Say What You Will

McGovern, C. (2014). Say what you will. New York: HarperTeen.

Genre: Realistic fiction

Intended Audience: ages 14 and older

Personal reaction of the book: This is the first of Cammie McGovern’s books I have read and I found it to be quite an emotional ride.  Amy and Matthew become friends when Amy’s mother decides to pay students to help her with her senior year of high school instead of the adult aides she had for years prior.  Amy wants to learn how to make friends and as the book opens we find her trying to convince Matthew to be one of her peer helpers. 

I found myself surprised at the twists the story took, and in many ways I found it reminiscent of Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell.  The book covered many serious issues while remaining hopeful and serious.  

Author Facts: Cammie McGovern is married with three children, her oldest son has autism.  She helped start Whole Children, a grassroots organization offering opportunities for special needs kids and teens to have enrichment programs and fill other gaps the school system often fails to do.  In her spare time she began working elections. 

Website: http://www.cammiemcgovern.com/