
Reach for this book when your middle or high schooler feels like an outsider because of how their brain processes the world. It is an essential choice for parents of neurodivergent children who are struggling to navigate the unspoken social rules and hierarchies of school. The story follows Colin Fischer, a freshman with autism who uses a notebook of facial expressions to decode human emotion. When a gun goes off in the cafeteria, Colin uses his unique logical skills to clear the name of the school bully, despite the bully being his primary antagonist. It explores themes of justice, identity, and the courage it takes to be yourself in a world that demands conformity. Parents will appreciate how it humanizes the autistic experience without being clinical, offering a realistic look at sensory sensitivities and social challenges for ages 12 and up.
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Sign in to write a reviewCharacters occasionally use insensitive language regarding Colin's neurodivergence.
Occasional mild school-aged insults and slang.
The book deals with neurodivergence (specifically autism) in a direct and secular manner. It also addresses school safety and gun presence, though the 'gun' is handled as a mystery element rather than a traumatic event. The resolution is realistic and hopeful, showing social progress rather than a miraculous 'cure' for Colin's challenges.
A middle school student who feels like they are 'watching' the world from the outside, particularly those who identify with neurodivergent traits or have a deep love for logic and detective stories.
Read the scenes involving 'the meltdown' to understand Colin's sensory triggers. No major context is needed: it can be read cold. A parent might see their child being teased for their 'quirks' or notice their child struggling to interpret a peer's sarcasm or facial expressions.
Younger readers (11-12) focus on the 'whodunit' mystery, while older readers (14-16) will better appreciate the nuance of Colin's internal struggle with social cues and his evolving relationship with his family.
Unlike many books about neurodivergence that focus on the burden to others, this is a fast-paced mystery that celebrates the protagonist's brain as a specialized tool for justice.
Colin Fischer is a fourteen-year-old starting high school with a distinct set of challenges related to his autism: he hates being touched, struggles to read emotions, and finds loud noises overwhelming. When a gun is discovered in the school cafeteria after a loud pop, the school bully, Wayne Connelly, is the prime suspect. While everyone else is happy to see Wayne gone, Colin's commitment to logic and evidence tells him Wayne is innocent. He launches an investigation to find the real owner of the gun, using his meticulous observation skills to navigate a social world he doesn't fully understand.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.