Finding Phoebe

Finding Phoebe

By Gavin Extence

Genre:-YA

Reading Age:-13-17 years

Pages:-312

Publisher:-Andersen Press

Blurb:-'Totally enchanting, warm and funny' Ciara Smyth, author of 'Not My Problem'

'Neurodiversity has a voice, and it's witty and uplifting and enlightening all at once' Jasper Fforde, author of 'The Eyre Affair'

'A lovely book' Graeme Simsion, author of 'The Rosie Project'

Phoebe is autistic. She prefers to stay in her comfort zone: walking her dog, writing fantasy fiction, surviving school with as few incidents as possible.

 When her best (and only) friend rebels and gets a secret boyfriend, Phoebe reluctantly agrees to cover for her. Before long, Phoebe's dealing with all sorts of things she'd rather not, like deception, fashionable jackets, and the bewildering politics of the school chess club. Breaking the rules has never been Phoebe's thing, but as events take a seriously unexpected turn, she realises there's more to her than she ever imagined,,,

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Twitter:-@KaleidoscopicBT @AndersenPress @mamof9 #FindingPhoebe

My Review:- Phoebe is 15-year-old, living on Holy Island with her dad, after the death of her mam 6 years ago. Bethany is Phoebe's best friend (only friend), daughter of the local vicar and his wife. Phoebe and Bethany both go to school on the mainland, sometimes having to stay over, depending on the tide crossing (in case you don't know the only way to Holy Island in crossing when the tide goes out and it's safe to cross, if not you are stuck on either side, or even stuck in the middle and have to climb the look out safe tower, where you will be rescued from. Which is something that happens a lot more than you would expect). Phoebe is autistic, so routine is very important for her. A new boy, Will starts at the girls school and not long after becomes Bethany's secret boyfriend and Phoebe is asked to keep it a secret from everyone, which Phoebe isn't sure of or has done before. Bethany takes time to try and explain things to Phoebe which isn't always easy, but she does as best as she can and is patient with her. Growing up for Phoebe isn't as black and white as it is for others, there are a lot of things need to be taken into account, but it's also not easy for her family. 

I love that the author has wrote the book for his daughter, to help her through childhood into adulthood, which isn't easy even if your not autistic. I've worked with children and young adults with different special needs and I think this book would be a great help to a lot of people. I found this a really lovely story to read