Although Henri’s apprehension toward math seems rooted in her disability, much of that is reinforced by her own family, especially her mother, who emphasizes that Black girls have to work harder to be taken seriously in the world. 'Davis ( Partly Cloudy) shines with this story of a well-meaning adolescent whose learning disability seems to add an extra layer of complication to an already turbulent stage of life. In this hopeful, well-paced volume, Davis (Partly Cloudy) centers accommodation, community, and understanding.' - Publishers Weekly 'Henri’s struggles with her learning disability, her feeling overwhelmed with her increasingly busy life, and her contentious relationship with Katherine are matter-of-factly portrayed via a complex character who is not singularly defined by her personal challenges. Uplifting and amusing, this book will leave readers with valuable lessons.' - Kirkus Reviews Skillfully realized, this is an affirming and inspiring tale for readers who are only ever told what they can’t accomplish. Without sacrificing the story’s light tone, the author highlights the daily obstacles that Henri confronts due to her dyscalculia and her longing for a tighter family unit. The story’s brisk pace and accessible vocabulary help readers quickly get to know Henri and the interesting supporting cast. 'A girl with a learning disability navigates the demands of her new school and family dynamics. If Henri Weldon has twenty-four hours in a day, and she has two siblings who dislike her four new friends, two hours of soccer practice, seven hours of classes, and three hours of homework. Henri’s tutor and new friend, Vinnie, reminds her to take it slow. What she doesn’t expect is a family feud with her sister over her new friends, joining the girls’ soccer team, and discovering poetry. Henri’s dyscalculia, a learning disability that makes math challenging to process and understand, is what she expects to give her problems. She can’t wait for her new schedule, new friends, and new classes. Seventh grader Henrietta Weldon gets to switch schools-finally! She’ll be “mainstreaming” into public school, leaving her special education school behind. This middle grade novel is perfect for fans of From the Desk of Zoe Washington and A Good Kind of Trouble. Davis, author of Partly Cloudy and Serena Says, has written another funny, warm story featuring middle school and family life-all about the complex calculations it takes for everyone to balance the equations of their lives and what it takes to be part of a team while handling a learning disability.

Serena Says by Tanita S. Davis