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The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez
A powerful debut novel in verse about a neurodivergent seventh grader who dreams of traveling to the stars one day.
Seventh-grade Alex's favorite things to do are watching YouTube videos of rocket launches with his Papi and spending hours on the NASA website reading about astronauts and planets. He even dreams of going to space one day himself, and knows he'll have to study hard in order to get there.
But Alex is in his grade's SC (self-contained) classroom, which means doing the same dull worksheets every day and reading books his sister read back in the third grade. Worst of all, being in SC means nobody thinks he's ready to join Ms. Rosef's mainstream science class—the class Alex knows will be the first step on his path to NASA.
When his teacher says "not yet" for the millionth time, Alex decides it's time to make a change. Now he's ready to try everything he can to get the people in his life—his teachers, his parents, and the kids at school—to understand that he, Alex Ramirez, is capable of the extraordinary.
Seventh-grade Alex's favorite things to do are watching YouTube videos of rocket launches with his Papi and spending hours on the NASA website reading about astronauts and planets. He even dreams of going to space one day himself, and knows he'll have to study hard in order to get there.
But Alex is in his grade's SC (self-contained) classroom, which means doing the same dull worksheets every day and reading books his sister read back in the third grade. Worst of all, being in SC means nobody thinks he's ready to join Ms. Rosef's mainstream science class—the class Alex knows will be the first step on his path to NASA.
When his teacher says "not yet" for the millionth time, Alex decides it's time to make a change. Now he's ready to try everything he can to get the people in his life—his teachers, his parents, and the kids at school—to understand that he, Alex Ramirez, is capable of the extraordinary.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published June 3, 2025
11 people are currently reading
3448 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 29, 2025
The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez is a highly original debut “novel-in-verse” middle grade story. The narrative follows Alex Ramirez, a space-obsessed 7th grader who spends his days watching rocket launches with his Papi and exploring NASA’s website. Because of his unpredictability and struggles, Alex is placed in a self-contained (SC) classroom, where the repetitive worksheets and outdated reading materials make him feel stagnant and yearning for more. Determined to prove his capabilities, Alex sets out to convince his teachers, parents, and peers that he’s ready for the mainstream science class and, ultimately, his dream of reaching the stars!
The story is truly unique with its neurodivergency representation, especially being set in an elementary school and shining a light on how challenging and easily misunderstood such an individual can be from a young age. Alex’s journey emphasizes the need for parents to be fully attentive and engaged with their children’s needs and self-advocacy, especially in these more challenging situations. The importance of having inclusive classrooms that recognize and nurture diverse students is beautifully illustrated in this story.
The chapters are extremely short and have interesting titles that reflect Alex’s inner thoughts as he navigates challenges in his daily life. Paulino’s choice to present the story “in verse” gives the narrative a somewhat fragmented feel but, at the same time, accurately captures Alex’s wonderful spirit and high emotions, ultimately making his experiences more intimate and resonant. The author, being a middle school teacher herself with experience in education and workshops relevant to this story’s characters, creates a truly authentic portrayal of a neurodivergent student’s perspective.
There are some wonderful characters in this book, most of whom play a pivotal role in Alex’s journey. His classmates in the self-contained classroom all have their own struggles but are still supportive of Alex and urge him on to prove his capabilities. Alex has a very strong bond with his Papi and sister, and there are several heartfelt scenes that highlight his Papi’s supporting role in Alex’s development. Alex’s mother is also supportive but also cautious and pragmatic, causing her to sometimes butt heads with her husband. It all adds up to a family dynamic that feels extremely authentic, and it’s heartwarming to see the love they all share for each other.
Overall, The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez is an extremely unique novel-in-verse that readers of middle grade fiction and even literary fiction will appreciate and resonate with. The book’s powerful messages about resiliency, self-belief, and reaching for your dreams against the odds make this story compelling and inspirational. The book is already garnering attention and high praise for its heartfelt narrative, lyrical prose, and unique insights into the experiences of a neurodivergent individual. If all of this sounds intriguing, don’t hesitate to add this one to your immediate reading list! It’s one you won’t soon forget!
The story is truly unique with its neurodivergency representation, especially being set in an elementary school and shining a light on how challenging and easily misunderstood such an individual can be from a young age. Alex’s journey emphasizes the need for parents to be fully attentive and engaged with their children’s needs and self-advocacy, especially in these more challenging situations. The importance of having inclusive classrooms that recognize and nurture diverse students is beautifully illustrated in this story.
The chapters are extremely short and have interesting titles that reflect Alex’s inner thoughts as he navigates challenges in his daily life. Paulino’s choice to present the story “in verse” gives the narrative a somewhat fragmented feel but, at the same time, accurately captures Alex’s wonderful spirit and high emotions, ultimately making his experiences more intimate and resonant. The author, being a middle school teacher herself with experience in education and workshops relevant to this story’s characters, creates a truly authentic portrayal of a neurodivergent student’s perspective.
There are some wonderful characters in this book, most of whom play a pivotal role in Alex’s journey. His classmates in the self-contained classroom all have their own struggles but are still supportive of Alex and urge him on to prove his capabilities. Alex has a very strong bond with his Papi and sister, and there are several heartfelt scenes that highlight his Papi’s supporting role in Alex’s development. Alex’s mother is also supportive but also cautious and pragmatic, causing her to sometimes butt heads with her husband. It all adds up to a family dynamic that feels extremely authentic, and it’s heartwarming to see the love they all share for each other.
Overall, The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez is an extremely unique novel-in-verse that readers of middle grade fiction and even literary fiction will appreciate and resonate with. The book’s powerful messages about resiliency, self-belief, and reaching for your dreams against the odds make this story compelling and inspirational. The book is already garnering attention and high praise for its heartfelt narrative, lyrical prose, and unique insights into the experiences of a neurodivergent individual. If all of this sounds intriguing, don’t hesitate to add this one to your immediate reading list! It’s one you won’t soon forget!
April 13, 2025
A MG novel in verse about a boy following his dreams despite some not thinking he can.
🚀
Alex is a seventh grader who loves watching YouTube videos of rocket launches with his Papi and learning everything he can about space, astronauts and planets. He has a dream to go to space himself one day, but Alex is in a self-contained classroom doing the same dull worksheets everyday. No one thinks Alex can join Ms. Rosef’s mainstream science class, but he’s tired of hearing no so he takes his dreams and goals into his own hands.
🎹🚿
A phenomenal debut! I’m so glad I was able to read an ARC of this book so that I can shout it to the rooftops when it releases June 3! I adored Alex! He’s such a relatable protagonist because he just wants people to listen to him and his dreams. The mix of Spanish throughout will be perfect for my student population and all the white space of the verse poetry will help with my reluctant readers, dyslexia and special education kids. The neurodiversity rep was such a great window for me to see into the mind and thoughts of a kid like Alex. I highly recommend this title for all students!
CW: bullying, injury
🚀
Alex is a seventh grader who loves watching YouTube videos of rocket launches with his Papi and learning everything he can about space, astronauts and planets. He has a dream to go to space himself one day, but Alex is in a self-contained classroom doing the same dull worksheets everyday. No one thinks Alex can join Ms. Rosef’s mainstream science class, but he’s tired of hearing no so he takes his dreams and goals into his own hands.
🎹🚿
A phenomenal debut! I’m so glad I was able to read an ARC of this book so that I can shout it to the rooftops when it releases June 3! I adored Alex! He’s such a relatable protagonist because he just wants people to listen to him and his dreams. The mix of Spanish throughout will be perfect for my student population and all the white space of the verse poetry will help with my reluctant readers, dyslexia and special education kids. The neurodiversity rep was such a great window for me to see into the mind and thoughts of a kid like Alex. I highly recommend this title for all students!
CW: bullying, injury
June 5, 2025
I really struggle with novels-in-verse, I admit. I don’t love the format. But I really had a hard time with this one because while I love that we have a neurodiverse MC in a self-contained classroom, knowing the education system and being intimately familiar with special education terms/guidelines and an array of classifications, the setting didn’t seem appropriate for him, especially considering a diagnosis is never given. A self-contained classroom is not the least-restrictive environment for many kids and what Alex describes as the things that put him there do not fit what would constitute the need for that. There were too many unanswered questions for me about the school setting, especially when they take pains to mention “IEP” but nothing else. His classmates also don’t seem like they especially fit in a self-contained classroom either, which makes me wonder about sensitivity readers or any research done, since nothing was mentioned in the acknowledgments like other books have had.
April 7, 2025
Alex Ramirez has been in a classroom with just a few other students ever since 3rd grade when bullying by his classmates ended with him breaking his former BFF's bone. But he longs to be in the more advanced science with others his age. As he learns to advocate for himself and the others in his class he's brought face to face with his former bullies and must decide how to manage keeping the focus he needs for class, and when to ask for help. This was such a thought provoking read. I appreciated how Alex grew in his ability to communicate his needs, and his advocacy for his friends. And I also loved the way his family learned to support him and share their vulnerabilities too. So good!
June 20, 2025
Life isn't easy for neurodivergent Alex. He started out the same as everyone else, but around third grade, his unusual behaviors--repeating things people say, loudly, needing to move, tapping, sometimes an inability to control himself when angry--landed him in special ed. He has good friends there, but what he really yearns for is to become an astronaut, and he knows his limited classroom won't get him there. What would start him off is joining the regular 7th grade science class, but everyone--parents and teachers--tell him he's not ready yet. But Alex knows he is, and keeps pushing and pushing until people listen, and give him a chance. But it's a lot harder than he thought, even with a personal aide in class with him. Primarily the problem is two bullies, one of whom used to be a good friend. Is Alex's one chance going to be derailed before it's even really started? Novel in verse.
I liked that there was frequent Spanish use in this, because Alex's family speaks it so it makes sense, and you can figure out from context what is meant because mostly it isn't explained. I liked the friend dramas that went on, much the same as with any friendship, neurodivergent or not. I did struggle to understand what Alex's neurodivergence was, or what exactly disqualified him from the regular classroom beyond a pushing incident a few years previously. It was never really specified, though a few incidents do shed some light. While I understand that was probably done on purpose, as this is from Alex's POV, it still felt a bit frustrating (maybe that was the goal?). Another thing that didn't entirely work for me was that while the bullying was annoying, compared to what 7th graders can do to each other, this was really tame. I didn't know if the book was aimed at much younger kids (3rd-5th, maybe), or at neurodivergent kids (which, fair), but I do wonder if it might struggle for readership because it felt "young." Thanks to Libro.FM for a free educator copy of the audiobook.
I liked that there was frequent Spanish use in this, because Alex's family speaks it so it makes sense, and you can figure out from context what is meant because mostly it isn't explained. I liked the friend dramas that went on, much the same as with any friendship, neurodivergent or not. I did struggle to understand what Alex's neurodivergence was, or what exactly disqualified him from the regular classroom beyond a pushing incident a few years previously. It was never really specified, though a few incidents do shed some light. While I understand that was probably done on purpose, as this is from Alex's POV, it still felt a bit frustrating (maybe that was the goal?). Another thing that didn't entirely work for me was that while the bullying was annoying, compared to what 7th graders can do to each other, this was really tame. I didn't know if the book was aimed at much younger kids (3rd-5th, maybe), or at neurodivergent kids (which, fair), but I do wonder if it might struggle for readership because it felt "young." Thanks to Libro.FM for a free educator copy of the audiobook.
May 14, 2025
Ever since third grade, school has been an isolating experience for now seventh-grade Alex Ramirez. Alex dreams of being in Ms. Rosef’s science class, but the SC class to which Alex is relegated does not have the opportunity to mingle with the rest of the seventh grade students. However, Alex is not one to be quiet, and with each new injustice he notices, he speaks out to his teachers and his parents. And even when Alex is offered some freedoms, the inequity of his classmates’ experience is enough to sour his excitement until he figures out a way to make everyone happy. This middle grade novel in verse is told in the first person from Alex’s perspective. Written in a blend of Spanish and English, the narrative feels as though it comes from the mind of a bilingual student, engagingly inviting readers directly into Alex’s experience. Though the cause of Alex’s relegation to SC is not overtly stated, readers clearly understand that something is out of the ordinary in Alex’s brain, which requires him to be separated from the majority of students. As the story continues, however, readers are questioning this decision alongside Alex, which opens the door to empathize with similar children in the reader’s own life. Inequities happen in classrooms around the United States every day, and it takes someone brave to advocate for a balance, especially when advocating for oneself. This book encourages readers to identify the right path and bravely follow it, no matter what obstacles might stand in the way. Medium-paced and written with heart, this middle grade novel in verse is an important addition to library collections for young readers.
June 28, 2025
I loved how this novel in verse got into the head of neurodivergent Alex. The format works well to capture how Alex's thoughts can spiral and how he is learning to monitor himself. I loved that his family and teachers are supportive, even when that support doesn't always manifest itself in ways Alex understands or needs. He does admit he needs support. Through Alex's friends in the self-contained classroom he has been in for years, we see how different kids grow and begin to advocate for more opportunities, while honoring the student who doesn't feel ready to integrate in with the rest of school. The basic plot includes the typical bully story that also typically resolves itself as Alex learns to speak and stand up for himself.
With all of this love, why not 5 stars? Only because Paulino's integration of Spanish, one of Alex's languages, will limit the readership of this great book. I work with English Language Learners whose first language is not Spanish and unfortunately, this will make Alex's story hard for them to comprehend. Paulino does do a good job of making the meaning of Spanish words clear from the context, so I think this book will work well for native English speakers and of course for those who speak Spanish.
Review based on a digital ARC received through NetGalley.
With all of this love, why not 5 stars? Only because Paulino's integration of Spanish, one of Alex's languages, will limit the readership of this great book. I work with English Language Learners whose first language is not Spanish and unfortunately, this will make Alex's story hard for them to comprehend. Paulino does do a good job of making the meaning of Spanish words clear from the context, so I think this book will work well for native English speakers and of course for those who speak Spanish.
Review based on a digital ARC received through NetGalley.
June 8, 2025
Alex loves outer space. But because he is neurodivergent, he is put in the SC (self-contained) classroom, with the other kids that have different ways of learning. He is not stupid. When he is with his father, he totally understands science and all things outer space. He desperately wants to be in the science class with the other kids, and pushes until he is allowed to.
The story is told from his point of view, including how annoying it is to have people tapping their pencils on the table, or mocking him, or any number of things that make him go inside his head to escape. Written in blank verse, you are able to see things from Alex’s point of view, and know what the bullies are doing to you.
I really liked that this story was told by Alex, because that is who wanted to so desperately do more. And it wouldn’t have made sense told any other way. I won’t say this was an enjoyable book to read, but it was enlightening. It is always important to walk in others' shoes. And this will be an excellent book to show other kids what it is like being Alex and others like Alex.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book was published on June 3, 2025 and is available everywhere books are sold.
The story is told from his point of view, including how annoying it is to have people tapping their pencils on the table, or mocking him, or any number of things that make him go inside his head to escape. Written in blank verse, you are able to see things from Alex’s point of view, and know what the bullies are doing to you.
I really liked that this story was told by Alex, because that is who wanted to so desperately do more. And it wouldn’t have made sense told any other way. I won’t say this was an enjoyable book to read, but it was enlightening. It is always important to walk in others' shoes. And this will be an excellent book to show other kids what it is like being Alex and others like Alex.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book was published on June 3, 2025 and is available everywhere books are sold.
June 30, 2025
This was a very interesting read as I don’t think I’ve read a book from the perspective of a child in a special education class. I love it when I get to read from new perspectives! This one was an emotional tale of Alex, a boy who dreams of the stars but often feels tied down to Earth. He hears refrains of “don’t take on too much,” “you’re not ready,” and “it’s not for you.” This book is all about finding his voice and advocating for himself (and his friends) to his teachers, other students, his bullies, and even his biggest supporters — his family.
The chapters were very quick and often ended in the middle of a sentence because the title of the next chapter would finish the sentence and set the tone for the next chapter. It was an interesting way to write, though I’ll admit it was odd to listen to since I listened to the audiobook and there were long pauses before the title of the chapter was read.
Overall, this was a nice read and a great recommendation for anyone trying to find their voice.
The chapters were very quick and often ended in the middle of a sentence because the title of the next chapter would finish the sentence and set the tone for the next chapter. It was an interesting way to write, though I’ll admit it was odd to listen to since I listened to the audiobook and there were long pauses before the title of the chapter was read.
Overall, this was a nice read and a great recommendation for anyone trying to find their voice.
June 25, 2025
Alex has been in SC, the school's self-contained classroom since third grade. He begins to realize that if he is stuck there forever, he will never come close to achieving his dream of becoming an astronaut. To begin to take charge of his own learning is a scary proposition, especially since Alex has to overcome nervous habits and control outbursts. Alex discovers that the process of change is messy, but he ends by changing for the better not only his own orbit, but the orbits of his friends in SC as well, and maybe even the orbits of a couple of the school bullies, too. The reader, through verse, is provided the ability to hear Alex's thoughts about space, education, and change, and maybe even think about one's own life and choices and how those affect those around us, as well.
June 19, 2025
Alex's story will make you reconsider what life must be like for neurodivergent students who have been removed from the classroom for largely behavioral issues who have academic needs that aren't being met. This verse novel follows the experiences of seventh-grade Alex who must advocate for himself to convince his parents and teacher that he is ready for a science class with the other middle schoolers. Luckily, Alex has his sister on his sides, and the adults in his life truly want what is best for him. As a Spanish teacher, I loved all the Spanish in this book and am hoping the print copy has more translations than the audiobook so my students don't miss anything.
June 17, 2025
Space obsessed, neurodivergent seventh grader Alex finds himself in a self-contained classroom, yearning to join a science class with the rest of his peers. This novel in verse chronicles Alex’s journey as he recognizes the inequities around him and advocates for access to the science class, despite the concerns of those around him. Alex is a likeable character and the novel in verse format allows readers to truly feel his frustration about not feeling heard. Powerful story of advocacy, perseverance, and potential.
June 18, 2025
Once again, I have found a middle grade novel with excellent ASD (autism spectrum disorder) representation. Additionally, this book has Latine representation which I appreciate, thinking specifically about the demographics of my students. I also appreciate the fact that both parents want the best for their son who loves science and wants to leave his self-contained class to go to the "regular" class. While this book did not make me nearly as emotional as The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn, I still really enjoyed my reading experience.
June 9, 2025
This is a powerful novel in verse told from a unique perspective. For me as a parent and teacher it helped me constantly be thinking how to better help neurodiverse children and try to think of how they might see their own day to day successes and struggles. I hope it will provide a similar experience to young readers. Whether you are a young reader who feels seen or is able to better see others through this story, there is so much emotion, hope, and triumph throughout these pages.
June 10, 2025
This was a very quick, easy audiobook, but perhaps a bit too short for me to remember. As a neurodiverse individual, I could relate to Alex quite a lot, but the plot wasn't engaging enough for me to keep focused. I've read and enjoyed books written in verse before, so maybe it's the format that didn't work for me on this occasion.
Thank you to Libro FM and the publishers for the ALC.
Thank you to Libro FM and the publishers for the ALC.
June 24, 2025
Seventh-grader Alex loves outer space. He doesn’t love being in the self-contained (special ed) classroom. Through this novel in verse, Alex’s story of fitting in, finding excellence, and working toward acceptance is shared. I enjoyed hearing his Hispanic neurodiverse voice.
Thank you to Libro.fm for a complementary audiobook.
Thank you to Libro.fm for a complementary audiobook.
June 23, 2025
Stellar novel in verse featuring a voice we rarely get to hear from - a bilingual student in self-contained special education with big academic dreams and aspirations. I can't wait to share this one with my students.
June 23, 2025
This book gives a voice to kids who traditionally don’t have one. I think I’d like the paper copy better, but I got the audiobook first. It would be nice to see how the poetry is laid out on the page.
April 26, 2025
It was a good read.
June 1, 2025
3.75⭐️
June 7, 2025
This was good insight into self-contained classrooms and students.
June 19, 2025
An excellent novel in verse that shows Alex's journey towards advocacy. Thanks ton@LibroFM for the book.
June 30, 2025
4.75
A book in verse about a 7th grader in a self-contained (SC) classroom who believes he can do more. I really liked that Alex started advocating for himself, and that helped to make changes for the others in the class as well. I was extremely frustrated with the bullying in the book. I know it happens all the time at school, and it makes me so mad. I think upper elementary to middle schoolers should read this as well as adults.
A book in verse about a 7th grader in a self-contained (SC) classroom who believes he can do more. I really liked that Alex started advocating for himself, and that helped to make changes for the others in the class as well. I was extremely frustrated with the bullying in the book. I know it happens all the time at school, and it makes me so mad. I think upper elementary to middle schoolers should read this as well as adults.
February 27, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Alex has been in a self contained classroom for many years for a variety of unspecified issues that result in a lack on control, but now that he is in 7th grade, he is very interested in Ms. Rosef's science class and the space related projects that they are doing. Tired of Ms. Sharon and Ms. Lori, he asks about being mainstreamed, since he has an interest in NASA and space. He had a violent incident in third grade that resulted in another student, Leonard, having his arm broken, but he has help from Dr. Cuevas and has been on medication. When the self contained unit has a service learning project and run a coffee cart in the school, Alex is upset when this makes the news. His parents also would like to see him spend his time in more academic endeavors, so approach the school about making the change. His friend, Chase, is angry that Alex is leaving the unit, but his Papi encourages him to try this new class. Ms. Lori goes with him to class for support, and things are a bit rocky, especially with Leonard, who picks on Alex for being in a special unit. Alex wants Chase to be involved in the space studies as well, so starts a science club his friend can join. The class is more challenging than Alex suspected, which results in some meltdowns. Eventually, Alex learns how to navigate the students and academic content in his new class.
Strengths: There are not too many books about students in self contained classroom, but certainly many students in these classes who need to see themselves in books. Alex's challenges are addressed in a productive fashion, and he's given supported opportunities to try new things. The interpersonal challenges that go along with this are realistically portrayed. The novel in verse format seems suitable for Alex's sometimes fragmented thoughts.
Weaknesses: I was a little surprised that we didn't have a stated diagnosis for Alex, since students today are not shy about telling me this right up front, and mentioning their IEPs or accomodations. Not every student likes to be labeled, but readers might have more insight into the way Alex navigates the world if there were a few more details about when he took medication, what his support therapy looks like, and the activities of the self contained classroom.
What I really think: Readers who enjoyed the combination of challenges and space in Lackey's Farther Than the Moon and Panteleakos' Planet Earth is Blue will enjoy this novel in verse.
Alex has been in a self contained classroom for many years for a variety of unspecified issues that result in a lack on control, but now that he is in 7th grade, he is very interested in Ms. Rosef's science class and the space related projects that they are doing. Tired of Ms. Sharon and Ms. Lori, he asks about being mainstreamed, since he has an interest in NASA and space. He had a violent incident in third grade that resulted in another student, Leonard, having his arm broken, but he has help from Dr. Cuevas and has been on medication. When the self contained unit has a service learning project and run a coffee cart in the school, Alex is upset when this makes the news. His parents also would like to see him spend his time in more academic endeavors, so approach the school about making the change. His friend, Chase, is angry that Alex is leaving the unit, but his Papi encourages him to try this new class. Ms. Lori goes with him to class for support, and things are a bit rocky, especially with Leonard, who picks on Alex for being in a special unit. Alex wants Chase to be involved in the space studies as well, so starts a science club his friend can join. The class is more challenging than Alex suspected, which results in some meltdowns. Eventually, Alex learns how to navigate the students and academic content in his new class.
Strengths: There are not too many books about students in self contained classroom, but certainly many students in these classes who need to see themselves in books. Alex's challenges are addressed in a productive fashion, and he's given supported opportunities to try new things. The interpersonal challenges that go along with this are realistically portrayed. The novel in verse format seems suitable for Alex's sometimes fragmented thoughts.
Weaknesses: I was a little surprised that we didn't have a stated diagnosis for Alex, since students today are not shy about telling me this right up front, and mentioning their IEPs or accomodations. Not every student likes to be labeled, but readers might have more insight into the way Alex navigates the world if there were a few more details about when he took medication, what his support therapy looks like, and the activities of the self contained classroom.
What I really think: Readers who enjoyed the combination of challenges and space in Lackey's Farther Than the Moon and Panteleakos' Planet Earth is Blue will enjoy this novel in verse.
March 21, 2025
I have a soft spot for middle grade novels-in-verse, and this quick read was another great addition to the list. Alex Ramirez is a neurodivergent middle grader in an SC, or self-contained classroom. Like so many children with a disability, he's consistently underestimated by his parents and teachers, and has to advocate for himself in order to get the opportunities he wants.
Alex is a likeable protagonist, and we get a good sense of him as a person throughout the novel. I liked the way we're shown how he works through his issues and refusing to give up on his dream of attending science class with the other seventh-graders. The author doesn't shy away from showing us the difficulties of navigating school as a neurodivergent child, but she shows the possible triumphs as well.
This is a hopeful book that I would definitely recommend. Neurodivergent middle-graders might recognize themselves in these pages, while neurotypical middle-graders get a glimpse into the head of someone whose brain works a little differently from theirs. Alex is a Latinx character, and the story is written in a mix of Spanish and English, so Latinx middle-graders might feel especially represented as well. The Spanish is incorporated well into the text, so middle graders who don't know a lot of Spanish (yet) won't miss out.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Alex is a likeable protagonist, and we get a good sense of him as a person throughout the novel. I liked the way we're shown how he works through his issues and refusing to give up on his dream of attending science class with the other seventh-graders. The author doesn't shy away from showing us the difficulties of navigating school as a neurodivergent child, but she shows the possible triumphs as well.
This is a hopeful book that I would definitely recommend. Neurodivergent middle-graders might recognize themselves in these pages, while neurotypical middle-graders get a glimpse into the head of someone whose brain works a little differently from theirs. Alex is a Latinx character, and the story is written in a mix of Spanish and English, so Latinx middle-graders might feel especially represented as well. The Spanish is incorporated well into the text, so middle graders who don't know a lot of Spanish (yet) won't miss out.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 29, 2025
A nice addition to novels in verse!
Alex has always been in self-contained classrooms, but he is determined to be included in science, his favorite subject. Paulino depicts what special needs families might go through in order to help their child succeed, and she also shows that it is ok to advocate for oneself. Students will empathize with Alex Ramirez.
Alex has always been in self-contained classrooms, but he is determined to be included in science, his favorite subject. Paulino depicts what special needs families might go through in order to help their child succeed, and she also shows that it is ok to advocate for oneself. Students will empathize with Alex Ramirez.
February 6, 2025
Paulino's debut novel offers an inside perspective to the mind and heart of Alex Ramirez, a neurodivergent seventh grader with big dreams-- if only he can get his teacher, his principle, his mom to understand that he is ready for more of a challenge. The journey of Alex's relationship with his mom is especially touching as they both struggle with change and growth. PS- Paulino weaves the bilingual nature of Alex's world very seamlessly...keep google translate on standby if, like me, you've dumped all your high school Spanish from your brain.
March 4, 2025
Alex’s neurodivergence isn’t clearly specified on the pages, but many readers will deeply resonate with the ways he’s been continually underestimated and infantilized, with people who “celebrate / the regular stuff” and are concerned that standard classes and extracurriculars will be “too much” for him. Alex fights and persists to be heard, even when fellow students disparage him, reminding readers and parents alike that change is possible and worth fighting for. I also love the generational neurodivergence represented in this story.
May 26, 2025
This is a sweet middle grade novel in verse. I loved the representation of a ND main character and the way Alex continued to advocate for himself throughout the book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.
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December 18, 2024Review coming next year, but add this one to your TBRs, folks! I had the pleasure of reading an early copy and cannot recommend it enough <3
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