Critical Analysis
Benefits of the novel:
1) Supports an inclusive learning environment and provides the perspective from an individual with special needs.
2) Provides the importance of continually working to find the right communication device for all individuals with verbal limitations.
3) Challenges the reader to reflect on the ways in which they treat individuals with special needs.
4) Provides reading group discussion topics, activities and research ideas at the ending of the novel.
5) Provides readers with another perspective on living a disability indicating that no one should be defined by their disability.
Constraints of the novel:
1) Text may be above reading level for some learners and require one-to-one support.
2) Novel studies can be time consuming.
3) Follow-up discussion(s) require it be an inclusive leader who is comfortable in guiding discussion and reflection of text.
4) Text may be offensive to some readers as it touches on social biases and devalued roles.
5) The book is portrayed from the perspective of a girl living with Cerebral Palsy. Thus some readers may believe the successes of the story are only possible for those living with cerebral palsy (versus all individuals with special needs).