Language: G (0 swears 0, 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (bullying)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
11yo Benny has been in special education classes his whole school career. He has Mosaic Down Syndrome, which affects his features, but he doesn't have learning disabilities or the health concerns of other Down Syndrome children. His first day in general education classes is also Salma's first day at the school, she has just moved to Newfoundland from Seattle. Salma's heritage is Arabic, and she becomes another target of the bullies Benny is already avoiding. Benny's mom runs a Senior Living Center, and when some of the resident's belongings disappear and the police think it's the residents themselves (because they may have dementia) Benny and Salma - who loves true crime - decide they can figure out what's happening.
Benny's Mosaic Down Syndrome seemed like a plot point, rather than it being a story about a neurodiverse kid. It felt convenient that his syndrome only manifest itself in his features, without the health issues, or learning or maturity challenges. Benny looked different so the bullies could prey on him. Also, Salma having cultural Arabic ties, including a name so many characters get wrong was also convenient to provide a target for the racist bully. The mystery was fun, I was so worried about Benny's mom and the old people, but I'm really troubled by the representation and wonder if I can recommend this title with these concerns. Benny is white, Salma is Arabic.
Lisa Librarian
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