Update, March 11, 2018: I was able to connect with Scholastic, the publisher, concerning use of the phrase "confined to a wheelchair" in descriptive copy that appeared on the book's back cover. (See my original review, below.) I was told that Scholastic will change the phrasing for future printings of this book, and wish to express my appreciation to Scholastic for being receptive to concerns about ableism shaping how people with disabilities are viewed.

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My reaction to this book was mixed. I empathized with Autumn's plight as she struggled to unlock reading, because one of the people closest in my life is dealing with a print-disability. And both of the protagonists, Autumn and Adonis, seemed to be well fleshed-out characters. I was able to relate and empathize with ways that the characters grew and developed.

One area where I struggled to keep up with the story was the two of them ending up together. (I don't think that's a spoiler, because I think the publisher's description made clear that they were headed toward that pairing.)

Autumn was pretty clear with her feelings: she was attracted to Adonis and aggressively acted upon that attraction. (Another reviewer has addressed, with concern, Autumn's trampling upon consent and legitimately asked, how this book would read if the two character's genders were reversed.) But throughout much of the book, Adonis expresses that he does not like Autumn. So going from not-liking to liking, even loving someone: it was hard to keep up with those changes.

One thing I feel that I need to address is the publisher's choice of language when describing the book's protagonists. In its back-cover copy, Scholastic states that Adonis is "confined to a wheelchair." This judgement is ableist, and it goes against the stated experiences of many people who rely upon wheelchairs.

I'd like Scholastic to consider the views of one such user, Heather McCain: that a wheelchair, far from being "confining," offers mobility, freedom, and independence.

"Without a wheelchair I would have been stuck at home for an entire decade. With my wheelchair I was able to start a non-profit organization, volunteer in the community, be active in sports, have a great social life, and be independent. At no point, in my ten years of using a wheelchair, did I ever feel confined or bound. I felt free, independent, and able to participate as a productive member in our society thanks to my wheelchair."

(https://canbc.org/blog/proper-terminology-dont-use-confined-to-or-wheelchair-bound/)

The publisher's description will serve, for many readers, as an entry-point to this story, and provides readers with a first impression of the characters Ms. Flake has created. And the most terrifying past experience of Adonis' life involved his being suddenly without the mobility that he derives with his wheelchair.

Beyond the story, the publisher's choice of words helps to shape the way that disability is understood, and discussed in our society.

In McCain's words, again: "It is true that there are a lot of accessibility issues that create barriers for people who use wheelchairs, but the barriers stem from the inaccessibility of communities that aren’t inclusive, not the wheelchair itself."

Narrated by Bahni Turpin and Dominic Hoffman. Bahni Turpin's narration is so much more dynamic than Dominic Hoffman's. But on the other hand, Hoffman's understated presentation reflects the straitlaced Adonis. Call it almost a draw. ( )

Sporty girl on the wrestling team is bad at schoolwork, has a crush on a jerk boy in a wheelchair who is really good at schoolwork and manages the wrestling team. Everyone learns a valuable lesson. I understand it's important for kids to see themselves in literature, but this is not a good representation of anyone. ( )

I heard a lot buzz about this book when it first came out. The concept is strikingly different than the paranormal light edge so many YA books have. The heroine, Autumn, is a wrestler, but in her mind, sexism is not the key struggle she faces. She wants the hero, the smartest boy in school who also happens to help with the wrestling team and is wheelchair bound, to notice her. Flake alternates between Autumn and Apollo's points of view, so we see how Apollo admires her physical strength, but devalues her as a person because she is a poor student. In Autumn's chapters, we see how she is intelligent and kind, but struggles with reading. Both characters have a strong story arc and are relatable.

I nearly set the book aside after the first chapter, set in Autumn's point of view, because it was written in choppy English. The next chapter came from Apollo's perspective and showed me Flake's writing skills. I mention this because like the book Push by Sapphire (which became the movie Precious) the use of language tells part of the story.

This is a terrific book to share with teens who are struggling academically, physically or emotionally. ( )

I heard a lot buzz about this book when it first came out. The concept is strikingly different than the paranormal light edge so many YA books have. The heroine, Autumn, is a wrestler, but in her mind, sexism is not the key struggle she faces. She wants the hero, the smartest boy in school who also happens to help with the wrestling team and is wheelchair bound, to notice her. Flake alternates between Autumn and Apollo's points of view, so we see how Apollo admires her physical strength, but devalues her as a person because she is a poor student. In Autumn's chapters, we see how she is intelligent and kind, but struggles with reading. Both characters have a strong story arc and are relatable.

I nearly set the book aside after the first chapter, set in Autumn's point of view, because it was written in choppy English. The next chapter came from Apollo's perspective and showed me Flake's writing skills. I mention this because like the book Push by Sapphire (which became the movie Precious) the use of language tells part of the story.

This is a terrific book to share with teens who are struggling academically, physically or emotionally. ( )