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Fifty-Four Things Wrong with Gwendolyn Rogers
An own voices story that shines a light on how one girl's learning differences are neither right nor wrong...just perfectly individual.
No one can figure out what Gwendolyn Rogers's problem is--not her mom, or her teachers, or any of the many therapists she's seen. But Gwendolyn knows she doesn't have just one thing wrong with her: she has fifty-four.
At least, according to a confidential school report (that she read because she is #16. Sneaky, not to mention #13. Impulsive). So Gwendolyn needs a plan, because if she doesn't get these fifty-four things under control, she's not going to be able to go to horse camp this summer with her half-brother, Tyler.
But Tyler can't help her because there's only one thing "wrong" with him: ADHD.
And her best friend Hettie can't help her because there's nothing wrong with Hettie. She's perfect.
So Gwendolyn is hopeless until she remembers the one thing that helped her mother when her own life was out of control. Or actually, the twelve things. Can these Twelve Steps that cured her mother somehow cure Gwendolyn too?
No one can figure out what Gwendolyn Rogers's problem is--not her mom, or her teachers, or any of the many therapists she's seen. But Gwendolyn knows she doesn't have just one thing wrong with her: she has fifty-four.
At least, according to a confidential school report (that she read because she is #16. Sneaky, not to mention #13. Impulsive). So Gwendolyn needs a plan, because if she doesn't get these fifty-four things under control, she's not going to be able to go to horse camp this summer with her half-brother, Tyler.
But Tyler can't help her because there's only one thing "wrong" with him: ADHD.
And her best friend Hettie can't help her because there's nothing wrong with Hettie. She's perfect.
So Gwendolyn is hopeless until she remembers the one thing that helped her mother when her own life was out of control. Or actually, the twelve things. Can these Twelve Steps that cured her mother somehow cure Gwendolyn too?
336 pages, Hardcover
First published October 19, 2021
91 people are currently reading
3638 people want to read
About the author
Caela Carter
10 books344 followersCaela Carter grew up in Basking Ridge, NJ and Baltimore, MD. She's been writing since she learned how to pick up a pen but before the writing thing got serious she spent six years teaching English to middle and high school students in Jacksonville, FL and Chicago, IL. Her debut novel, ME, HIM, THEM AND IT was published in 2013 by Bloomsbury. When she's not writing, Caela is a teacher of some awesome teens in Brooklyn, a Notre Dame football enthusiast, and a happy explorer in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
January 17, 2025
⤷ UPDATE (2025): I have officially switched to Storygraph and thus won't be active on Goodreads any longer.
So... I primarily picked this one up because it's one of the few (fiction) books out there with actual/canon/confirmed ADHD representation and I’m really glad it exists (cause there are plenty of characters I 1000000% firmly believe are neurodivergent/have ADHD bUT unfortunately it's usually all headcanons and stuff) so yey... kudos to Caela Carter for shedding a light on our community (and doing so in a very empathetic way).
Overall, I quite enjoyed it, especially because I heavily related to Gwendolyn as a character (though, I'm fairly certain any neurotypical reader would quickly tire of her/find her incredibly annoying). Since I listened to the audiobook (I seldom purchase middle-grade books... besides this was only available as a hardcover and was hella expensive) I couldn't annotate it but trust me, there were lots and lots of moments where I wanted to highlight something because it resonated with me on such a personal level.
However, this was supposed to be middle-grade (which it technically was) but I don't think a twelve-year-old would like this very much or particularly care for it. Even if the twelve-year-old in question has ADHD and might see themself represented on the page (come on, let's be real, what ADHD kid would sit down and be able to focus enough to get through this type of novel?) I certainly wouldn't have enjoyed it as a kid. When I was that age I was too busy devouring the Percy Jackson series (which, ironically, has rather terribly written ADHD rep, but whatever).
I just don't necessarily think contemporary is the right genre for more ADHD representation. Obviously, it makes sense that it is pretty much the only genre that actually addresses everyday issues and calls ADHD by its name, but... I dunno, man... contemporary is not the way to go, my dudes (am I turning into Argyle? seems like it).
A book such as this one might cater more to teachers or parents who want to see the world through the eyes of a neurodivergent kid to understand it better. In my opinion, Caela Carter perfectly captured the inner turmoil as well as the everyday chaos someone with ADHD (might) experience(s). As grateful and excited as I am about the prospect of getting more contemporary (mainly middle-grade) novels including neurodivergent characters - protagonists, even - I simply... don't see myself reading too many of them or getting particularly attached to any of them in the near future.
Just check the ADHD community on Tumblr and scroll through the most popular/widely accepted headcanons (e.g. Peter Parker, Jesper Fahey, Richie Tozier, literally any character from Stranger Things, etc.) and you'll notice that all of them are part of vast universes with compelling action-driven/fantastical/imaginative stories, so yeah... Give us monster-hunting dumbasses who share one (1) brain cell, or smart albeit a little messy and hyperactive thieves planning impossible heists and robberies, or whatever creative alternative you can come up with... just... everyday life is hard and boring enough for us already, so...
So... I primarily picked this one up because it's one of the few (fiction) books out there with actual/canon/confirmed ADHD representation and I’m really glad it exists (cause there are plenty of characters I 1000000% firmly believe are neurodivergent/have ADHD bUT unfortunately it's usually all headcanons and stuff) so yey... kudos to Caela Carter for shedding a light on our community (and doing so in a very empathetic way).
Overall, I quite enjoyed it, especially because I heavily related to Gwendolyn as a character (though, I'm fairly certain any neurotypical reader would quickly tire of her/find her incredibly annoying). Since I listened to the audiobook (I seldom purchase middle-grade books... besides this was only available as a hardcover and was hella expensive) I couldn't annotate it but trust me, there were lots and lots of moments where I wanted to highlight something because it resonated with me on such a personal level.
However, this was supposed to be middle-grade (which it technically was) but I don't think a twelve-year-old would like this very much or particularly care for it. Even if the twelve-year-old in question has ADHD and might see themself represented on the page (come on, let's be real, what ADHD kid would sit down and be able to focus enough to get through this type of novel?) I certainly wouldn't have enjoyed it as a kid. When I was that age I was too busy devouring the Percy Jackson series (which, ironically, has rather terribly written ADHD rep, but whatever).
I just don't necessarily think contemporary is the right genre for more ADHD representation. Obviously, it makes sense that it is pretty much the only genre that actually addresses everyday issues and calls ADHD by its name, but... I dunno, man... contemporary is not the way to go, my dudes (am I turning into Argyle? seems like it).
A book such as this one might cater more to teachers or parents who want to see the world through the eyes of a neurodivergent kid to understand it better. In my opinion, Caela Carter perfectly captured the inner turmoil as well as the everyday chaos someone with ADHD (might) experience(s). As grateful and excited as I am about the prospect of getting more contemporary (mainly middle-grade) novels including neurodivergent characters - protagonists, even - I simply... don't see myself reading too many of them or getting particularly attached to any of them in the near future.
Just check the ADHD community on Tumblr and scroll through the most popular/widely accepted headcanons (e.g. Peter Parker, Jesper Fahey, Richie Tozier, literally any character from Stranger Things, etc.) and you'll notice that all of them are part of vast universes with compelling action-driven/fantastical/imaginative stories, so yeah... Give us monster-hunting dumbasses who share one (1) brain cell, or smart albeit a little messy and hyperactive thieves planning impossible heists and robberies, or whatever creative alternative you can come up with... just... everyday life is hard and boring enough for us already, so...
August 23, 2022
This is a book about the struggles of being neurodivergent in a world designed for the neurotypical, a struggle that is personal to me, but also one that I also see nearly every day with my young library patrons. Middle-grade readers who love a big-hearted, empathy building story will love this book, especially kids who are neurodivergent themselves, but I most strongly recommend this book to any adult who works with children or is parenting a neurodivergent child. As if I didn't already love this book enough, bonus points for featuring a nonbinary 5th grader. They aren't in many scenes, but they make a huge impact.
June 7, 2021
I am a huge reader, and I read a lot faster than most people. But I don’t normally finish a book in one day unless it was amazing. Fifty-Four Things Wrong with Gwendolyn Rogers was one of those books. Ms. Carter has written a beautiful story, and it places you right in Gwendolyn’s head. You’ll root and cheer for Gwendolyn and you will feel for her every step of the way. It was almost making my heart hurt how badly I felt for her!
Gwendolyn Rogers knows something’s wrong with her. After she reads a school report, she knows that there’s actually fifty-four things wrong with her including being socially inept, picky about appearance, and forgetful. But if Gwendolyn wants to go to horse camp with her half-brother, Tyler, she’ll have to figure out how to get her fifty-four things under control. And she remembers that her mother did Twelve Steps to help her when her life was out of control. Maybe the same steps that helped her mother can help her too?
There were so many wonderful things about this book, but above all I loved the rawness of Gwendolyn’s voice. She was trying so hard to be perfect, and I felt incredibly bad for her as she tried to “fix” herself. And I thought it was eye opening to see how many thoughts and feelings she had inside her head. One of the reasons why I love reading books is because it gives you so much empathy for people. Fifty-Four Things Wrong with Gwendolyn Rogers was one of those books. It shows you how other people are struggling, and I believe it will help children to show kindness especially to people who are “weird”.
Thankfully, Gwendolyn had a lot of wonderful people in her life show kindness to her. I loved Tyler, and how the two of them clicked in such a wonderful way. It was hard for Gwendolyn because she adored her brother, but it was clear to her that her mother and her friends did not. But I really appreciated how her mother was not painted as the villain. She was a single mother who was trying to help her daughter, but all of her ideas weren’t working. They had to learn how to communicate with each other instead of going straight to fighting. This was a wonderful book that I would definitely recommend to a middle schooler and their parents! I love how the importance of communication was shown, and I think parents and children talking though this book would also be helpful. There is a prominent theme of a non binary individual.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
Gwendolyn Rogers knows something’s wrong with her. After she reads a school report, she knows that there’s actually fifty-four things wrong with her including being socially inept, picky about appearance, and forgetful. But if Gwendolyn wants to go to horse camp with her half-brother, Tyler, she’ll have to figure out how to get her fifty-four things under control. And she remembers that her mother did Twelve Steps to help her when her life was out of control. Maybe the same steps that helped her mother can help her too?
There were so many wonderful things about this book, but above all I loved the rawness of Gwendolyn’s voice. She was trying so hard to be perfect, and I felt incredibly bad for her as she tried to “fix” herself. And I thought it was eye opening to see how many thoughts and feelings she had inside her head. One of the reasons why I love reading books is because it gives you so much empathy for people. Fifty-Four Things Wrong with Gwendolyn Rogers was one of those books. It shows you how other people are struggling, and I believe it will help children to show kindness especially to people who are “weird”.
Thankfully, Gwendolyn had a lot of wonderful people in her life show kindness to her. I loved Tyler, and how the two of them clicked in such a wonderful way. It was hard for Gwendolyn because she adored her brother, but it was clear to her that her mother and her friends did not. But I really appreciated how her mother was not painted as the villain. She was a single mother who was trying to help her daughter, but all of her ideas weren’t working. They had to learn how to communicate with each other instead of going straight to fighting. This was a wonderful book that I would definitely recommend to a middle schooler and their parents! I love how the importance of communication was shown, and I think parents and children talking though this book would also be helpful. There is a prominent theme of a non binary individual.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
August 6, 2022
For every teacher.
For every parent.
For every child.
💙
For every parent.
For every child.
💙
March 11, 2023
A must read 4 star
October 19, 2021
Gwendolyn Rogers is a fifth-grader who loves horses, her hamster Mr. Jojo, and her half-brother Tyler. But every night, after she’s tucked in tight, she reads over her list, a list of fifty-four things wrong with her.
Gwen is bright and intelligent, but she’s forgetful (loses her pencils), argumentative (fights with her mom), reactive (throws things), and can be rude (says whatever). Her mom took her for assessment when she was younger, and it came back without a diagnosis. Gwen’s mom, a recovering alcoholic and single parent, has been trying to help Gwen the best she can, but with no real luck.
Gwen continues to get in trouble at school. Her mom is exhausted, and Gwen doesn’t understand why she can’t have a diagnosis like Tyler, who has ADHD. Finally, they meet Dr. Nessa, who truly listens to Gwen, even when she’s angry and loud. And when the list of fifty-four things is discovered, real progress is made.
𝐅𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐲-𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐖𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐲𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 is as heartbreaking as it is eye-opening. Caela Carter did a marvelous job conveying how frustrated Gwen would get. How her feelings of anger and sadness would crawl up inside, and she would have to battle her own thoughts and feelings. Gwen thought something was wrong with her.
I loved how this story displayed how positive affirmation, proper resources, diagnosis (if needed), and of course, loving support systems are so crucial, not just to neurodiverse children but to all children.
Thank you to @harperkids and @harpercollins for an invite to this tour and a gifted copy.
Gwen is bright and intelligent, but she’s forgetful (loses her pencils), argumentative (fights with her mom), reactive (throws things), and can be rude (says whatever). Her mom took her for assessment when she was younger, and it came back without a diagnosis. Gwen’s mom, a recovering alcoholic and single parent, has been trying to help Gwen the best she can, but with no real luck.
Gwen continues to get in trouble at school. Her mom is exhausted, and Gwen doesn’t understand why she can’t have a diagnosis like Tyler, who has ADHD. Finally, they meet Dr. Nessa, who truly listens to Gwen, even when she’s angry and loud. And when the list of fifty-four things is discovered, real progress is made.
𝐅𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐲-𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐖𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐲𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 is as heartbreaking as it is eye-opening. Caela Carter did a marvelous job conveying how frustrated Gwen would get. How her feelings of anger and sadness would crawl up inside, and she would have to battle her own thoughts and feelings. Gwen thought something was wrong with her.
I loved how this story displayed how positive affirmation, proper resources, diagnosis (if needed), and of course, loving support systems are so crucial, not just to neurodiverse children but to all children.
Thank you to @harperkids and @harpercollins for an invite to this tour and a gifted copy.
September 15, 2023
I’m in awe of Gwendolyn Rogers and Caela Carter. This is a very real and comforting peek at how hard childhood can be for a round peg in a square hole, and a single parent trying to do the best they can for her daughter in a world that doesn’t always have either of their best interests at heart. I love how Gwendolyn personifies her emotions as it gives the entire novel the youthful feel of a pre-teen narrator/main character. The neurodiversity representation is the main draw here but there’s also surprising LGBTQ+ representation that is so naturally integrated into the story and really well done.
Simply put, Fifty Four Things Wrong with Gwendolyn Rogers is a book that I won’t soon forget and one that I urge all that have interactions with children to read.
Simply put, Fifty Four Things Wrong with Gwendolyn Rogers is a book that I won’t soon forget and one that I urge all that have interactions with children to read.
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February 10, 2021Honored to have gotten an early read of this wonderful middle grade novel. Caela wrote this book FOR kids, and it will shine a light for so so many readers.
November 7, 2023
3.75 stars, rounded up. A mother and daughter grow in love and appreciation for each other in this story about eleven-year-old Gwendolyn who is tired of feeling like she is a problem to everyone around her. Gwen seems to always be getting into trouble at school despite her best intentions and her Mom's plans to help her . When the two visit Doctor Nessa, is it possible that Gwen will finally get a diagnosis and solution that works for her?
I loved Gwen and you will too if you stick with this book. The story might seem a little slow for the first third, but picks up when Gwen decides to try the Twelve Steps (this is before the visit to Doctor Nessa) on her own.
I loved Gwen and you will too if you stick with this book. The story might seem a little slow for the first third, but picks up when Gwen decides to try the Twelve Steps (this is before the visit to Doctor Nessa) on her own.
March 23, 2023
Just wow! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I read a lot of middle grade books & this is one of the ones that connected with me the most. I found myself tearing up in spots, cheering in spots, & looking forward to each time I had to put it down. Gwendolyn is a marvel & more adults & kids should know this story because it’s one that many kids and families relate to. Adults I highly recommend this one to you too!
I can’t wait to read another book by Caela Carter & share this one with students. #McDReads
I read a lot of middle grade books & this is one of the ones that connected with me the most. I found myself tearing up in spots, cheering in spots, & looking forward to each time I had to put it down. Gwendolyn is a marvel & more adults & kids should know this story because it’s one that many kids and families relate to. Adults I highly recommend this one to you too!
I can’t wait to read another book by Caela Carter & share this one with students. #McDReads
August 11, 2025
3.75⭐️
This middle grade read follows Gwendolyn who is struggling becuase her brain isn’t working the same as everyone else’s at school.
This was an exploration of the labels we give for neurodivergence and how quick society can be blame the child vs taking the time to understand what they need.
This felt really heartfelt to me as I often work with children that need us to do things differently so it makes sense for them.
This middle grade read follows Gwendolyn who is struggling becuase her brain isn’t working the same as everyone else’s at school.
This was an exploration of the labels we give for neurodivergence and how quick society can be blame the child vs taking the time to understand what they need.
This felt really heartfelt to me as I often work with children that need us to do things differently so it makes sense for them.
March 29, 2024
I read this book as it is on the Oregon Battle of the Books list for 2024-2025. I really struggled with this book. As someone who works in a school setting, it was hard not to feel triggered by some of the difficult behaviors that Gwendolyn exhibited. I felt like the book empathized with Gwendolyn and her mom but villainized every staff member that worked with her. It seems to be the expectation that people making low wages in schools and after school care should be immediately moving on after someone chucks a computer in their face (as Gwendolyn does) or screams so loudly that our ears are ringing for days… That staff members are bad people for being really frustrated and experiencing PTSD-style reactions for repeated big behaviors. But this is honestly the reality for those of us on the other side of violent behaviors. As much as it’s so difficult for the kids and the parents, it’s also a leading cause of burnout and secondary trauma. People go into education because they want to help ALL kids. I just wish that this book could have showed some empathy for the adults trying to help kids in a school setting rather than villainizing them.
January 7, 2023
4.5 rounded up
Great book about 11yo Gwendolyn and her neurodivergent brain. I was 1000000% with the MC all the way - she spoke to MY neuro-atypical brain so completely!!
Loved the weaving in of others' stories: Mum in AA, brother with ADHD that was very different to MC's diagnosis (loved, too, that there was a recognition of research and medication working predominantly for white boys), and an enby friend. Also loved the understanding that neurotypical people aren't perfect either!
#family #love
CW: medical drugs trialed, AA 12 step programme discussed.
Great book about 11yo Gwendolyn and her neurodivergent brain. I was 1000000% with the MC all the way - she spoke to MY neuro-atypical brain so completely!!
Loved the weaving in of others' stories: Mum in AA, brother with ADHD that was very different to MC's diagnosis (loved, too, that there was a recognition of research and medication working predominantly for white boys), and an enby friend. Also loved the understanding that neurotypical people aren't perfect either!
#family #love
CW: medical drugs trialed, AA 12 step programme discussed.
February 24, 2023
I especially appreciated the author’s note following this engaging story of one very misunderstood young lady.
February 22, 2022
An own voices story that shines a light on how one girl's learning differences are neither right nor wrong...just perfectly individual.
No one can figure out what Gwendolyn Rogers's problem is--not her mom, or her teachers, or any of the many therapists she's seen. But Gwendolyn knows she doesn't have just one thing wrong with her: she has fifty-four.
At least, according to a confidential school report (that she read because she is #16. Sneaky, not to mention #13. Impulsive). So Gwendolyn needs a plan, because if she doesn't get these fifty-four things under control, she's not going to be able to go to horse camp this summer with her half-brother, Tyler.
But Tyler can't help her because there's only one thing "wrong" with him: ADHD.
And her best friend Hettie can't help her because there's nothing wrong with Hettie. She's perfect.
So Gwendolyn is hopeless until she remembers the one thing that helped her mother when her own life was out of control. Or actually, the twelve things. Can these Twelve Steps that cured her mother somehow cure Gwendolyn too?
No one can figure out what Gwendolyn Rogers's problem is--not her mom, or her teachers, or any of the many therapists she's seen. But Gwendolyn knows she doesn't have just one thing wrong with her: she has fifty-four.
At least, according to a confidential school report (that she read because she is #16. Sneaky, not to mention #13. Impulsive). So Gwendolyn needs a plan, because if she doesn't get these fifty-four things under control, she's not going to be able to go to horse camp this summer with her half-brother, Tyler.
But Tyler can't help her because there's only one thing "wrong" with him: ADHD.
And her best friend Hettie can't help her because there's nothing wrong with Hettie. She's perfect.
So Gwendolyn is hopeless until she remembers the one thing that helped her mother when her own life was out of control. Or actually, the twelve things. Can these Twelve Steps that cured her mother somehow cure Gwendolyn too?
December 22, 2024
One of the books in the Oregon Battle of Books for third-graders - fairly heavy for 8-yos. The story is about Gwendolyn Rogers, a girl not yet diagnosed with ADHD but showing several symptoms of behavior that is neurodiverse. Add to it a recovering alcoholic single mother, a half-brother who is diagnosed with ADHD, and a non-binary friend, and you have a novel that is probably best understood by an adult although it is narrated by a 10-yo.
July 11, 2025
Wow this book!
There were a few times I had to remind myself this was written for middle schoolers (I struggled with the conversations around non-binary… they just seemed so juvenile) but the overall premise of the book was amazing. I think every person who works with children-young adults needs to read and understand this book. I constantly was thinking about kids I work with, their behaviors, and how to be more patient.
There were a few times I had to remind myself this was written for middle schoolers (I struggled with the conversations around non-binary… they just seemed so juvenile) but the overall premise of the book was amazing. I think every person who works with children-young adults needs to read and understand this book. I constantly was thinking about kids I work with, their behaviors, and how to be more patient.
January 8, 2022
I’ve give this five stars not because it is the best book ever written, but because it lets you see the world through the eyes of an ADHD kid like I was. I hope everyone dealing with a tough kid reads it.
June 21, 2023
Great, I even got a little teary eyed in a couple of places. Great to see the author is writing from an own voice perspective.
October 19, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and Quill Tree Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. Here is that review:
3.5 stars
Gwendolyn, the m.c. of this memorable middle grade novel, is filled with energy, enthusiasm, conflicting but powerful emotions, and a deep sense of self-loathing that comes from her past discovery of the titular 54 things wrong with her. From the intro to the conclusion, readers get a clear view into how challenging and tiring just existing is for Gwendolyn. Though she has noble intentions, she is compelled constantly by almost mystical seeming forces that cause her to react and behave in ways that do not match the structures in which she exists. Most readers who jump into this novel are going to (1) learn so much about Gwendolyn's thought process and likely (hopefully!) develop empathy for her and (2) question their understanding of folks with the various diagnoses discussed throughout the work.
Along with the well drawn m.c., readers benefit from a number of fantastic ancillary inclusions: Gwendolyn's mom, Dr. Nessa, Tyler (her half brother), and a variety of friends. It is impossible not to feel for Gwendolyn's mom, who is both an alcoholic in recovery and a single parent. She has a child who is awesome but very tiring, even to read about, and hearts may audibly break as readers consider her experience. Gwendolyn's friends are a lot of fun, and one overall wish I had for the novel was to replace some of the repeated details/nitty gritty of Gwendolyn's appointments with more friendly face time. Marty, especially, is a great character who needs more space in this work.
This is my second Carter read, and while I do feel like some of the balance could shift in the aforementioned areas, I also learned so much from the portrayal of these characters. I am excited to recommend this one to students and to folks looking to know more about the various topics explored within.
3.5 stars
Gwendolyn, the m.c. of this memorable middle grade novel, is filled with energy, enthusiasm, conflicting but powerful emotions, and a deep sense of self-loathing that comes from her past discovery of the titular 54 things wrong with her. From the intro to the conclusion, readers get a clear view into how challenging and tiring just existing is for Gwendolyn. Though she has noble intentions, she is compelled constantly by almost mystical seeming forces that cause her to react and behave in ways that do not match the structures in which she exists. Most readers who jump into this novel are going to (1) learn so much about Gwendolyn's thought process and likely (hopefully!) develop empathy for her and (2) question their understanding of folks with the various diagnoses discussed throughout the work.
Along with the well drawn m.c., readers benefit from a number of fantastic ancillary inclusions: Gwendolyn's mom, Dr. Nessa, Tyler (her half brother), and a variety of friends. It is impossible not to feel for Gwendolyn's mom, who is both an alcoholic in recovery and a single parent. She has a child who is awesome but very tiring, even to read about, and hearts may audibly break as readers consider her experience. Gwendolyn's friends are a lot of fun, and one overall wish I had for the novel was to replace some of the repeated details/nitty gritty of Gwendolyn's appointments with more friendly face time. Marty, especially, is a great character who needs more space in this work.
This is my second Carter read, and while I do feel like some of the balance could shift in the aforementioned areas, I also learned so much from the portrayal of these characters. I am excited to recommend this one to students and to folks looking to know more about the various topics explored within.
January 1, 2024
This book is such an important one to help understand mental health. I want so many to read this, specifically adults, if I’m being honest. It has insight into the struggles when fighting against your own brain as you work to figure out how to survive.
April 3, 2021
Gwendolyn Rogers is an eleven year old girl who has 54 problems, according to her IEP. She really stresses over these things, but isn't really sure how to fix them all because it seems she is always bad. Getting angry. Being forgetful. Running when she should be going back to class. It's just that she can't focus sometimes and the thoughts in her head are overwhelming, and the adults at school sure expect a lot out of her.
This book focuses on ADHD and how the thoughts of someone with ADHD can go a million places in the span of two minutes. What seems like laziness and inattentiveness to the adults around her are actually quite different in the mind of Gwendolyn. This book shows her journey through treatment and help for her ADHD.
This book focuses on ADHD and how the thoughts of someone with ADHD can go a million places in the span of two minutes. What seems like laziness and inattentiveness to the adults around her are actually quite different in the mind of Gwendolyn. This book shows her journey through treatment and help for her ADHD.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2021
If you are a parent, read this book. If you are a teacher/educator, read this book. If you come in contact with kids in any shape or form, read this book. Though the book is geared towards children, I think it might be even more important for adults to read it too. Caela Carter is one of my all time favorite authors, this book sealed the deal even more.
August 4, 2024
This is a fantastic book for young people with ADHD, families and educators. Written by an author with ADHD, the main characters are relatable for anyone with neurodiversity. A great read aloud for an intermediate class with lots to unpack and discuss.
November 14, 2021
My inner child feels seen.
January 26, 2022
Gwendolyn knows there are 54 things wrong with her, because she secretly wrote them all down from the IEP testing results she wasn't supposed to see, and she reads over them obsessively night after night as she tries to figure out how to be a better person whose brain doesn't "crack" when anger gets out. Her mother has tried plan after plan after plan, and is about at her wit's end with trying to help Gwen, and trying to deal with school and teachers is just exhausting for someone with Gwen's brain. Now, though, Gwen is desperate to go to horse camp with her half-brother (who also goes to her school), so her mother uses that as bait to try to get Gwen to keep control of herself, but that doesn't work, either, and Gwen has already lost the privilege of going riding (I forget how), and she's desperate to get back to Dandelion, her favorite ornery horse. As things get worse and worse, where can they find help? Can a new doctor help Gwen? Will meds help? And are there really 54 things wrong with her?
This was so hard to read, partly because it was hard to spend time with Gwen at the start--you could see why her mother was frayed to a thread, and why teachers didn't know what to do; it was really difficult for everyone, not the least Gwen, to try to figure out what to do so that her life and everyone else's wouldn't be so hard. I thought the book did a great job of building Gwen's character, and she does grow on you and you so wish that she could figure herself out so that being in the world wouldn't be so hard on her, and her anger issues would stay locked away. I liked how she personified all her emotions, and how she described what it was like in her brain when things were happening that neuro-typical kids wouldn't think twice about or have any trouble dealing with. I liked how there were no easy solutions, but that finding a doctor who really listened and didn't give up was the key--but also that the key to finding that doctor was accepting help from someone whom the mother didn't want help from. There was just a lot to unpack here, and a lot for those of us lucky enough not to have these issues to understand and learn. I did wish that the mean teacher had been called out by some adult somewhere, since Gwen did finally tell her mother and the doctor about his meanness, but otherwise, I thought this was great--if difficult! Kind of like Gwen herself.
This was so hard to read, partly because it was hard to spend time with Gwen at the start--you could see why her mother was frayed to a thread, and why teachers didn't know what to do; it was really difficult for everyone, not the least Gwen, to try to figure out what to do so that her life and everyone else's wouldn't be so hard. I thought the book did a great job of building Gwen's character, and she does grow on you and you so wish that she could figure herself out so that being in the world wouldn't be so hard on her, and her anger issues would stay locked away. I liked how she personified all her emotions, and how she described what it was like in her brain when things were happening that neuro-typical kids wouldn't think twice about or have any trouble dealing with. I liked how there were no easy solutions, but that finding a doctor who really listened and didn't give up was the key--but also that the key to finding that doctor was accepting help from someone whom the mother didn't want help from. There was just a lot to unpack here, and a lot for those of us lucky enough not to have these issues to understand and learn. I did wish that the mean teacher had been called out by some adult somewhere, since Gwen did finally tell her mother and the doctor about his meanness, but otherwise, I thought this was great--if difficult! Kind of like Gwen herself.
March 17, 2025
This book was on the 2024-2025 OBOB (Oregon Battle of the Books) list for 3-5 grades. I read it because my name rarely appears in ANY book but also, I heard it was a good read and that the main character struggles with ADHD. The characters in this book are well written and complex. It takes some time to connect to each of them but when you do, boy can it take an emotional toll! There are some really hard situations that can break your heart. I recommend this book to any teacher or parent dealing with a child who has struggles, whether it’s ADHD or something else. It was pretty impactful and a really insightful read.
August 14, 2024
I'm not crying, you're crying.
What a beautiful read. Not going to lie, the first part was a tough read, Gwen is so trying and my natural instincts towards her were punishment, fear, threats of compliance, exasperation. But, the second half was magical, and the ending - just tears.
There is also such incredible, poignant representation of race, addiction, lgbtq2+, class and income disparity, in kid-friendly language.
This has changed my perspective and I hope given me insight on how to approach folks with more kindness, patience, and curiosity - both as a teacher and as a person.
What a beautiful read. Not going to lie, the first part was a tough read, Gwen is so trying and my natural instincts towards her were punishment, fear, threats of compliance, exasperation. But, the second half was magical, and the ending - just tears.
There is also such incredible, poignant representation of race, addiction, lgbtq2+, class and income disparity, in kid-friendly language.
This has changed my perspective and I hope given me insight on how to approach folks with more kindness, patience, and curiosity - both as a teacher and as a person.
March 5, 2023
So this was really well done. And like, I feel like a lot of adults who have/work with children NEED to read this. Everyone's brain and body feelings are different, and it's our job to advocate for them and make navigating their world easier. It's on us! This book's perspective from Gwendolyn's will hopefully help others get more into a child's mindset. Loved this.
February 18, 2024
My 10 year old son recommended this book to me after he read it for a book club he is a member of at our local library. I'm so happy I read it! It's a great story told from the perspective of an 11 year old girl who is struggling with accepting her neurodivergency. She is repeatedly told there are so many things 'wrong' with her. Instead, those things that are 'wrong' end up making her beautiful.
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