Not If I Can Help It

Not If I Can Help It
Carolyn Mackler
Scholastic, 2019 240 pages
Grades 3-5
Realistic Fiction

Willa has lived her life with Sensory Processing Disorder and now in fifth grade is finally getting it under control. Life in her New York City apartment is predictable, as are weekends upstate with Mom and her stepfather. This is threatened as changes rock her world and shatter her control. First Dad starts to date her best friend Ruby's mother. Next middle school is looming and Willa will have to adjust to a whole new environment. Finally, her long-time babysitter is moving and Dad's relationship is leveling up. Willa may lose her room, which is her safe space. Through an understanding occupational therapist, a supportive family, and her friendship with Ruby Willa begins to weather the changes and regain some comfort and security. The promise of a dog of her own keeps Willa moving forward, until something happens to put a hold on her dream. Will this be the final straw for Willa? As the school year draws to a close and elementary school graduation arrives at long last, Willa learns what really is important and that sometimes, even with her differences, she can compromise and make accommodations for those she loves.

Teen author, Carolyn Mackler, turns to middle grade in this new book about a rarely discussed condition. Kids will be instantly drawn to this book with a giant gummy bear on the cover. It will appeal to both genders and is targeted to the Wonder audience. It is the first book for young people that I have read about Sensory Processing Disorder and it helped me to understand what life is like for these affected kids by spending some time in Willa's shoes. Although Willa may act unexpectedly and certain things bother her that typical sensory folks wouldn't notice, she is a terrific friend and has similar hopes and fears as everyone else. Ruby turns out to have her own troubles, demonstrating to readers that everyone is burdened with something and we all have to be understanding of others and kind to ourselves. The adjustment to a blended family will resonate with a lot of young readers, as will the frustration of important decisions not being the hands of kids who must live with the consequences. Willa has an amazingly supportive family without even one tricky adult, which seems a bit unrealistic to me, yet will make readers feel secure. She is learning to navigate her world and relationships and shows much growth as the novel progresses. Readers who aren't quite ready for A Mango Shaped Space will enjoy this story about a non-traditional thinker and fellow animal lover.