Fifty-Four Things Wrong with Gwendolyn Rogers [9780062996633]

Overview

From the critically acclaimed author of the ALA Notable and Charlotte Huck Honor Book Forever, or a Long, Long Time comes a moving own-voices story that shines a light on how one girl’s learning differences are neither right nor wrong…just perfectly individual. For fans of Alyson Gerber, Cammie McGovern, and Kathryn Erskine.

No one can figure out what Gwendolyn Rogers’s problem is—not her mom, or her teachers, or any of the many therapists she’s seen. But Gwendolyn knows she doesn’t have just one thing wrong with her: she has fifty-four.

At least, according to a confidential school report (that she read because she is #16. Sneaky, not to mention #13. Impulsive). So Gwendolyn needs a plan, because if she doesn’t get these fifty-four things under control, she’s not going to be able to go to horse camp this summer with her half-brother, Tyler.

But Tyler can’t help her because there’s only one thing “wrong” with him: ADHD.

And her best friend Hettie can’t help her because there’s nothing wrong with Hettie. She’s perfect.

So Gwendolyn is hopeless until she remembers the one thing that helped her mother when her own life was out of control. Or actually, the twelve things. Can these Twelve Steps that cured her mother somehow cure Gwendolyn too?

• A Neurodivergent Main Character: Gwendolyn Rogers knows she doesn’t have just one thing wrong with her—she has fifty-four. This moving middle grade book provides an honest and hopeful look at a girl trying to understand her own brain.
• Heartfelt Sibling Story: Gwendolyn’s half-brother, Tyler, seems to have it all figured out with his ADHD diagnosis. Their growing bond is at the heart of this story about finding family in unexpected places.
• A Journey to Self-Acceptance: Convinced she needs to "cure" herself to earn a trip to horse camp, Gwendolyn embarks on a plan involving her mom’s Twelve Steps, learning that her differences aren’t wrong—they’re just her own.
• Perfect for Teachers and Parents: An invaluable classroom and family read that opens up conversations about mental health, learning differences, and the power of finding the right kind of support.