DEAR STUDENT

Speaking for those who can’t speak for themselves helps one girl find her fearlessness.

The first day of sixth grade at Hillview Middle School is stressful enough for Autumn Blake without the added pressure from her dad to participate in just one thing. Not a fan of being noticed, finding her special thing feels daunting, especially without her best friend, Prisha, who has moved to California. The answer unexpectedly comes when Autumn is chosen by her teacher to be the anonymous voice behind “Dear Student,” the school newspaper’s advice column. Her excitement soon turns to worry, though, as she finds herself in the middle of a divisive community issue with new friends Cooper and Logan on opposing sides. Also confusing are Autumn’s feelings about her dad, who left to work with the Peace Corps in Ecuador, leaving Autumn, her little sister, and her veterinarian mom behind in Cape Cod. Autumn’s inner life will resonate with anyone who has experienced social anxiety, as will her feeling that she is the only one who can’t figure out how to navigate the school cafeteria. Themes of animal rights and socio-economic diversity are handled thoughtfully and with nuance. Jewish Autumn and most main characters read as White; Prisha is cued as Indian, and close family friend and veterinary office manager Malcolm has brown skin.

A heartfelt story about finding the courage to stand up for your beliefs even when you’d rather remain invisible.