I really like the representation, and it's nice to read about a neurodiverse character. I think children and caregivers will identify with Verity and appreciate the tips included.
I don't like how the text appears on page. It is hard to read and follow, and there isn't always enough contrast. It seems like more focus was on style than accessibility.

How Are You, Verity? is a wonderful book about social etiquette, and how it's not always easy to understand what people mean. So often, we have social conventions that are hard to understand - made even more complicated by the fact that the same thing can mean something different in different circumstances.

Verity, who goes by they/them pronouns, answers "How are you?" when people ask them, considering it a literal question. Then their brother points out that it mostly is just another way to say hi, they're disappointed.

They decide to do an experiment and ask others the question, and they're surprised to find that their brother is right. It's not really a question! Then at the end of the book, after something upsetting happens, Verity's brother asks them the same question, but with a different meaning. Verity's brother really wants to know!

Social conventions are so complicated sometimes! This gives kids a little better understanding of just one of these examples, and lets them know that sometimes life and communication are confusing, and it's okay!

Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this advanced review copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review on the book!

This was a nice book about a child who is confused when people ask "How are you?" but don't always want a life update. The brother and neighbors helped Verity feel better when a field trip was cancelled.

The illustrations of this books is what drew me to it. I loved the bright colors and artistic style of the illustrations. I enjoyed the way the story was told and how it progressed throughout the book.

5 stars for the story, but a whole 2 stars off for the art.

Love that there is more thoughtful, authentic neurodivergent representation that doesn't seek to teach kids that they way they think or feel is any more different or burdensome than neurotypical kids'. However, I am the #1 hater of this bland, corporate, blob artstyle. I think it's overdone, ugly, and will not age well. Picture books should be appealing to children.

As do many children, the titular character in How Are You, Verity? by Meghan Wilson Duff (Magination Press, August 2023) does not properly understand social cues in response to the common “how are you” question. With the help of older brother John, the child learns the polite ways to respond.

After talking with John, Verity watches how others respond to the question in order to better understand how one is expected to respond politely. The brother also explains that sometimes it is okay to answer that question honestly.


End matter explains to parents and caregivers how to help other individuals with neurodiversity understand similar social rules, making this a helpful book for guiding children in social settings. The colorful illustrations and helpful message compensate for the somewhat uninteresting story frame.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance review copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Okay, the scientist in me felt seen by Verity's marine facts.
And this story can help children be seen as well given the main character uses they/them pronouns.
And the MC is neurodivergent.
I like seeing new children's books that incorporate these ideals without making the story ALL about it. It shows how neurodivergent and non-binary characters are in our day to day life living like us.

In this vibrantly coloured picture book, we meet Verity, a vivacious, non-binary young person who loves marine animals. Verity loves sea creatures so much, they answer the question 'How are you?' with marine facts. After Verity's brother suggests this question is a greeting and people do not expect a lengthy answer, Verity designs an experiment to test this. We follow Verity as they learn the expected answer to 'How are you?' sometimes depends on the circumstances in which it is asked.

While not specifically mentioned in the text, Verity is Autistic and has ADHD, just like the author. This is shown through their energetic and highly enthusiastic special interest in marine animals — which they love to talk about with everyone, even when the recipient is uninterested. As readers, we learn some of these fascinating facts too! Verity also has difficulties understanding the subtext behind a common question.

Verity's confusion around unspoken social rules will be relatable to many Autistic and ADHD children. I love the way Verity designs their own experiment to help them learn about these experiences, rather than being reprimanded for their confusion or forced to change. Instead, Verity's brother gently provides them with information, allowing the space and autonomy they need to explore this on their own terms.

An underlying theme of the book is the normalisation of diversity — neurodivergence, gender, race (different skin colours and appearances), and disability (mobility crutches). These characteristics are an ordinary part of Verity's life; therefore, their differences do not need to be pointed out.

A delightfully spirited book, How Are You, Verity? will be a wonderful resource for Autistic children and their families, facilitating an exploration of common social rules. The author provides thoughts on how to do this in the end Reader's Note. How Are You, Verity? will also be a fabulous addition to schools and libraries to introduce diversity to children.

Thank you to Magination Press and NetGalley for the digital review copy of How Are You, Verity? All opinions in this review are my own.

What a fantastic read. This is another book from imagination press, and the American psychological association. Verity is not gendered. Adult readers may think there’s something different about Verity and the readers notes at the back of the book discusses how neurodiverse people might see things differently. In this book whenever somebody asks Verity how their day is going, Verity not only says “good” but also says information about aquatic animals because that is what they love. Their brother tries to teach Verity that people don’t always want all the extra when they ask you a question. Sometimes when someone says hello all they want to hear is “good”. But sometimes they want more and Verity‘s brother had a lesson to learn the same as Verity, that simple rules do not always work. The illustrations are great. They’re colorful and the way the story is told makes perfect sense. As someone who hates readers notes these take heavy concepts and make it easier for non-experts to read, understand, and learn.

This is a really sweet story of a neurodivergent, non binary protagonist who adores sea life and is more than happy to talk to anyone about it who cares to ask how they're doing.

My little wasn't entirely interested in this one, but it may be he was just overtired. Normally he is ALL about sea life and fun facts. He did perk up a bit during those monologues but I lost him quickly.

This is a fantastic book for children who have that "too literal" quirk. And, in my opinon, if a child answers me when I ask how they're doing with a full story about something learned, experienced, or imagined? They gave me exactly what I asked for.

That's a lesson a lot of adults can learn from this book.

A great informative picture book for kids. It’s a story that many kids could relate to and will help kids navigate social situations.

How Are you VERITY?
Author- Meghan Wilson Duff
Illustrator- Taylor Barron

A commonly accepted social greeting, “how are you? “I am doing good” is altered by an imaginative, neurodivergent child, Verity when they respond to their neighbors in the community.
Verity is yearning to go on the field trip to the aquarium, has a strong interest in marine biology, and they are enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge about marine animals with people. Being neurodivergent, and on spectrum, Verity is oblivious to the social norms. When the neighbors ask, how are you Verity? Verity wants to strike up a conversation and interact more about sea animals.
However, when Verity’s brother reminds that when people greet, they don’t look forward to hearing the details, Verity decides to experiment. Verity later finds out that the field trip is cancelled, but their ingenious mind gives way to a creative idea.
The Book, How Are you Verity, gives a perspective of a neurodivergent child’s mind. This beautiful mind, though different from the typical beings, can be filled with boundless knowledge and imagination. Verity truly wants to connect with people around, where they can reciprocate even with a grumpy person.
Verity loves reading, and is driven to learn more about sea animals. Verity is seen drawing pictures about marine life, is climate conscious. Verity is a thinker, who ponders various possibilities of sea species. It is this brilliant mind that gives way to an ingenious idea when things don’t go as planned for Verity.
The book highlights the myriad qualities of a neurodivergent mind and how they can inspire the world around them. The nonbinary salutation of Verity (they) inspires readers to socially accept the dissimilarities within us.
How Are you Verity? Is a wonderful read and is a must addition to classroom libraries, to teach about social acceptance and neurodivergence.

I truly enjoyed Meghan Wilson Duff's beautiful picture book, How Are You Verity? The author tells a story of a character that so many of our students need to meet, as the protagonist is neurodivergent and identifies as they/them. Readers who are seeking a mirror into their lives now have one, and educators looking for picture books to teach students about empathy have a gem of a story! Verity is curious, has a zest for life, and is learning how to understand others. The vibrant illustrations by Taylor Barron bring the story to life. I highly recommend meeting Verity and introducing them to your readers. Thank you for letting the #litreviewcrew have early access through Net Galley!

This is the book my autistic self needed growing up, and I wish this was a series about other social cues because it's in a way that doesn't feel condescending. Superb.

This is a sweet picture book about a young nonbinary neurodivergent child navigating the difficulties of social interactions, which seem to come all too naturally to neurotypical folks. This book will not only be a useful and fun tool for neurodivergent kids who are facing the same struggles, but also for neurotypcical kids to build empathy and understanding for their peers. The illustrations are lively and engaging and the story is told in a clear and entertaining way to get readers coming back to the book again and again.

This picture book has great intent behind its purpose as well as a great message. Unfortunately, I feel there is not much support for the message that it may have intended to relay. While the character shows their obsession with sea life in a manner that is consistent to the desired portrayal of neurodivergent, the follow up seems lacking and thus the message of being able to say how one really feels seems to lack emphasis. The ending however, is very well done. It ties in the character's love for sea life with including all in the area, no matter their background or ability. I was happy to see a book about a neurodivergent character as well as including others who may not fit society's expectations. And I would be remiss, if I did not mention how the illustrations are beautiful!

This colorful book with an interesting premise. I think that this could be the start of a series about all kinds of behaviors and ways of understanding and relating to the world and others around us.

I loved this book!! Not only is ouraon character nerodivergent but also nonbinary. As verity explores the world and learns things you can easily follow their train of thought. Illustrations are grogerous and the book would make a great discussion peice in classrooms

This is such a heartwarming story filled with love. It’s not easy for everyone to understand that the question “how are you?” doesn’t necessarily ask how you are, and Verity will learn it while keeping her hunger for learning, especially about sea animals! The illustrations are amazing and the ending was just perfect.

A sweet #OwnVoices book about the different way a neurodivergent child sees and interacts with the world. I loved the whole book, and how it shows the full rich interior life of a neurodivergent's inner life. The book focuses on the difficulty of understanding social norms, but the showcasing of their special interest in ocean life and the thoughtful interaction with the older brother pushed this book to the next level.
I especially loved the section for People who support Young People at the end - there is some great advice on how to make sure we all honor and respect each other's differences and push for a more inclusive world.
On top of all the great things mentioned above, the illustrations were stunning.
This is a beautiful book that should be everywhere.