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Can You See Me / Tally #0.5
Ways To Be Me
Taking place before Can You See Me? and Do You Know Me? this standout prequel follows Tally through her autism diagnosis in her final year of primary school.
Ten-year-old Tally had high hopes for Year 6.
Being in the top class at school means a whole host of privileges, but even better than that is the school production - and Tally is convinced she'll win the lead role.
But at home, things aren't going so well. Mum and Dad have been making Tally feel pressured and upset, and Tally wishes things didn't bother her so much - but they do, and sometimes she feels so misunderstood and frustrated, she could explode.
Then Tally's mum and dad tell her about something she's never heard about before. Something called autism. And everything changes.
When Libby's mum shared a short piece of Libby's writing online it soon went viral, with tens of thousands of people saying that Libby's writing helped them understand autism for the first time.
This fictionalised portrayal of a young autistic girl is written by Rebecca Westcott, in close collaboration with Libby Scott, making it a truly original and inspirational book that will give readers of all ages a deeper understanding of what it's like to be autistic. Perfect for fans of The Goldfish Boy, Wonder and The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Night-time.
BOOKS BY LIBBY SCOTT AND REBECCA WESTCOTT
Can You See Me? (2019)
Do You Know Me? (2020)
Ways To Be Me (2021)
Ten-year-old Tally had high hopes for Year 6.
Being in the top class at school means a whole host of privileges, but even better than that is the school production - and Tally is convinced she'll win the lead role.
But at home, things aren't going so well. Mum and Dad have been making Tally feel pressured and upset, and Tally wishes things didn't bother her so much - but they do, and sometimes she feels so misunderstood and frustrated, she could explode.
Then Tally's mum and dad tell her about something she's never heard about before. Something called autism. And everything changes.
When Libby's mum shared a short piece of Libby's writing online it soon went viral, with tens of thousands of people saying that Libby's writing helped them understand autism for the first time.
This fictionalised portrayal of a young autistic girl is written by Rebecca Westcott, in close collaboration with Libby Scott, making it a truly original and inspirational book that will give readers of all ages a deeper understanding of what it's like to be autistic. Perfect for fans of The Goldfish Boy, Wonder and The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Night-time.
BOOKS BY LIBBY SCOTT AND REBECCA WESTCOTT
Can You See Me? (2019)
Do You Know Me? (2020)
Ways To Be Me (2021)
292 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2021
37 people are currently reading
730 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
December 25, 2022
Ways to Be Me is the prequel to Can You See Me? We meet 10 year old Tally and follow her journey through receiving her Autism diagnosis. At the start of the book, she does not know she has Autism, but she does know she is different.
The book highlights how everyone with Autism can present differently. It also focuses on the idea that the boy she likes, Miles, whom also has Autism - isn't like her / present like she does. A lot of people don't understand that girls and boys with Autism will not present the same way.
The book also discusses how masking can look for younger children, which is so helpful for adults and children to know alike.
I think this book and the rest of the series are important for people of all ages, and I imagine if books like this were required reading in school, it would help SO MANY PEOPLE!
Well worth the read!
The book highlights how everyone with Autism can present differently. It also focuses on the idea that the boy she likes, Miles, whom also has Autism - isn't like her / present like she does. A lot of people don't understand that girls and boys with Autism will not present the same way.
The book also discusses how masking can look for younger children, which is so helpful for adults and children to know alike.
I think this book and the rest of the series are important for people of all ages, and I imagine if books like this were required reading in school, it would help SO MANY PEOPLE!
Well worth the read!
August 1, 2021
Facing the pressures of maintaining her optimal academic grades whilst aiming to be the lead of the school play, Tally struggles to navigate Year Six. Tally’s subsequent inability to comprehend her emotions catalyses a confession from her parents Jennifer and Kevin: she has been given a diagnosis of ASD.
‘Ways to be Me’ is the third book within this trilogy, yet it is the prequel to the first modern fiction novel: ‘Can you See Me?’. Co-author Scott’s daily experiences with ASD was applied to build Tally’s character. Not only does this enrich the novel through the innate elimination of detrimental stereotypes, but it also exposes the reader to eleven-year-old Tally’s unique experiences.
‘Ways to be Me’ is recommended to all year groups within Key Stage Two, as themes of empathy and gradual transformation dominate this novel. Both themes are mirrored through her friendship with Miles, whose ASD varies. Their interactions aid ongoing understanding of Tally’s diagnosis and thus steadily becoming comfortable within herself. Other themes of socialisation and fitting in with her peers absolutely apply to all Key Stage Two children. Nevertheless, this novel reinforces that not all children handle situations similarly.
Having an interest in educational research stresses the importance of combining in-depth and unique first-hand perspectives of individuals - even if fictionalised- with seeking absolute truth through scientific research. Therefore, all teachers should read this novel, conjointly with reading scientific research papers on ASD to both increase their own understanding, as well as further preventing to homogenise the effects of ASD on pupils.
‘Ways to be Me’ is the third book within this trilogy, yet it is the prequel to the first modern fiction novel: ‘Can you See Me?’. Co-author Scott’s daily experiences with ASD was applied to build Tally’s character. Not only does this enrich the novel through the innate elimination of detrimental stereotypes, but it also exposes the reader to eleven-year-old Tally’s unique experiences.
‘Ways to be Me’ is recommended to all year groups within Key Stage Two, as themes of empathy and gradual transformation dominate this novel. Both themes are mirrored through her friendship with Miles, whose ASD varies. Their interactions aid ongoing understanding of Tally’s diagnosis and thus steadily becoming comfortable within herself. Other themes of socialisation and fitting in with her peers absolutely apply to all Key Stage Two children. Nevertheless, this novel reinforces that not all children handle situations similarly.
Having an interest in educational research stresses the importance of combining in-depth and unique first-hand perspectives of individuals - even if fictionalised- with seeking absolute truth through scientific research. Therefore, all teachers should read this novel, conjointly with reading scientific research papers on ASD to both increase their own understanding, as well as further preventing to homogenise the effects of ASD on pupils.
January 17, 2022
This prequel book was the start of Tally’s journey, where she gets diagnosed as autistic. It’s definitely my favourite of the series, there was an air of innocence to Tally as she tried to work out who she was when being herself got her picked on, and trying to be normal was exhausting. My heart was bleeding for that lost little girl, she has so many processing problems and just couldn’t communicate when things were overwhelming. The struggle was real.
August 2, 2021
Brilliant series with exciting charcters
July 28, 2022
My daughter is autistic with a pda profile, and about to go into year 6. I can honestly say that this book had given me more insight to what daily life can be like for her than any other. Huge thanks to Libby Scott for sharing.
March 25, 2022
I appreciate how Tally is a complete person who makes good and bad choices. Not your usual inspiration porn thanks to being an own voices story.
September 11, 2022
I get that she’s an autistic ten year old, but, damn. There’s nothing likable about her. She never has consequences. She’s outright mean to people, and gets off the hook. This is abhorrent.
October 3, 2025
The last book in the Libby Scott series of 'Can you see me'.
I quite enjoyed this book a lot compared to the others because it's the beginning of it all; before, she started secondary school/high school. Tally is starting to appreciate and learn about her autism throughout the entire book. At first, she thinks having autism is a bad thing, what she is, and an answer for everything. She doesn't realise that it's amazing and
isn't a shame. I love this book and I will come across to re-reading it again in the future.
Happy reading 📚 😊 ☺️ 😀
I quite enjoyed this book a lot compared to the others because it's the beginning of it all; before, she started secondary school/high school. Tally is starting to appreciate and learn about her autism throughout the entire book. At first, she thinks having autism is a bad thing, what she is, and an answer for everything. She doesn't realise that it's amazing and
isn't a shame. I love this book and I will come across to re-reading it again in the future.
Happy reading 📚 😊 ☺️ 😀
March 8, 2023
Beautiful, just beautiful
April 6, 2025
Ways To Be Me is a perfect prequel to Do You See Me?
Ways To Be Me is set one year before, and Tally is in year six, still in primary school but before her Autism diagnosis.
She's struggling to know why so many things don't feel right, why she can't just do something when told and how it isn't the right time to do things. She can't go to bed without her routine; she can't wear her new shoes because they're too different from her old pair, and she doesn't like certain foods she's eaten before. But she has no way of explaining these things in a way that makes sense for her parents. They shout at her and don't understand why she complicates things. There are so many of these things, especially when parents don't see other kids reacting in the same way or haven't encountered anyone who is neurodivergent yet.
Tally doesn't want to be Autistic and hates being tied to a label. She knows Autistic means you're labelled as different, difficult and not normal, and all she wants to be is like everyone else.
Her journey is one I imagine so many young kids have to go through now, and it's so interesting seeing a child cope with what the diagnosis means. Too often, we read about how parents deal with the diagnosis and the kids are barely told what it means. I hope this changes in the future.
It's incredible reading her acceptance of her diagnosis and learning better who she is.
Also !! Extra note to say Miles was the best !! I love her Autistic ally and hate that he's not in the other book 😭 I hope he comes back. I need more Guinness World Record facts from someone who had the same fascination I did with those books.
My favourite part was absolutely the fact that they had a calm room for the kids in the school to go to at lunch and when they felt overstimulated - AKA my fav room in any school I work in :) The best kids go there <3
This book is just further proof I will read anything, Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott :)
Ways To Be Me is set one year before, and Tally is in year six, still in primary school but before her Autism diagnosis.
She's struggling to know why so many things don't feel right, why she can't just do something when told and how it isn't the right time to do things. She can't go to bed without her routine; she can't wear her new shoes because they're too different from her old pair, and she doesn't like certain foods she's eaten before. But she has no way of explaining these things in a way that makes sense for her parents. They shout at her and don't understand why she complicates things. There are so many of these things, especially when parents don't see other kids reacting in the same way or haven't encountered anyone who is neurodivergent yet.
Tally doesn't want to be Autistic and hates being tied to a label. She knows Autistic means you're labelled as different, difficult and not normal, and all she wants to be is like everyone else.
Her journey is one I imagine so many young kids have to go through now, and it's so interesting seeing a child cope with what the diagnosis means. Too often, we read about how parents deal with the diagnosis and the kids are barely told what it means. I hope this changes in the future.
It's incredible reading her acceptance of her diagnosis and learning better who she is.
Also !! Extra note to say Miles was the best !! I love her Autistic ally and hate that he's not in the other book 😭 I hope he comes back. I need more Guinness World Record facts from someone who had the same fascination I did with those books.
My favourite part was absolutely the fact that they had a calm room for the kids in the school to go to at lunch and when they felt overstimulated - AKA my fav room in any school I work in :) The best kids go there <3
This book is just further proof I will read anything, Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott :)
February 13, 2024
This book is written so well to display the feelings of someone who is autistic and can project how that feels so well into someone reading who may not know what that feels like. It makes a sort of understanding between the reader. It also breaks the stereotypes so well as not all autistic children have the same traits and it's important to understand that. When i read this, i was unaware it was a prequel which is why i am bumping up my review to a 4 stars. The writer has a gift for meaningful writing!
January 4, 2023
Whew. A little disclaimer - if you think you or your kid may be neurodiverse, tread slowly with this one. The first chapter had me transported back to a childhood of struggling with certain foods, it was genuinely hard to read. I kept finding myself forgetting to read aloud with this one, my eyes were faster than my mouth and I'd be reading ahead and then realise I'd stopped talking and having to find where I stopped so he knew what was going on. This was a library haul book, total chance discovery. Raised a lot of questions from the little guy... mostly about himself. It's very well executed though. A lot of action, it moves quickly, the points are made through plot not wordiness or prolonged description. The author (I think it's co-authored but the person whose story this is based around) is still a kid. I'm incredibly grateful that there are young people around creating work like this, it's quite a privilege to be able to get so close to a personal experience like this. The 5 star rating is from the kiddo. I think we'll be mulling this one over for a good while.
November 7, 2021
This book follows a young girl called Tally whose in year 6 and she learns she's autistic.
I cannot put into words the emotions this gave me. Being suspected autistic myself, and with 2 autistic children, it's hard. It's a case of very delicate balancing in life. This spoke volumes as we followed Tallys life at school and at home. We all know that someone with autism can present differently in different situations and this captured it perfectly. I read this in one sitting. That's how good it was. Words fail me. I also loved how it portrayed not only differences in different people with autism but male and female autism too. There is a huge difference.
I cannot put into words the emotions this gave me. Being suspected autistic myself, and with 2 autistic children, it's hard. It's a case of very delicate balancing in life. This spoke volumes as we followed Tallys life at school and at home. We all know that someone with autism can present differently in different situations and this captured it perfectly. I read this in one sitting. That's how good it was. Words fail me. I also loved how it portrayed not only differences in different people with autism but male and female autism too. There is a huge difference.
July 4, 2021
Wow. This is the book I needed when I was younger, and still needed now as an Autistic adult. So relatable on so many levels. I don't have a PDA profile, but when Tally was describing how she felt inside in the build up to a meltdown, I read on in awe. The ability to capture such a range of emotions is just a part of what makes this book incredible.
"They think I shouldn't mind when something goes a bit wrong - but a bit wrong to them is the end of the world to me" wow.
The world needs more Tally. I'd recommend this to anyone
"They think I shouldn't mind when something goes a bit wrong - but a bit wrong to them is the end of the world to me" wow.
The world needs more Tally. I'd recommend this to anyone
January 9, 2023
Im autistic and I felt very seen in this book. It was very nice after all the stereotypes about autism.
August 7, 2024
really well written related to it a lot more more than i thought i might made me feel a tiny bit less alone made me cry overall great book
October 12, 2022
This book was about: At the start,10yr old tally tries to fit in with everyone else because she’s different but in fact she doesn’t want to be different.She wants to be “normal”. The reason why she thinks she’s not normal is because she has terrible tantrums and hates being told what to do and a boy named Luke at her school teases her for being “weird” and that really effects her feelings and sometimes she hides those feeling and when her friends ask her play something she doesn’t want to, she tries to fit in and go with the flow. In the end, tally finds out she’s autistic but she’s not proud. She thinks being autistic is bad and tries hide it as much as possible. But then she finds another women who’s autistic and talks about how tally should be her and tally soon realises that being autistic is great and she shouldn’t be ashamed. And her mum even bought her a diary to write about everything she’s feeling.
Why I gave it a four star? Because I accidentally read the 3rd book but it was a great book and the same with this one. I love the fact that she learns to be herself but I still haven’t found a book with a 5 star. This was a pretty good book but just not it because It took me a while to read (cause I’m a slow reader) and thats why I like short chapter books and so far this book was amazing!
Why I gave it a four star? Because I accidentally read the 3rd book but it was a great book and the same with this one. I love the fact that she learns to be herself but I still haven’t found a book with a 5 star. This was a pretty good book but just not it because It took me a while to read (cause I’m a slow reader) and thats why I like short chapter books and so far this book was amazing!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2025
I read this book initially to study the writing techniques for MG. I ended up getting lost in the pages, tearing up, relating to ten-year-old Tally in so many ways and meeting my inner child halfway.
I've always recognized traits of neurodivergence in me growing up, often concluding them as introversion, Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) traits, anxiety disorder (which I did got formally diagnosed with), among a few others. But there were some moments and examples that didn't seem to add up, as if there were still unanswered parts within me. Reading about Tally have answered them and helped me make sense of so many of my struggles growing up. So much so that I just initiated a referral appointment to get an official autism diagnostic assessment. Yes, at the age of forty. It will be a long road, but I'm ready and I'm thankful to Libby for writing this book.
This book was written in third person but so well done that I could feel and see myself as Tally all the way through. I love that it shows how masked autism is like. I spent years not fully considering to be checked for autism as I didn't fit the textbook definition of autism, or at least what I thought it should look like. This book is a wonderful eye-opener on the way autism looks different on everyone.
I've always recognized traits of neurodivergence in me growing up, often concluding them as introversion, Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) traits, anxiety disorder (which I did got formally diagnosed with), among a few others. But there were some moments and examples that didn't seem to add up, as if there were still unanswered parts within me. Reading about Tally have answered them and helped me make sense of so many of my struggles growing up. So much so that I just initiated a referral appointment to get an official autism diagnostic assessment. Yes, at the age of forty. It will be a long road, but I'm ready and I'm thankful to Libby for writing this book.
This book was written in third person but so well done that I could feel and see myself as Tally all the way through. I love that it shows how masked autism is like. I spent years not fully considering to be checked for autism as I didn't fit the textbook definition of autism, or at least what I thought it should look like. This book is a wonderful eye-opener on the way autism looks different on everyone.
June 30, 2025
I think that this book was quite interesting and very eye-opening. I read 'Can You See Me?' before this so I was familiar with the settings and the characters. And I knew what was going to happen. It was more of a palette cleanser book as it didn't really have such an engaging plot. It was co-written by a young girl who actually has autism so she understands the struggle from the point of view of someone who experiences these things in real life. She makes it easier to understand what an autistic person goes through in their mind compared to what is represented on the outside. Although there wasn't anything super exciting that happened. I did learn a lot and would now definitely view things from a different point of view. I'm happy that I read this and will continue with the series. Well done Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott!
March 19, 2022
This book follows 10 year old Tally as she navigates her way through year 6. Tally is Autistic, but she doesn't know this yet. However, Tally knows she's different and doesn't know why. She also knows she's not like the other boy Miles who is Autistic.
This book highlights:
- The lack of knowledge on how girls may present their Autism differently to boys.
- What masking may feel like for some Autistic children.
- And the difficulty in accepting yourself, knowing you are different.
A heart-warming tale shedding a glimpse into the life of Tally and her journey which leads to understanding, loving and accepting herself.
This book highlights:
- The lack of knowledge on how girls may present their Autism differently to boys.
- What masking may feel like for some Autistic children.
- And the difficulty in accepting yourself, knowing you are different.
A heart-warming tale shedding a glimpse into the life of Tally and her journey which leads to understanding, loving and accepting herself.
May 21, 2023
Join Natalia Olivia Adams on a journey through her life.
When Tally has difficulties with her life, she really wants to find out why. She has tried to be normal. She has tried to be the good daughter. But there is nothing to explain why she doesn’t understand everything. She tried to get the main role in her production. She tried to play with Lucy and Ayesha. She tried to be a good friend for Layla. But nothing has worked. But when she found out about something called autism, her life changed forever. Is she going to find out why she is different?
A lovely story and explains what being autistic is like perfectly.
When Tally has difficulties with her life, she really wants to find out why. She has tried to be normal. She has tried to be the good daughter. But there is nothing to explain why she doesn’t understand everything. She tried to get the main role in her production. She tried to play with Lucy and Ayesha. She tried to be a good friend for Layla. But nothing has worked. But when she found out about something called autism, her life changed forever. Is she going to find out why she is different?
A lovely story and explains what being autistic is like perfectly.
November 26, 2023
Ways To Be Me follows 10 year old Tally through the tough times of year six. At school she feels like she doesn’t fit in and people calling her names does not help at all. At home her parents won’t stop speaking about something called autism which Tally knows nothing about. Her parents say they need to fix her, but Tally knows she isn’t broken and that all she wants is to be just like her perfect sister Nell who never runs out of luck.
Throughout the story Tally discovers more about herself and what being autistic really means.
Throughout the story Tally discovers more about herself and what being autistic really means.
March 26, 2024
I really enjoyed this one. I liked the perspective of Tally as she tried to fit in while processing her autism diagnosis. I really enjoyed how she learned that autism isn't an excuse for doing something bad, but she also isn't bad because she struggles. Meltdowns are completely different than tantrums, and I enjoyed how that was included. I loved the horse aspect and the lessons about autism in that frame. I thought, including two other autistic examples for Tally to see the similarities and differences, was a nice touch as well.
August 29, 2021
Probably my favourite of the series so far.
Tally always seems to get into trouble and can’t seem to do anything right at home. She is unhappy a lot of the time but doesn’t know how to change that. Her parents suspect she might be autistic… but that’s the last thing Tally wants as that would confirm that she really is broken.
The story deals with how Tally comes to terms with her diagnosis and learns to accept herself for who she really is. Another excellent novel from these authors.
Tally always seems to get into trouble and can’t seem to do anything right at home. She is unhappy a lot of the time but doesn’t know how to change that. Her parents suspect she might be autistic… but that’s the last thing Tally wants as that would confirm that she really is broken.
The story deals with how Tally comes to terms with her diagnosis and learns to accept herself for who she really is. Another excellent novel from these authors.
October 12, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The authors give the reader an amazing window into what it's like to be 10-years-old as an autistic girl with Pervasive Drive for Autonomy. Tally doesn't want to be different but knows that she behaves and thinks in a way that isn't quite like most of the other kids in her class.
She even treats her parents poorly sometimes and regrets it but realizes that it is often beyond her control.
Highly recommend for kids age 9+.
She even treats her parents poorly sometimes and regrets it but realizes that it is often beyond her control.
Highly recommend for kids age 9+.
January 29, 2022
At first this book was slightly confusing, as having read the first two books, I couldn't quite get my head around this actually being based before the first book!
After discovering this, I think this is my favourite out of all three!
This book was especially interesting considering it was before Tally's autism diagnosis and so she was still figuring it out along with her family!
After discovering this, I think this is my favourite out of all three!
This book was especially interesting considering it was before Tally's autism diagnosis and so she was still figuring it out along with her family!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2022
A book that opens your eyes to autism and how people live with it. I related to this book a lot, as I experience several of the things within it. I also read it to understand better how people with autism react. It's a lovely read. My only criticism is that it jumps from scene to scene a bit too widely.
November 7, 2021
Excellent prequel to Can You See Me? and Do You Know Me? An insight into how autism is different for girls and the anxiety that Tally experiences wanting to be like everyone else but really knowing that she isn't.
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January 19, 2022Libby Scott brings Tally back in her new book. This one is set when Tally is 10 and just being diagnosed with Autism. See how her family, friends, and herself are trying to piece together how to live and help Tally.
April 7, 2022
What an excellent book giving us an insight to a girl having Autism and how she finds out. Well written and helpful to youngsters who may have friends who are a little different. We are all unique in our own ways but being made aware of what another child or adult might be feeling is helpful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews