This book is incredible. This is a book that all adults, young adults and middle readers should read. It is touching, inspiring and has the most beautiful message. Charity has Autism and gets a chance to attend school with everyone else, something she has never had the opportunity to do before. This book discusses Autism and other disabilities that are out there. It shows you what may be going on in kids minds who fall under such categories. On top of that, the author Carol Cujec takes it so much further and includes bullying, sports politics, school politics in general where people step on each other's toes. The tough subjects, but ones that kids should be aware of and taught against.

Taking it even future Cujec adds to the beauty of this story with the important message we all need to hear- inclusion. Everyone belongs no matter what you look like, how you act, where you come from, etc. There is something special about people coming together to support each other and building a community, no matter the age. This book shows that and so much more. If you are looking for an inspiring read for you middle reader, or one for the whole family, I highly recommend this book.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions are my own.

A fantastic book! So much feeling comes out of the pages. She is an inspiration. This book should be in all middle grade libraries. Some many lovable characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the DRC.

Carol Cujec & Peyton Goddard's book Real is beautiful! This book is about a girl with Autism and her life, which is hard to find, particularly when to comes to young females being identified on the spectrum. I couldn't wait to share this one with students to help them have those windows/mirrors/sliding door experiences (Sims Bishop).

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is well written and the characters are described well. This has great Mental health representation. I adored Charity, her parents, and Celia's characters in this book. It is a fictional story it reads like a nonfiction. I really like this author's writing style. I would definitely read more books by this author in the near future. This book is in stores for $16.99 (USD).

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was recommended by a library staff to read Real and I'm glad I did.

Wow! Talk about insight into someone else's world! I started this a couple of days ago and picked it up to read a bit more last night and couldn't put down the last third of it.

Carol Cujec and Peyton Goddard have done an absolutely amazing job of taking you into the life of the main character of the book: Charity. Charity is autistic and is labelled as "low functioning" as a result of body control issues and her lack of ability to communicate with the people in her life, including the "Thinkers" - all the doctors that have been testing her. Charity has two amazing parents that are doing their very, very best for her. There is some family who support her parents and then some that don't understand why they "waste" all their energy communicating with her and teaching her. Little do all of these people know, but Charity is so much more capable than they realize and once the right person find a way to allow her to begin to communicate, they realize exactly what she really is capable of and it's just the beginning.

This is a beautiful story of struggle and frustration, but also hope, joy, family, perseverance, friendship and the unstoppable spirit of an amazing girl. Be ready for all the feels in this one!

When reading about this book, I saw something that said "the world needs more stories like this one," and after reading the book for myself, I could not agree more. I love a good own voices story based on a true story, so this one was a pretty good fit for me. It was written beautiful and this book is just overall quite powerful and important to tell.

Thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing for the free book.
I feel like this is a book all people should read to better understand people with differing intellectual abilities. It is based on a true story. This book is about Charity, who's diagnosed with low functioning autism. She has to work so hard to earn her rights to learn. People doubt her abilities based on what they observe, not on any sort of facts. There are so many obstacles to overcome, yet there is so much perseverance in the book. I loved her attitude, exploration of feelings, and supportive parents and teachers. I felt so many emotions while reading, and I was also challenged in my thinking. I hope that this book gets into as many hands as possible because it is an important and impactful book.

<i>Thank you NetGalley for provided me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.</i>

<i>Real</i> follows 13 year old Charity. She's funny, intelligent, passionate, and kind, but no one knows what she wants to say since she has never spoken for. Treated differently than other kids her age because of her autism, Charity's parents, peers, and teachers just don't seem to be listening to her. It is not until her parents discover that she is being abused at her school that they enroll her in public school, where she finally starts to get the level of education that she's been wanting.

This book is heartfelt and heavy. Charity was such a wonderful main character, whose frustration and passion was so obvious and real. I really enjoyed her narration, so much so that I read this book in one sitting. I would say that <i>Real</i> is right in between middle grade and young adult since the main character is thirteen, but I do think this book would be suitable for any age group, child through adult.

The only complaint I have was that at some points the book was a bit...too inspiring. I doubt the author's intention was to convey that autistic people have to be unfathomably intelligent and achieve great things to establish their worth--and I really don't think that was the message of the story--but there were just so many huge scenes in this book and not enough of Charity just being a kid. There are reviews of this book from autistic reviewers that explain this perspective.

Other than that, <i>Real</i> was absolutely amazing. A book hasn't made me feel so much in so long, so I am thankful that I had the opportunity to read this.

I really wanted to enjoy this since I enjoy any type of "entertainment" that focuses on bullying and sadly books, movies, shows that showcase things like that are very minimal. But sadly this was hard to get through. As much as I am trying to get into middle grade and children's books I still found the writing very childish and frustrating to read.

I'm all for books from the perspective of non-verbal characters. I do struggle with this one, though. Mostly because Charity and her peers are exceptional. They are talented artists and writers. The accidental implication is that they should be respected because of those abilities. There are also some logistical issues that I had trouble getting past.

Awwww this was such an adorable middle grade <3333

Sorry that I'm not the best at writing reviews, but I just don't want to spoil anything.

I'll just list some things

- the cover is stunning
- I loved the MC so much ahhhh
- the whole story and plot was soooooooo good
- the writing was beautiful

5/5 stars

100% recommend!!!

My Thoughts
As I wrote this review of Real, I wrote it through the eyes of a parent. While I do not work with or interact with kids like Charity on a regular basis, I spent time with many wonderful differently-abled kids as a parent volunteer at my kids’ elementary schools. I got to know a couple of them very well, and they in turn, grew to know me enough that they greeted me when they saw me outside the school environment (much to their parent’s surprise).

So this review is tough for me; as tough as it was to read the book. So let me explain.. by breaking it down as….

What I Loved About This
I fell in love with the book the moment I read the blurb. And then once I started reading, it constantly tugged at my heart strings; it left me teary-eyed often and I hoped my family did not see me wiping away those tears that threatened.

THE CONCEPT
I loved that Carol Cujec and Peyton Goddard came together to write this powerful #OwnVoices book. It helps the readers see the world through the protagonist, that is, Charity’s eyes, and definitely made my eyes open wider. And made me pause in my treatment of the world itself, and of how the world treats people who are different.

THE STORYLINE
Did I tell you I shed tears? Of course, I did already. This book has many moments bound to leave you with glimmering shimmering eyes; but there are those that will envelop your heart in a warm hug and others that will make you smile and cheer and whoop with joy too. So be prepared for a roller coaster of emotions as you read it.

THE CHARACTERS
This book has so many wonderful characters; a whole gamut of them in fact. From the ones you fall in love with and cheer for to those you adore and want to be; and then those on the other side whom you abhor and want to see a nice slice of justice served on.

Of course, I admired and loved Charity; but I totally fell in love with her dad, and her grandparents, her cousin Mason, and yes her mom too. It was heartwarming to see the wonderful support system she, along with other students like her, have in the form of the teachers, the special-education aides, and fellow students at the school the story is set in for the most part.

THE FIRST PERSON NARRATIVE
Using the first person narrative here makes a strong emotional impact on the reader. And knowing that it is co-written with a Own Voices writer, Peyton Goddard, adds to that emotional power this story has.

THE MANY POSITIVE MESSAGES
I truly was inspired by this book. It carries within its pages many wonderful messages, including those of inclusion, forgiveness, love, friendship, encouragement, trying your best, acceptance, and kindness (among a few).

And Then the Other Side
NOT SO MUCH A GRIEVANCE WITH THE BOOK AS WITH THE SITUATION
I felt outraged when wrongdoers (especially adults) were seemingly let off the hook way too easily. It was almost as if they suffered no consequences for their wrongdoings.

AND THE REST
Somehow an implied message that differently-abled people need to be able to contribute on a certain level in society to be welcome there. While I did see references of other differently-abled kids who were less brilliant or rather more normal also being included, the implied message I mention earlier seemed a little too strong for me to ignore. It seemed to lessen the overall impact of the reason for this book.

There were a couple overused clichés – like mean cheerleaders, the cool-kids and the losers lunch tables to name a few. And as a parent to teenagers, when I question them about such happenings at their school, they do state it is not present or to the degree presented in literature or on screen. (Or are we just luckier where we live?)

And since I do not want to introduce more spoilers than necessary, a couple of scenes seemed far-fetched, and left me wondering if something like that would be possible or plausible at all in reality.

In Summary
A book that TOTALLY deserves to be read, not only for the #ownvoices storytelling, but for just what it is – a heartwarming read about including everyone.

Source: NetGalley e- ARC (Advance Review Copy) All opinions are my own

I’m so glad I read this book with my daughters. They were hooked from the first chapter and I loved the way this book showed us a new perspective and gave us deeper understanding.

The book reminds me a little of Wonder, but it’s also different. Charity has Autism that prevents her from speaking and keeps her from fully controlling her body. But she has a great team of people who care about her. When she’d given the chance to go to a public school, she learns to type on a special keyboard, and the ability to communicate changes her life. She’s on a mission to be a voice for the voiceless, but at school, she finds some people who are set against her and some people who become her friends. I highly recommend this one for young readers and for older readers too.

Thanks to Netgalley, Shadow Mountain, and the authors for a complementary digital copy.

First sentence: My name is Charity. I am thirteen years old plus eighty-seven days. I love sour gummies and pepperoni pizza. That last part no one knows because I have not spoken a sentence since I was born. Each dawning day, I live in terror of my unpredictable body that no one understands.

Premise/plot: Charity Wood, our heroine, is a low-functioning autistic. Many--though not her parents--have written Charity off completely. The "school" she attends would be a joke--but abuse is no laughing matter. But Charity is given a chance, an opportunity to attend public school--to attend regular classes. With the help of an aide and an ipad, Charity may just find her voice after all.

My thoughts: I have high hopes for Real. I do. I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to see it win all the awards. Real has all the feels a reader could possibly want. And perhaps a few that readers don't necessarily want but actually need. I teared up at least three or four times while reading Real. It was just THAT good.

The message is simple EVERYONE deserves a chance to learn. EVERYONE deserves to be treated with respect, kindness, dignity. No one should ever be written off and dismissed. Everyone has value and worth.

I loved the characters. I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the parents. I loved Celia and Ana--two teachers/aides that believed in Charity from the start. I loved the realness of the relationships.

I loved the writing and the story. It was beautiful and wonderful.

"Steve, Charity has something to tell you." He took in the scene, and focused on the keyboard in our lap. Mom pressed a button, and it played my prepared message. DAD, YOU ARE MY BEST FRIEND. THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING IN ME. He looked confused. Then Mom held my right elbow as I typed the final line. I LOVE YOU. (133)

and

In class next day, Jazmine, Peter, Julian, Skyler and the other EPIC kids crowded around to "hear" me talk with Ana supporting me. Ana read my message to the group. THANK YOU FOR ACCEPTING ME EVEN BEFORE I HAD WORDS. (134)

Real is inspired by a real person--Peyton Goddard.

Is Real a novel that children would seek out on their own? Maybe. Maybe not. Might it be the kind of book that adults love more than kids? Maybe. All I can say is that even if kids miss out on the awesomeness of this book--which I sincerely hope they do not--it should be a MUST READ for teachers, school staff, and administration.

Wow!! That was my feeling during and after reading this powerful story.

Charity is thirteen years old and nonverbal. Her body is not her own to control and it is really frustrating. Because she cannot speak with words or through her body, all but her parents have assumed she is not intelligent and more like a little child. But inside she is screaming to be heard. While her parents have never treated her any less than perfect, they unknowingly placed her in a school that did nothing to challenge her intelligence and was actually abusive.

When given the opportunity to enter mainstream school, it is a great risk, as her body often goes out of control and she is a big distraction. But the teachers she is blessed with can see more in Charity than anyone else. Through time and trial, they find a way for her to be heard and she is ready to speak! When everyone learns just how intelligent she is, she is given the scary opportunity to speak for others like her.

To make this even better, it's based on a true story. It's a great reminder that even though we don't look or act like "normal" people, it does not make us any less. I think this would be a great read for middle school kids- a time when bullying is so rampant and maybe this could a good eye-opener. Very well written!

Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

“I AM INTELLIGENT” -the most powerful words I have read in a book in a long time. I cried, laughed, and felt anger all during this book. This should be a must-read book for all middle school students.
All too often in education we look at students and make judgements. This book shows the horrible things that not only students do to those that are different, but also what adults will do.
There are so many emotions running through me after reading this book. I highly recommend it!

Wow wow wow!

What an explosion of emotions.
I have never read anything like it before and the fact that the author consulted an own voices person (who has by the way written a memoir I will certainly look into) is noteworthy and certainly contributed to the representation that is much needed for the community.

We follow a teenage girl whose condition makes her unable to speak. She cannot show in any way or form that she understands the world around her let alone show who she really is. Despite having supportive parents (which was very refreshing to see mother-daughter and father-daughter relationships that were healthy and wholesome) her life has been far from easy.

I laughed, I cried, it was a rollercoaster and I definitely was up for the ride.
A true gem which I recommend for both teens and adults. I hope my daughter will read this someday as well.

Thank you Netgalley for the eArc in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars ⭐

The world needs more stories like this one, it really does. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had the displeasure of hearing the word “autistic” used as an insult. It’s such an outdated, ignorant and disgusting way to think that I feel embarrassed to know people like this. And not just that, people on the autism spectrum deserve to see themselves in stories just like everyone else, especially children and teens.

✦ ✧ ✦ ✧

Charity is a thirteen-year-old girl who is highly skilled at math and has a near-perfect memory. She likes gummy bears, pepperoni pizza and hates the pink clothes her mother insists on making her wear. But no one knows any of this because she has never spoken before.

After discovering the abuse she has been suffering at her special needs school, Charity’s parents decide enroll her in a public junior high school. However, Charity is afraid because she’s not sure how other kids will act towards her. Will they accept her and see her for who she is? Or will they make fun of her and continue to be blinded by their prejudice?

✦ ✧ ✦ ✧

Charity is a great main character. She’s not only kind, clever and determined, but also sarcastic and funny. I think it’s virtually impossible to not like her, especially because you can really empathise with what she’s going through. There are so many injustices that she has to deal with and the fact that she perseveres regardless is very admiring.

Her family and her school friends are a great support system. I loved that her parents are so understanding and encouraging. Her grandparents have such a heart of gold that they even made me miss mine. Charity’s friends and her educator are so caring and I was so happy to see her around people who didn’t need her to prove herself to accept her.

However, not everything is sunshine and rainbows. Charity’s old school “teacher”, if you can call her that, really irked me. She was such a horrible person that I just wanted to scream at her every time she was on page. The abuse that Charity and her other classmates had to endure at the hands of that woman is baffling. What truly makes it worse is that I know similar situations to this one exist all over the world and yet many times nothing is done to stop them in the cases that they are known.

Something else that got on my nerves is the ignorance of so many characters in this book, including people of Charity’s extended family. Although they end up changing their tune later in the story, their actions and words are still inexcusable in my opinion. I genuinely do not understand how they can talk in front of Charity like she isn't even there and call her the r-word. It’s such awful and downright cruel behaviour.

After reading one particular review (linked below), I feel that I should point out that there are some things that were almost a bit performative and unnecessarily put Charity and one of her friends on a pedestal. What I mean by this is that it is almost like this book is trying to say that disabled and neurodivergent individuals need to prove their worth somehow or should only be accepted if they can contribute to society in the same way neurotypical people do. I am sure this was not the authors’ intentions considering this a ownvoices novel, however this does not stop it from potentially perpetuating a harmful message.

I also didn’t like how easily some ableist characters were left off the hook. That definitely left me with a bad taste in my mouth.

Overall, Real is an amazing, poignant story that deserves all the hype it’s not receiving. I would recommend it to both younger and older readers and I hope it encourages people to expand their horizons and interact with others who can relate to Charity’s experiences.

Real is inspired by the real life story of Peyton Goddard, who co-wrote this book. In the book, the main character, Charity, was labeled as low functioning as a child and was placed in a special education school where the staff treated the students horribly. Her mother fought to get her admitted back into her public school, where she was surrounded by supportive staff who gave her her voice by teaching her how to type to communicate. It was not always easy, as she struggled to control her body and had to deal with other students and their families that were not as accepting of her.

This book needs to be put into the hands of every single person who works in education. It is such an important message to presume competence with all students, no matter what. As a certified occupational therapy assistant who has worked with people of all ages and abilities across many settings, I really wish I had this book when I was first starting out my career. As I read this, I thought about specific children I worked with, and how I would do things differently knowing what I know now.