The Categorical Universe of Candice Phee

Twelve-year-old Candice Phee undertakes a mission to make everyone in her life happy after observing the sadness around her. Living in Queensland, Australia, she writes an alphabetical series of stories about her experiences for a school assignment. Candice navigates complex family dynamics including her depressed mother, her father's strained relationship with his brother, and her friendship with Douglas Benson From Another Dimension - a boy convinced he's from a parallel universe. She approaches each situation with literal interpretations and unwavering honesty, determined to follow through on her plans. Through letters, observations, and encounters, Candice documents her efforts to mend relationships and bring joy to those around her. Her perspective as a neurodivergent narrator shapes how she processes events and interacts with others. The novel explores themes of healing, connection, and how different people perceive and respond to the same reality. It presents childhood wisdom and determination as valid ways of understanding and addressing adult problems.

Readers describe the book as a quirky story with an authentic portrayal of autism through its 12-year-old protagonist. Many found the first-person narration both humorous and touching. What readers liked: - Candice's unique voice and literal interpretations - Complex family dynamics handled with care - Balance of serious themes with light moments - Inclusion of letters that reveal character growth - Positive representation of neurodivergent thinking What readers disliked: - Slow pacing in middle sections - Some found Candice's voice repetitive - Secondary characters need more development - Resolution feels rushed for some plotlines Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,400+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (90+ ratings) One reader noted: "Candice's determination to fix everything around her is both heartwarming and frustrating - just like real life." Another mentioned: "The book handles grief and family tension without becoming overwhelming for its target age group."

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Rules by Cynthia Lord A twelve-year-old girl balances caring for her autistic brother with her need to fit in at school while discovering what makes people who they are.

The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin After her best friend's death, a seventh-grade girl processes grief through her fascination with jellyfish and scientific inquiry.

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper An eleven-year-old girl with cerebral palsy uses technology to express her brilliant mind and show others her true capabilities.

Wonder by R. J. Palacio A boy with facial differences enters mainstream school in fifth grade and changes how his classmates understand acceptance and friendship.

🌟 The book was originally published in Australia under the title "My Life as an Alphabet" 📚 Barry Jonsberg wrote the novel while teaching high school English in Darwin, Australia, drawing inspiration from his experiences with students 🎬 The book was adapted into a film titled "H is for Happiness" in 2019, starring Daisy Axon as Candice Phee 🎯 Each chapter of the book corresponds to a letter of the alphabet, with Candice telling her story through 26 interconnected episodes 🌈 The protagonist, Candice Phee, was partly inspired by a student with autism whom Barry Jonsberg taught, though Candice herself is not explicitly labeled as being on the spectrum in the book