Hello! I'm Afoma.
  • Book Reviews
    • Picture book
    • Chapter Books
    • Middle-Grade
    • Graphic Novels
    • Young Adult
    • Adult Fiction
    • Adult Non-Fiction
  • Book Lists
    • Picture Book Lists
    • Middle Grade Book Lists
    • Book Lists by Theme
    • Book Lists by Grade
    • Audiobook Recommendations
  • Join My Newsletter!
  • Go to the Blog
  • Summer Reading

Reading Middle Grade

Books for Kids and Grown Ups

  • Book Reviews
    • Picture book
    • Chapter Books
    • Middle-Grade
    • Graphic Novels
    • Young Adult
    • Adult Fiction
    • Adult Non-Fiction
  • Book Lists
    • Picture Book Lists
    • Middle Grade Book Lists
    • Book Lists by Theme
    • Book Lists by Grade
    • Audiobook Recommendations
  • Join My Newsletter!
  • Go to the Blog
  • Summer Reading

Book Reviews, Middle-Grade · September 30, 2019

REVIEW | Roll with It

BOOK REVIEW - Roll with It

Summary: Roll with It

Twelve-year-old Ellie is a sassy, determined baker. It just so happens that she also has cerebral palsy and has to use a wheelchair. 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.

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.

There, Ellie is once again a new kid navigating the struggles than many people with disabilities have to face. 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.

The Good

Ellie is a GEM. This book is so beautifully written. As someone who appreciates both plot and language, it’s rare to find a middle-grade book that nails both. Many have excellent plots and characterization, but Roll with It just has a warmth. Ellie’s voice never sounds contrived, neither do any of the other characters’. I could easily imagine them being people I’d meet next door.

As soon as I cracked open this book, Ellie had me wrapped around her finger. I was transported to the setting, whether it was near-frigid winter or a deliciously warm summer day. And speaking of delicious, Ellie can bake!(!!!). A few chapters throughout the book begin with letters to her culinary heroes after she’s recreated their recipes. Baking is so inextricably linked to Ellie’s character — I loved it.

I’d be remiss not to mention how big a win this book is for people with disabilities — children with disabilities. The only other book I’ve read about a child with CP is Sharon Draper’s Out of My Mind. Unlike Draper’s protagonist, Ellie is verbal, can feed herself, socialize, and knead some good bread dough. I appreciated seeing another perspective.

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. Simple things like not parking in the handicapped space go a long way.

All the characters in this book are memorable — from Mema to Bert, to my favorite, Coralee.

Overall

Jamie Sumner’s Roll with It is a heartwarming, inspiring debut about a girl with an inextinguishable spirit. As a mother of a CP kid herself, Jamie’s first-hand experience shines through in this novel. She skillfully highlights the challenges of disability, without making the entire book about disability. Most importantly, however, she reminds readers that children with disabilities are more than their disability. Like everyone else, they have heart, talents, and a whole lot of character.

JUST BUY IT.

Roll with It is a heartwarming, inspiring debut about a girl with an inextinguishable spirit. As a mother of a CP kid herself, @jamiesumner_'s first-hand experience shines through in this novel. Click To Tweet

Buy This Book

roll with it jamie sumner cover

More Middle-Grade Reviews

  • Not If I Can Help It by Carolyn Mackler
  • Beverly, Right Here by Kate DiCamillo
  • Out of Place by Jennifer Blecher

Have you read Roll with It or any other good books about disability? What did you think? If you have any favorites, please feel free to share them with me in the comments.

Don't Forget to Share!

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • Email
  • WhatsApp
  • LinkedIn

Related

Posted In: Book Reviews, Middle-Grade · Tagged: disability, jamie sumner, middle grade books, roll with it

Join My Newsletter

Like what you just read? Sign up for my Friday kidlit newsletter!

Privacy Policy

You’ll Also Love

Picture Books About Disability
Review | It All Begins With Jelly Beans (+Giveaway!)
48 Middle Grade Books About Mental Illness

Comments

  1. rosihollinbeck says

    October 1, 2019 at 3:51 pm

    This book is getting a lot of buzz. I will try to pick up a copy. Thanks for your thoughts.

    Reply
    • Afoma Umesi says

      October 2, 2019 at 8:47 am

      It’s really a sweet book and one in a category that is unfortunately lacking — MG disability.

      Reply

What do you think? Leave a comment Cancel reply

Next Post >

REVIEW | 10 BLIND DATES

About Me
Hi, I'm Afoma! Thank you for stopping by. Learn more about me here.

Get 2 Months Free on Scribd


Follow on Bloglovin’

Follow

We’re Social Too!

  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Stock photos courtesy of our partners at DepositPhotos 📸
🌸 A+ anxiety rep in middle grade literature 🌸 ✨brilliant verse novel debut✨ ✨NEW FAVORITE PICTURE BOOK✨ ✨upper middle grade pick✨ ✨sweet middle grade debut✨ ✨great young middle grade pick✨
  • Blog
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Copyright © 2022 Reading Middle Grade · Theme by 17th Avenue

 

Loading Comments...