  | Way I say it Author: Tandon, Nancy | |
| Price: $22.38 | ||
Summary:
Rory Mitchell has always had an issue saying his Rs correctly (which is a real problem given his name); now in sixth grade his former best friend, Brent, suddenly sides with bullies against Rory; but then Brent is hit by a car and suffers a serious brain injury, which requires Rory to reevaluate everything.
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| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 4.20 Points: 8.0 Quiz: 513909 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (12/01/21)
School Library Journal (01/01/22)
Booklist (12/15/21)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 12/15/2021 Rory can’t say his name or any of his r’s. While working to build his confidence in his speech with speech therapy, Rory also navigates bullies, friendships, and crushes in his first year of middle school. When Rory’s former friend Brent, now his bully, suffers a brain injury after being in an accident, Brent becomes the new target of bullying. Now a witness to the bullying, Rory struggles with conflicting feelings about his failed friendship. Will he do what’s right and stand up for someone who needs help even though no one stood up for him? While Rory’s journey to overcome his obstacle is the main storyline, The Way I Say It also addresses topics such as complicated friendships, bullying, and the power of empathy, while being set within a challenging transitional period in adolescence. With a background in speech therapy, Tandon authentically writes about the experience of a child with a speech impediment. The numerous challenges that these realistic characters face will resonate with all types of readers. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 01/01/2022 Gr 3–7—Navigating friendships in middle school is no easy feat, especially when those friendships are everything. For sixth grader Rory, his friendship with Brent meant the world to him. Now, his ex–best friend has decided to spend time with some of the lacrosse players instead, and Rory does not think they are very nice people at all. Then, a terrible accident leaves Brent with a brain injury, which immediately takes him out of the classroom and leaves Rory confused about his feelings. Should he be worried, mad at the world, or upset overall? Should he reach out? Besides this inner struggle, Rory is also dealing with his speaking skills; his speech teacher is trying their best to get him through it and they bond over similar interests, such as heavy rock and roll music. Readers are shown Rory's thoughts and struggles as he navigates whether to stick up for his old friend and his new serious problems, even when Brent was not there for him at times. He is also exploring a new mentorship with his speech teacher, which is changing his perspective. VERDICT A resonant book about speech challenges, the beauty of inner growth, and how close friendships are sometimes complicated and hard to define. Recommended for tweens seeking an emotional, uplifting read.—Aurora Dominguez - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
