Say What You Will

Amy was born with cerebral palsy and is navigating her senior year of high school using a walker and speech computer. She convinces her overprotective mother to let her use peer helpers instead of adult aides, leading her to form a connection with Matthew, a classmate with OCD. As Amy and Matthew spend time together through the peer helper program, they develop a friendship that challenges them both to push beyond their comfort zones. Their relationship grows more complex as they help each other face their respective struggles and limitations. Through their experiences during senior year and beyond, Amy and Matthew must confront questions about independence, intimacy, and what it means to truly know another person. The story examines disability, mental health, and relationships without defaulting to common tropes or oversimplification. The novel offers a window into how people with different abilities and challenges experience love, friendship, and coming-of-age. It raises questions about the nature of normalcy and the various ways humans connect and support each other.

Readers appreciate the authentic portrayal of a relationship between two teens with disabilities - one with cerebral palsy and one with OCD. Many note the book avoids common disability tropes and stereotypes, showing complex characters beyond their conditions. Positive reviews mention: - Natural dialogue and interactions - Educational insights into CP and OCD - Strong character development - Focus on friendship before romance Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in middle sections - Some plot points feel contrived - Secondary characters lack depth - Occasional heavy-handed messaging Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (15,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (180+ reviews) Barnes & Noble: 4.1/5 (100+ reviews) "A refreshing take on disability in YA that treats the characters as real people first," notes one Goodreads reviewer. Others criticize the "unrealistic timeline of major events" and "rushed ending that wraps up too neatly."

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🌟 Author Cammie McGovern drew inspiration for the book from her own experiences as a mother of a child with autism, bringing authenticity to her portrayal of characters with disabilities. 🌟 The book was originally titled "How I Fall" before being changed to "Say What You Will" prior to publication. 🌟 The story tackles rarely-discussed topics in Young Adult literature, including the romantic and sexual lives of teens with disabilities. 🌟 McGovern co-founded Whole Children, a Massachusetts organization providing programs for children with disabilities, demonstrating her real-world commitment to disability advocacy. 🌟 The novel's portrayal of cerebral palsy includes the use of an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device, similar to the one used by physicist Stephen Hawking.