Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Square Fish (2017), Edition: Reprint, 304 pages
Description
Twelve-year-old Elyse has a rare genetic disorder makes the words other people say about her appear on her body.
User reviews
LibraryThing member shelf-employed
(Advance Reader Copy provided by NetGalley)
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."
This adage has been told to innumerable children, but in Elyse's case, words do hurt. Elyse has a rare condition called cognadjvisiblitis, or CAV. When she hears nouns or adjectives
In elementary school, Elyse could count on her best friend Jeg, the kindness of young children, and the assistance of teachers and school administrators to ensure that only positive words would appear on her skin, HAPPY, CUTE, SMART. These words were not only complimentary, they were non-irritating. Unkind words surfaced dark, large, and bold - causing extreme itching and discomfort.
Middle school behaviors cannot be controlled so easily. First, she is dumped by her boyfriend, and then she loses Jeg to the cool girls clique. No one can ensure that only positive adjectives find their way to Elyse's ears. It's no wonder that she takes to wearing long sleeves and pants, regardless of the season.
Things begin getting both better and worse as Elyse follows the advice she finds written on mysterious, but mostly encouraging, blue notes. The notes exhort her to compete for the school's coveted position of class trip Explorer Leader, but the contest exposes her to social situations that aggravate her CAV. Her nervous mother takes her, yet again, to the doctor renowned for, but mostly ineffective in treating CAV,
"'People go to meetings, I said. "And take walks. It's not that crazy.'
Dr. Patel scooted closer to get a better look at my words. DUMB was still there. So were IDIOT, LOSER, STUPID, UNLOVABLE, WORTHLESS, and FREAK, the whole crew. They were going in all different directions, and some were bigger than others, but they were all thick, dark, mean, and itchy, and felt like ridiculously scratchy clothes-the ones that also have ridiculously scratchy tags-I couldn't ever take off. "
While the postulate of a school choosing a class trip leader in reality-TV-style, seems a bit far-fetched, the underlying middle school drama rings true, and the book's unique premise of CAV will give readers pause for thought.
Sticks and Stones offers more than just middle-school angst and coming-of-age experiences. Similar to the lives of real children who deal with name-calling everyday, Elyse's story is not one of overcoming this adversity, but of living with it. Elyse's story is a reminder that not all things can be made "right," but we should all take care that we do not contribute to making things "wrong."
(An added bonus: it's a mystery - who is writing those blue notes?)
This is a debut novel for former teacher and school librarian, Abby Cooper. She's off to a great start. Look for this one in July, or pre-order a copy.
htpp://shelf-employed.blogspot.com
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."
This adage has been told to innumerable children, but in Elyse's case, words do hurt. Elyse has a rare condition called cognadjvisiblitis, or CAV. When she hears nouns or adjectives
Show More
describing her, they appear as black words on her arms and legs.In elementary school, Elyse could count on her best friend Jeg, the kindness of young children, and the assistance of teachers and school administrators to ensure that only positive words would appear on her skin, HAPPY, CUTE, SMART. These words were not only complimentary, they were non-irritating. Unkind words surfaced dark, large, and bold - causing extreme itching and discomfort.
Middle school behaviors cannot be controlled so easily. First, she is dumped by her boyfriend, and then she loses Jeg to the cool girls clique. No one can ensure that only positive adjectives find their way to Elyse's ears. It's no wonder that she takes to wearing long sleeves and pants, regardless of the season.
Things begin getting both better and worse as Elyse follows the advice she finds written on mysterious, but mostly encouraging, blue notes. The notes exhort her to compete for the school's coveted position of class trip Explorer Leader, but the contest exposes her to social situations that aggravate her CAV. Her nervous mother takes her, yet again, to the doctor renowned for, but mostly ineffective in treating CAV,
"'People go to meetings, I said. "And take walks. It's not that crazy.'
Dr. Patel scooted closer to get a better look at my words. DUMB was still there. So were IDIOT, LOSER, STUPID, UNLOVABLE, WORTHLESS, and FREAK, the whole crew. They were going in all different directions, and some were bigger than others, but they were all thick, dark, mean, and itchy, and felt like ridiculously scratchy clothes-the ones that also have ridiculously scratchy tags-I couldn't ever take off. "
While the postulate of a school choosing a class trip leader in reality-TV-style, seems a bit far-fetched, the underlying middle school drama rings true, and the book's unique premise of CAV will give readers pause for thought.
Sticks and Stones offers more than just middle-school angst and coming-of-age experiences. Similar to the lives of real children who deal with name-calling everyday, Elyse's story is not one of overcoming this adversity, but of living with it. Elyse's story is a reminder that not all things can be made "right," but we should all take care that we do not contribute to making things "wrong."
(An added bonus: it's a mystery - who is writing those blue notes?)
This is a debut novel for former teacher and school librarian, Abby Cooper. She's off to a great start. Look for this one in July, or pre-order a copy.
htpp://shelf-employed.blogspot.com
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LibraryThing member MrsDruffel
Elyse is a middle school girl who was born with CAV. This means whenever someone calls her a name, good or bad, it appears on her arms and legs. The good ones she wears proudly, but the bad ones can be quite itchy. Transitioning from elementary to middle school has brought on new challenges for
Author Abby Cooper writes from Elyse’s point of view and sends a wonderful message to all middle school students about how we see ourselves, taking risks, and much, much more. I recommend every middle grade girl read this book!!
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Elyse. Everyone she knows is changing, acting different. Elyse wonders if she can just do something different, like be the class leader for the annual sixth grade trip, her troubles might disappear. Author Abby Cooper writes from Elyse’s point of view and sends a wonderful message to all middle school students about how we see ourselves, taking risks, and much, much more. I recommend every middle grade girl read this book!!
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LibraryThing member acargile
A mostly realistic fiction novel with a side of paranormal, this sweet novel will appeal to sixth graders.
Elyse has an unusual condition with which she was born. When adjectives are used to describe her, they immediately appear on her skin, similar to a tattoo. The hurtful words itch. They fade
Jeg and Elyse are now in 6th grade middle school where there are many people who do not know of Elyse’s condition. Jeg decides to expand her friendship base, leaving Elyse to fend for herself. One day Elyse finds a blue note folded neatly in her lock encouraging her to try for the Explorer Leader position. These notes challenge Elyse to not hide but to join people and believe in herself. Nice Andy enjoys spending time with her; he encourages her to go for this prestigious position as well. Unfortunately, there are many who continue to say hurtful things. Elyse will have to find her inner strength, deal with a very itchy body, and finish the sixth grade with friends and confidence.
The novel flows well and has lovely messages about friendship and personal strength. If you want a sweet, easy-to-read novel that has a feel-good ending, give this one a try.
Elyse has an unusual condition with which she was born. When adjectives are used to describe her, they immediately appear on her skin, similar to a tattoo. The hurtful words itch. They fade
Show More
over time. Therefore, she might be branded with beautiful, dork, witch, or freak at any given moment. She’s never made a secret of this unusual condition, but it has been difficult. When she began school, Elyse’s doctor explained to the class that they couldn’t call her names. One particular girl, Jeg, was particularly protective of Elyse. If anyone even looked like he was going to verbally attack Elyse, Jeg would step in.Jeg and Elyse are now in 6th grade middle school where there are many people who do not know of Elyse’s condition. Jeg decides to expand her friendship base, leaving Elyse to fend for herself. One day Elyse finds a blue note folded neatly in her lock encouraging her to try for the Explorer Leader position. These notes challenge Elyse to not hide but to join people and believe in herself. Nice Andy enjoys spending time with her; he encourages her to go for this prestigious position as well. Unfortunately, there are many who continue to say hurtful things. Elyse will have to find her inner strength, deal with a very itchy body, and finish the sixth grade with friends and confidence.
The novel flows well and has lovely messages about friendship and personal strength. If you want a sweet, easy-to-read novel that has a feel-good ending, give this one a try.
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LibraryThing member Susan.Macura
Sixth-grade student Elyse has a rare condition where words appear on her body as a result of someone nearby using that word in reference to her. For instance, if someone is mad at her and calls her stupid, stupid appears on an arm or leg. Bad words itch, good words do not. Having this condition
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caused Elyse to be a rather shy child, but in this book she comes to terms with her condition while learning some valuable lessons about growing up, friendships, relationships and life with parents who love you no matter what. This was a wonderful book. Show Less
Awards
Minnesota Book Awards (Finalist — Middle Grade Literature — 2017)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2016-07-12
Physical description
304 p.; 5.16 inches
ISBN
1250115264 / 9781250115263