![]() We wanted the book to reflect our own experience: that mental illness can be scary and difficult, but it isn’t insurmountable, and the ones you love can help you through it. “We wanted to make characters that were serious, goofy, afraid, silly, and who reflected all the wacky and wonderful aspects of being in middle school. “It was important for us to reflect the world we live in-from diversity of body size, race, sexuality, etc, to diversity of how we take in the world around us,” added Durfey-Lavoie. I wanted this story to be something that shows how a lot of us live alongside our anxiety, and that the end goal of one's mental health journey doesn’t have to be ‘fixing’ yourself, but rather becoming the best version of you, anxiety and all.” “I was inspired by Svetlana Chmakova’s ‘Berry Brook Middle School’ series (Awkward / Brave / Crush) that highlights issues kids deal with but doesn’t belittle them. “JUST ROLL WITH IT aims to open a dialogue about mental health for young readers and give them some terminology to help navigate talking about it,” said Agarwal in a statement. But what happens when she can't roll the right numbers? Maggie is an avid tabletop gamer who relies on her trusty D20 die to navigate life's difficult choices. Like everyone else, they have heart, talents, and a whole lot of character.Just Roll With It follows the misadventures of Maggie, a girl whose struggles with anxiety and OCD have only been exacerbated by the pressures of middle school. Just Roll With It is centered around the blended Bennett-Blatt family. Most importantly, however, she reminds readers that children with disabilities are more than their disability. She skillfully highlights the challenges of disability, without making the entire book about disability. As a mother of a CP kid herself, Jamie’s first-hand experience shines through in this novel. Jamie Sumner’s Roll with It is a heartwarming, inspiring debut about a girl with an inextinguishable spirit. Simple things like not parking in the handicapped space go a long way.Īll the characters in this book are memorable - from Mema to Bert, to my favorite, Coralee. It was also eye-opening to see the struggles faced by people with disabilities, and to take note of ways other people can be more considerate. I appreciated seeing another perspective. Unlike Draper’s protagonist, Ellie is verbal, can feed herself, socialize, and knead some good bread dough. The only other book I’ve read about a child with CP is Sharon Draper’s Out of My Mind. I’d be remiss not to mention how big a win this book is for people with disabilities - children with disabilities. Baking is so inextricably linked to Ellie’s character - I loved it. A few chapters throughout the book begin with letters to her culinary heroes after she’s recreated their recipes. And speaking of delicious, Ellie can bake!(!!!). ![]() ![]() I was transported to the setting, whether it was near-frigid winter or a deliciously warm summer day. I could easily imagine them being people I’d meet next door.Īs soon as I cracked open this book, Ellie had me wrapped around her finger. Ellie’s voice never sounds contrived, neither do any of the other characters’. Many have excellent plots and characterization, but Roll with It just has a warmth. As someone who appreciates both plot and language, it’s rare to find a middle-grade book that nails both. Just Roll With It: Riptide is a D&D game that follows characters Chip, Gillion Tidestrider and Jay Ferin - a brave pirate crew who sail the seas, experience adventures, try to get their hands on treasures and aim to uncover the mystery surrounding the disappearance of The Black Rose Pirates. Thankfully, as she deals with the changes in her family and finding a place in Oklahoma, she has a couple of new friends and in typical Ellie fashion, keeps rolling with life’s punches. Life is such a rolling coaster, either you roll with it willingly or it roll you unwillingly, but you must roll either way. There, Ellie is once again a new kid navigating the struggles than many people with disabilities have to face. ![]() When Ellie’s grandfather’s Alzheimer’s takes a turn for the worse, Ellie and her mom move into her grandparents trailer in Oklahoma to help out for six months. Her dad couldn’t deal with her being ill at birth (and for months after), so he pretty much skipped out on her and her mom who’s been her number one advocate. It just so happens that she also has cerebral palsy and has to use a wheelchair. Twelve-year-old Ellie is a sassy, determined baker.
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