Real by Carol Cujec & Peyton Goddard {Book Review}

Title: Real

Author: Carol Cujec, Peyton Goddard

Age: Middle Grade

Genres: Contemporary

Expected Publication Date: February 2, 2021

Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing

Source: ARC

Purchase: Hardcover | Kindle | Audible 

Synopsis: 

My name is Charity. I am thirteen years old. Actually, thirteen years plus eighty-seven days. I love sour gummies and pepperoni pizza. That last part no one knows because I have not spoken a sentence since I was born. Each dawning day, I live in terror of my unpredictable body that no one understands.

Charity may have mad math skills and a near-perfect memory, but with a mouth that can’t speak and a body that jumps, rocks, and howls unpredictably, most people incorrectly assume she cannot learn. Charity’s brain works differently from most people’s because of her autism, but she’s still funny, determined, and kind. So why do people treat her like a disease or ignore her like she’s invisible?

When Charity’s parents enroll her in a public junior high school, she faces her greatest fears. Will kids make fun of her? Will her behavior get her kicked out? Will her million thoughts stay locked in her head forever? With the support of teachers and newfound friends, Charity will have to fight to be treated like a real student.

Inspired by a true story, Real speaks to all those who’ve ever felt they didn’t belong and reminds readers that all people are worthy of being included.

My Rating: 

My Thoughts:
This book made me cry!!! I mean I was sobbing like a crazy person. This is a beautiful, written novel. This is the kind of story we need our youth to read about and be educated on. Though Charity is 13 years old this book is for all readers of all ages and genders. I was touched by the inside look at how a child feels on the spectrum. This was a touching and hard read.

I think younger kids may have a bit of a hard time reading it, but I also believe that it will be helpful in them understanding that there are different types of children. I think this is crucial to have in our school and public libraries.

I am so glad I was able to read this book. I don't want to spoil it, so all I will say is grab a copy, be ready to cry and see the journey the Charity goes through. Definitely would recommend this book!

About Author:

Carol Cujec, PhD, has worked as a writer and educator for more than two decades. Her own teaching and parenting experiences have given her welcomed insights into celebrating neurodiversity. Carol lives in San Diego with her husband, three children, and a mischievous orange tabby.

Peyton Goddard knows how it feels to be labeled as incapable of learning. For twenty-two years, her unpredictable body and inability to speak led people to assume she was mentally challenged. Once she gained a dependable mode of communication, not only did she learn, she graduated from college as valedictorian. Today, she is an advocate for inclusion who writes and presents about valuing all people and protecting those most vulnerable from abuse. Her message centers on “changing this worrisome world” through compassionate understanding and support for all. Peyton lives with support in her own apartment, adjacent to her parents’ home in San Diego.

For author interview requests, please contact Callie Hansen at chansen@shadowmountain.com

I would recommend you check out this beauty!