe I don’t, I don’t really care either way. One of my children belong in the LGBTQ+ community.
However, what happens when a child picks this book out at the book fair due to the cute kitty on the front. Brings it home for their parent to read to them at bedtime. What if their parent is “Christian “ or another gay hating religion?
*Please clearly mark the proper genre of book. You are being deceptive*
With that being said, the book is pretty cute. Minus the overuse of things like “I feel like dying” “I could die” (literally over and over and over) “I’m gonna kill” “ the are going to kill me” just stupid stuff like that. Let’s teach our children to choose their words wisely. Our words are our wands ok!
Avery, overcomes her anxiety and fears, makes new friends and solves all life’s tough problems.
However, what happens when a child picks this book out at the book fair due to the cute kitty on the front. Brings it home for their parent to read to them at bedtime. What if their parent is “Christian “ or another gay hating religion?
*Please clearly mark the proper genre of book. You are being deceptive*
With that being said, the book is pretty cute. Minus the overuse of things like “I feel like dying” “I could die” (literally over and over and over) “I’m gonna kill” “ the are going to kill me” just stupid stuff like that. Let’s teach our children to choose their words wisely. Our words are our wands ok!
Avery, overcomes her anxiety and fears, makes new friends and solves all life’s tough problems.
April 2, 2023
SPOILER ALERT BELOW!!!
Okay, my daughter bought this book at a book fair, seeing a cute cat on the front and after reading the back it sounded good. She is in 5th grade and this book says that's the perfect grade to read this. She got 3 chapters in and realized the main character is gay, lesbian to be exact, and wasn't sure if she should read any further. I read the entire book and here are my thoughts and some things I think parents would like to know. The main character has a crush on a girl named Nic. Nic is a girl who befriends her. There friendship progresses as the book the main character learns that Nic is also lesbian and the two have a brief kiss in the book and end up as girlfriends in the end. I was extremely disappointed in the language it threw in there. Example wow she is such a -----. Not okay for us, not even at 5th grade reading level. Hard pass!! At this point my husband and I have chosen to not let her read the book, a few to many personal and religious reasons. If you chose to let your child read it that's your choice. Thank you for listening.
Okay, my daughter bought this book at a book fair, seeing a cute cat on the front and after reading the back it sounded good. She is in 5th grade and this book says that's the perfect grade to read this. She got 3 chapters in and realized the main character is gay, lesbian to be exact, and wasn't sure if she should read any further. I read the entire book and here are my thoughts and some things I think parents would like to know. The main character has a crush on a girl named Nic. Nic is a girl who befriends her. There friendship progresses as the book the main character learns that Nic is also lesbian and the two have a brief kiss in the book and end up as girlfriends in the end. I was extremely disappointed in the language it threw in there. Example wow she is such a -----. Not okay for us, not even at 5th grade reading level. Hard pass!! At this point my husband and I have chosen to not let her read the book, a few to many personal and religious reasons. If you chose to let your child read it that's your choice. Thank you for listening.
February 5, 2021
What a sweet middle grade story! Avery's struggle to make friends and find her place is so relatable. Even as an adult, I felt that awkward self-doubt that just consumes you when you think you might not be able to find your people. I love that she challenged herself, and yet was also able to recognize when things were too much and she needed to back off. And I love that she was supported in that recognition! Too many times, in both books and in life, kids are pressured to work through their pain in the name of "not giving up." I loved the compromise solution for Avery's participation in the school musical, one that let her share her gifts and work within her brain's need to manage her anxiety.
It was such a bonus that this story featured a main character who was a Black girl and a lesbian. Avery is relatable no matter who you are, but what a breath of fresh air to see a girl like her in a scholastic book. More please!
It was such a bonus that this story featured a main character who was a Black girl and a lesbian. Avery is relatable no matter who you are, but what a breath of fresh air to see a girl like her in a scholastic book. More please!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2021
2021 Read Harder: Children's Book That Centers a Disabled Character but Not Their Disability & Book That Features a Beloved Pet Where the Pet Doesn't Die
Whew, those are some long Read Harder categories! I got this book from the Book Riot Read Harder suggestions for the first category, and I was so excited when it fit the second as well. Avery Williams (like the author) has anxiety, but the story is mostly about how her crush at her new school (Nic) overhears her singing and insists Avery try out for the school musical. Avery also finds and adopts a stray cat in the back of the school theater, whom she names Phantom (yep, after that Phantom;).
This was a sweet quick read, and thing I liked most about it was an #OwnVoices middle grade book with a Black lesbian protagonist who has anxiety. All girls deserve to see themselves in fiction, and we need more books like this.
Whew, those are some long Read Harder categories! I got this book from the Book Riot Read Harder suggestions for the first category, and I was so excited when it fit the second as well. Avery Williams (like the author) has anxiety, but the story is mostly about how her crush at her new school (Nic) overhears her singing and insists Avery try out for the school musical. Avery also finds and adopts a stray cat in the back of the school theater, whom she names Phantom (yep, after that Phantom;).
This was a sweet quick read, and thing I liked most about it was an #OwnVoices middle grade book with a Black lesbian protagonist who has anxiety. All girls deserve to see themselves in fiction, and we need more books like this.
September 29, 2022
So٫ I got this at a book fair at my school. I also got one other book that's also cat related٫ but that's unimportant.
This book is very fun to read. The usage of figurative language makes this book entertaining to read. But that's just one good thing about it. You feel the emotions the characters do when you read the words; it almost feels like you're the character. The story mainly goes over 2 things: Friendship and Stage Fright. This book goes over those beautifully. There is also a lot of character development and I love character development. Now I know you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover٫ but I really like the cover design. It's so colorful and whoever designed the cover chose the perfect fonts. The all-lowercase letters used for the title shown on the cover gives it a simplistic feel.
I highly recommend that you read this. It's beautiful٫ inspiring٫ and relatable.
This book is very fun to read. The usage of figurative language makes this book entertaining to read. But that's just one good thing about it. You feel the emotions the characters do when you read the words; it almost feels like you're the character. The story mainly goes over 2 things: Friendship and Stage Fright. This book goes over those beautifully. There is also a lot of character development and I love character development. Now I know you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover٫ but I really like the cover design. It's so colorful and whoever designed the cover chose the perfect fonts. The all-lowercase letters used for the title shown on the cover gives it a simplistic feel.
I highly recommend that you read this. It's beautiful٫ inspiring٫ and relatable.
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