Synopsis
A boy with Asperger's Syndrome proves he's a genius. Ages 12+
VOYA
When Nathaniel Clark, who has Asperger's Syndrome, was eleven, he aced his AP exams, including one in Mandarin, and at thirteen, he was a senior at the University of Arizona Distance Learning and owned his own business, prompting family and friends to call him a genius. Since he has read books that suggest otherwise, he scoffs at the notion and is unwilling to rest on his laurels. At fourteen, Nathaniel looks for ways he can use his talents to do something he feels is worthy of the genius label. Encouraged by his syrupy-sweet and involved mother, Nathaniel thrives. Under his father's influence, he does not. His father insults him repeatedly before eventually moving on to form a new family. Roy's depiction of characters with Asperger's Syndrome seems authentic, but the technical namedropping (echolalia, neurotypical, asynchrony) and accompanying explanations, often threaten good storytelling, including the subplot involving Nathaniel's crush on Jessa. Flashbacks, or scans through Nathaniel's schema files, offer backstory and help the reader see how he makes sense of information and relationships, particularly the fragile one he has with his father. Depictions of Nathaniel's frustration and confusion are just as clear and convincing as depictions of his talent for doing math, writing educational songs, and playing the keyboard in his band. One scene includes underage drinking, but there are realistic consequences. Mature readers will empathize with Nathaniel as his friends, Jessa and Cooper, do. This book is for teens who appreciate a story about self-discovery, dreams, and friendship. Reviewer: KaaVonia Hinton-Johnson