Like everyone else, they have heart, talents, and a whole lot of character. 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. 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. A few chapters throughout the book begin with letters to her culinary heroes after she’s recreated their recipes. Twelve-year-old Ellie is a sassy, determined baker. She is also the author of the nonfiction parenting books, Eat, Sleep, Save the World and Unbound. And speaking of delicious, Ellie can bake!(!!!). Jamie Sumner is the author of the critically-acclaimed middle-grade novels, Roll with It, Tune It Out, and One Kids Trash.Her forth middle-grade novel The Summer of June hits shelves on May 31st, 2022 with Atheneum Books for Young Readers. 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. 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. 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. Twelve-year-old Ellie is a sassy, determined baker.
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