The U-nique Lou Fox

by Jodi Carmichael

Award-winning author Jodi Carmichael, who has ADHD
herself, affirms and celebrates those who struggle with their uniqueness and
triumphantly discover its giftsIt isn't easy being Louisa Elizabeth Fitzhenry-O'Shaughnessy--especially with dyslexia. She prefers Lou Fox, the dream name she'll use one day as a famous Broadway playwright. In the meantime, Lou is stuck in fifth grade with Mrs. Snyder, a total Shadow Phantom of a teacher who can spot a daydream from across the room but doesn't know anything about ADHD. Mrs. Snyder's constant attention is ex-cru-ci-a-ting. If only she would disappear.


Fortunately, life isn't all a-tro-cious. There's The Haunting at Lakeside School, the play Lou is writing and directing for her two best friends. And soon she'll be a big sister at last. Nothing could ruin the joy of those things...right?

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction, Contemporary, School, Humor

229 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2022

Reviews

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dyslexia, ADHD representation well done.

This story is so well penned. The characters are so adorable and the adults in the story are so kind and understanding.

Our main character gets carried away with so many things but we know she has a good heart. She’s a very dynamic kid who’s as real as it gets. She’s growing up and struggling to get used to the changes in school and at home. Her mom is pregnant and she’s a bit jealous of the twins that are coming as she won’t be the kid of the family.

She’s talented but things got frustrating when she feels like no one’s trying hard as her. Things get a bit rough (as things normally do) but she does speak up when she knows when she’s wrong.

This is such a feel good story. Any child who reads this book will feel this. We are all prone to make mistakes. Also the adults have so much to learn from this book as well! We can relearn how to interact with kids and how to engage with them.

Such a good book!

[Gabriele Goldstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how author Jodi Carmichael empowers girls to be themselves. With Lou Fox she has created a character who stumbles through her insecurities (and yes, learning disabilities) and discovers she doesn’t have to be like anyone else. An important message told in an engaging, humorous and engaging way. Oh, and great writing, by the way. "...like a plucked dandelion, I wilted on my desk." (page 28). Lou has plenty of pluck and I wish her and the author many accolades.

[Larry Verstraete · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story and told so well. The writing is crisp, lively and shines the whole way through. I especially liked how the author showed more than one side to dyslexia and ADHD, not just Lou's difficulties, but also the efforts of her parents and educators at the school to help her. I found myself cheering for Lou all the way.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Pajama Press for gifting me this book!

Fifth-grader Louisa dreams of being a playwright or a Cirque de Soleil performer – whichever gets her out of 5th grade. It’s not that she doesn’t like learning but her dyslexia and ADHD make many parts of school difficult. She feels like her teacher doesn’t understand her at all which is why she wishes her teacher would disappear. When Mrs. Snyder falls ill, Louisa believes she has cursed her. This book is assembled using dyslexia friendly fonts and designs. For fans of Stella Diaz and Hank Zipzer.

[Jill Jemmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fifth grader Louisa Elizabeth Fitzhenry-O’Shaughnessy dreams of being a playwright and changing her name to Lou Fox. She has dyslexia and ADHD, and she thinks that her teacher, Mrs. Snyder, doesn’t understand her at all. After getting in trouble one day, Lou wishes Mrs. Snyder would disappear. Then, Mrs. Snyder gets very sick and can’t come to school. Lou worries that her wish came true, especially when her pregnant mother falls ill, after she wishes she wasn’t going to have a younger sibling. Meanwhile, Lou is struggling to keep up in class and starts bossing her friends around as they plan to perform the play they wrote together. Lou must figure out how to use her strengths and embrace the ways that she’s unique.

This is a fabulous children’s novel! Not only is it written about a main character with dyslexia, but it was printed with consideration for readers with dyslexia. The text was set in Helvetica and the headers are in OpenDyslexic, so they are easier to read for children with dyslexia. I didn’t know that these fonts make it easier to read, so I appreciated this detail in the story.

There were also parts of this story that are universal. Lou had a lot of misunderstandings because she didn’t communicate her feelings. She thought her wish made her teacher ill, even though that’s not possible. Lou was understandably jealous when she found out that her mother was pregnant. Once she talked to her parents about it, she felt much better. Lou also had some conflicts with her friends which were cleared up after talking about her feelings. These are universal lessons that everyone can relate to.

The Unique Lou Fox is a great middle grade story!

Thank you Pajama Press for sending me a copy!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fifth-grader Lou Fox has a mouthful of a name--Louisa Elizabeth Fitzhenry-O'Shaughnessy--which is why she has renamed herself. Creative and energetic, she has two best friends, Nakessa and Lexie, who always have her back. It's a good thing because Lou always seems to attract trouble and is sure that her Shadow Phantom of a teacher, Mrs. Snyder, has it in for her. Although her dyslexia and ADHD make some parts of school quite challenging for Lou, she loves collecting big words and is even writing a play for the school talent show as she prepares to be the youngest Broadway playwright ever. But complications ensue when she conceals the truth about her actions from her parents, worries that her wishes have caused her teacher to become ill, and offends her friends and classmates with her bossiness relative to the play. The author has created an appealing, relatable, and all-too-flawed protagonist in Lou, and a profile that will enable many readers to understand her behavior and thoughts. As I read this middle grade novel, I found myself wishing that more teachers could be like Mrs. Snyder and the school principal, Mrs. Muswagam, both of whom manage to see Lou's strengths and have quite a lot of patience. The short chapters and large text allow readers to move through this story quickly and fall in love with Lou almost immediately.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Unique Lou Fox
by Jodi Carmichael
Pub Date 16 Aug 2022
Publisher Spotlight, Pajama Press
Children's Fiction




I am reviewing a copy of The Unique Lou Fox through Publisher Spotlight, Pajama Press and Netgalley:



Louisa Elizabeth Fitzhenry-O’Shaughnessy doesn’t have it easy, especially with Dyslexia. She prefers to go by Lou Fox the name she’ll use one day when she’s a famous Broadway playwright. Lou is stuck on the fifth grade with Mrs. Snyder, a total Shadow Phantom of a teacher who can spot a daydream from across the room but doesn’t know anything about ADHD. Mrs. Snyder’s constant attention is ex-cru-ci-a-ting. Lou wishes she would disappear, but you have to be careful what you wish for.




Life isn’t all atrocious though, there’s The Haunting at Lakeside School, the play Lou is writing and directing for her two best friends. And soon she’ll be a big sister at last. Nothing could ruin the joy of those things...right?





I give The Unique Lou Fox five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[Kathie]

Thank you to #Edelweiss+ and Pajama Press for a copy of The Unique Lou Fox by Jodi Carmichael (Release Date: August 16/22).

I feel fortunate to know this local author, and I was excited to meet Louisa Elizabeth Fitzhenry-O’Shaughnessy (just call her Lou Fox), whose name is as big as her personality. Lou has dreams of becoming a Broadway playwright, but she’ll have to make it through fifth grade with Mrs. Synder first. She wants to be a model student like one of her best friends, but ADHD and dyslexia make it challenging for Lou to read, focus and not blurt out the thoughts that come into her head. This story celebrates Lou’s creativity and imagination while also showing the reader how tough it can be for some kids to act like others think they should. Readers who enjoy Beatrice Zinker and Stella Diaz will want to make sure they meet Lou when she bursts into the world in August.

[Katilipops · Rating 4 out of 5]

ADHD and dyslexia in one character? Awesome!! Awareness and normalcy for kids is so so valuable - both for those who have these things and for other kids to learn about. I liked the social struggles being addressed too. The part that I didn't like was how services weren't mentioned at all and the teacher - while in the end was trying to help - was AWFUL to her in the beginning. If you suspected something off like she did, at least do a quick google to realize that singling out said student is the worst thing you could do. And where were the parents to advocate for this child in school?? She knew she was dyslexic and ADHD... that means they should have been making sure the school was at least doing SOMETHING. So... for kids this book is pretty good. As a parent... it could have been more realistic is some ways.

[Shelley Fearn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lou Fox, more formally known as Louisa Elizabeth Fitzhenry-O'Shaughnessy, has many talents. She's an aspiring playwright and acrobat (aiming for Cirque du Soleil). However, she also has to go to school where her dyslexia and ADHD causes her much difficulty. Lou just knows her teacher, who she calls the Phantom Shadow, doesn't understand how hard she is trying to spell, pay attention, and read. It is only her close friends and her loving parents who keep her moving forward.

It sounds daunting for anyone, but, Lou is a real trooper. And, this plucky heroine has a entertaining and warm hearted story to tell. Using dyslexic friendly font and text design, the reading is accessible as well as fun.

[Union County Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lou Fox, more formally known as Louisa Elizabeth Fitzhenry-O'Shaughnessy, has many talents. She's an aspiring playwright and acrobat (aiming for Cirque du Soleil). However, she also has to go to school where her dyslexia and ADHD causes her much difficulty. Lou just knows her teacher, who she calls the Phantom Shadow, doesn't understand how hard she is trying to spell, pay attention, and read. It is only her close friends and her loving parents who keep her moving forward. It sounds daunting for anyone, but Lou is a real trooper. And, this plucky heroine has an entertaining and warm hearted story to tell. Using dyslexic friendly fonts and text design, the reading is accessible as well as fun. Grades 4 to 6

- Reviewed by Shelley F.

[Niki · Rating 4 out of 5]

The U-nique Lou Fox is a cute, enjoyable book for young readers that addresses dyslexia and ADHD in a positive, sensitive manner. Lou spends a lot of time wishing things were different, but then is afraid some of her wishes come true. While writing a class play with her friends, Lou needs to navigate being a good friend, being a good student, and some major changes at home. The U-nique Lou Fox will appeal to a young audience and would also be a good classroom read aloud.

I recommend The U-nique Lou Fox for readers in grades 3-5. It is a 2024 MYRCA Sundogs nominee.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Louisa Elizabeth Fitzhenry-O’Shaughnessy longs to simply be “Lou Fox.” Lou is convinced her teacher hates her, she’s worried about her Mom’s pregnancy and how the family will change, and she’s managed to anger her best friends. Lou just wants to spend her time writing and directing plays but her teacher would prefer she figure out how to manage schoolwork while also living with dyslexia and ADHD.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, ya’ll! This book! First of all, it’s printed in dyslexia-friendly font. How awesome is that?? Second, Lou is full of heart. You are going to love her! And third, my teacher heart was filled. I could go on and on, but why read anymore of my words when you could be reading The U-nique Lou Fox!

[Colleen Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a teacher, I think everyone benefits from reading this book! It gave me so many insights into what a day at school is like for students with attention issues. Lou is lovable and engaging and there are so many parts in this book that made me laugh out loud. It would make an excellent read aloud for grades 4-6. I can see why this book has been nominated for awards. I loved it!

[Fayelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Noelle's (10yo) book from her school library - reading the books she loves encourages her to read. And they're really good! This one was precious and funny. It's really great at fleshing out big feelings like jealousy and remorse and frustration. Touches on ADHD and dyslexia a bit too. Super adorable.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another “middle grade” book recommendation from Gia’s teacher, Ms. Quinn, that was quite good. The FMC has dyslexia and ADHD, and she learns to navigate friendship, 5th grade, and her mom’s twin pregnancy in her own u-nique ways.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for this interesting tale about Louisa Elizabeth who strives to be a playwright while managing her emotions and navigating fifth grade

[Melissa Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story about frienship, difficulty with paying attention in school and being in oneself.

[Lori Emilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story. Would make a nice read for upper elementary.

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

A spirited and creative wannabe playwright in Winnipeg navigates grade 5 with dyslexia and ADHD.

[Diana C · Rating 3 out of 5]

7/10 good middle school fiction about the life of a 10 yr old girl with ADHD

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a really good book. I enjoyed the writing a lot. The writing reminded me of diary with a wimpy kid

[Storytime With Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The U-nique Lou Fox by Jodi Carmichael is a middle grade novel that celebrates neurodiversity.

Louise Elizabeth Fitzhenry-O’Shaughnessy is a firecracker of a fifth grader. She is creative and has spunk. She is neurodiverse and lives with ADHD and dyslexia. This can make life tough for Lou but thankfully she has the most loving parents and the best friends. Unfortunately, her teacher knows nothing about having ADHD and is a total “Shadow Phantom” of a teacher. Through the story we all learn along with Lou how to foster creativity and how to encourage those with different learning styles.

Everything about The U-nique Lou Fox is fantastic. Pajama Press Inc has ensured the book is accessible using a font and font size to make it dyslexia friendly. Jodi Carmichael writes from personal experience. As an adult with ADHD, her writing celebrates the wonderful things that come from having such a creative, empathetic and adventurous spirit. Lou Fox is a celebration. Her struggles are real and the treatment she faces from some of the adults in her life is confusing to her. When Mrs. Snyder, aka Shadow Phantom, comes across as hard and mean, it’s very reflective of the ways that teachers can sometimes try and help without realizing they are causing harm.

The adults in the story are all very supportive. Lou’s parents are a dream come true and so incredibly kind and supportive as many parents are. There were times I was moved to tears by their kindness. Lou’s principal Mrs. Muswagam reminds me of the kind and nurturing principals I was fortunate to have as a child. I especially appreciated Lou’s reunion with Mrs. Snyder. Mrs. Snyder acknowledges that she was trying to be encouraging in the wrong ways and apologizes to Lou. It’s so important for readers to see not only children like themselves making amends but especially adults.

Although Lou is part of a triad friendship, this one is so nurturing. All three friends are so kind and understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. They try to help Lou when she is daydreaming or feeling frustrated. Even when they have a big blowout of a fight, Lou acknowledges her part and they all move on in the right way.

This story exudes kindness and generosity and is a must have for classrooms and school libraries. It’s time for more stories about neuro-atypical children.