So many ways to listen, from body language to actions to AAC. This is a nice affirming book. 

Solid, good, uncomplicated but sometimes that's what's called for

Terrific worldbuilding, middling character development. But totally a good read and I would like to read the sequel. 

Very well done nonfiction, if a little dry. 

Good fun, but takes WAY too long to get the action going. This is also only somewhat a graphic novel. I might classify it more as highly illustrated prose, like the wimpy kid etc. 

nice to se another nonbinary protagonist. I do wish that there was  bitm ore to the story, though. This feels a bit like an "issue book" to me. 

It's not that common for a coming of age book to include flawed parents who aren't bad but just flawed, with real and complicated relationships. I appreciate the portrayal of mental health and the impact of parental depression on children, as well as the real solid friendship between sisters. Just full of real details that feel emotionally true, with a light touch magic inserted for story purposes. 

A worthy follow-up to Psalm, though not as impactful.  

A lovely fairy tale, with all the strange darkness of an old fable. 

Would have been a 5 for the writing style, I love the way the prose gives way to verse when strong emotions are present, all the characters are well-rounded and the portrayal of different adult reactions to neurodiverse kids are spot on. Plus, having grown up near the beach in question, I can confidently say the author completely nailed the vibe. But I took a star off for one thing, which is a spoiler so I'm hiding it.

the whole book is centered on the problem of whether it's more important to keep a promise or more important to tel la secret when it's hurting you. And so it really bugs me that Maudie did not have to solve that problem. Instead, her stepdad abuses her in public, taking the need to tell anybody out of the equation. I'm not mad at the fairy-tale ending of safe adults knowing meaning that everything is taken care of, I'm just mad that she doesn't really have to tell.

Aside from that, great book. Will recommend it.