Amber and Missy are both 14 year old girls facing a unique set of challenges as they enter their last year of middle school. Amber has epilepsy, an invisible medical condition that mostly makes her blank out, be tired all the time and have memory issues. Lately, however, her seizures have been getting worse, some leading to injury and causing her to miss even more school. Missy's family moved to town after her brother died fighting in Afghanistan. The death proved too much for Missy's mother though, and she retreated into her grief while Missy's father moved on and moved away. Amber and Missy suffer in their loneliness, but soon realize that a true friend may be what they need to help them through this time.
Being is Better is a heartfelt middle grade novel about the hardships of this difficult part of life and the power of friendship. Told in alternating points of view between Amber and Missy, the story goes deep into their lives to gain understanding and connection to each of the girls. Amber's struggles with epilepsy are well written, showing the physical, mental and social tolls of the invisible medical condition. Missy's family situation is another hidden difficulty that many families silently go through. Missy's mother's depression was written in a way that didn't put the blame on anyone and showed the gravity of the situation. While the girl's individual stories are compelling, I was waiting for a while for something exciting to happen. The girls don't even meet until about 70% of the way through the story and finally some magic happens. It was amazing to see what happened when Missy and Amber began to believe and trust in themselves. With a major breakthrough near the end of the story, I know there is more to Amber and Missy's journey to come.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Being is Better is a heartfelt middle grade novel about the hardships of this difficult part of life and the power of friendship. Told in alternating points of view between Amber and Missy, the story goes deep into their lives to gain understanding and connection to each of the girls. Amber's struggles with epilepsy are well written, showing the physical, mental and social tolls of the invisible medical condition. Missy's family situation is another hidden difficulty that many families silently go through. Missy's mother's depression was written in a way that didn't put the blame on anyone and showed the gravity of the situation. While the girl's individual stories are compelling, I was waiting for a while for something exciting to happen. The girls don't even meet until about 70% of the way through the story and finally some magic happens. It was amazing to see what happened when Missy and Amber began to believe and trust in themselves. With a major breakthrough near the end of the story, I know there is more to Amber and Missy's journey to come.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
