Sumner tackles school shootings in a solid verse novel. Bea, the protagonist, is a wheelchair user, and her perspective is unique. Other titles have approached similar issues with a little more creativity, but this novel is heartfelt and accessible. Hand to fans of emotional verse novels.

Bea’s story is a reminder to all the silent affects of tragic school shootings that more and more children are having to learn how to deal with. Jamie Sumner does a great job balancing the emotional hard of Bea’s situation with family, animals, therapy, and a choice to push through the difficult days with that support. Great, quick read that will help students navigate feelings around the topic of gun violence in schools without adding to angst or fear.

Gun violence in schools is an increasing concern in America. With no indication of gun laws ever changing, Jamie Sumner tackles a very heavy topic that needs to be discussed. Written from the point of view of sixth grader, Bea, who is wheelchair bound with Cerebral Palsy, she is faced with the terrifying reality of a school shooting in her school. What do you do when you are trapped and can’t move? When you can’t physically get yourself into a safe hiding spot? How does a school shooting impact your daily life? Your education? Your relationships? Your mental well-being? All of these questions are answered in Please Pay Attention. Sumner draws the reader in with her verse, bringing every fear, every emotion, every moment to heart-stopping life. I could not remain composed while reading this, and that is exactly what we need. We need to wake up and FEEL. Sumner’s inspiration is drawn from her good friend, who lost her life to a school shooting in 2023. The main character, Bea, is inspired by Sumner’s beautiful son. Every single voter, parent, politician, teacher… needs to read this book.

Bea is a 6th grader who loves her adoptive mom, Max, her next-door neighbors Aaron and Lucius, and being a "big sister" to her kindergarten "little", Josie. Her life is happy until one day there is a school shooting and everything changes.

This middle-grade novel-in-verse moves from describing Bea's life "before" the shooting to describing how she traverses life "after", including her fear of being unable to escape because she is confined to a wheelchair (she has cerebral palsy). Bea believes she is helpess to save herself and experiences feelings of sadness and guilt (including survivor guilt). Max enrolls her in an equine therapy program which helps her begin to heal.

While this book may be difficult for some young people to read, due to the subject, it provides important messages of healing and of the need to learn to fight for what you believe is important. Immediately after the shooting, The book flows well and the writing is easy for readers of all ages and ability to understand. It deals with an extremely serious and timly topic that children today face on a daily basis. The book may act as a call for action, encouraging young readers to fight for changes in school safety and gun control.

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.