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Something More
Book (2023)
A contemporary teen romance novel featuring a Palestinian-Canadian girl trying to hide her autism diagnosis while navigating her first year of high school, for fans of Jenny Han and Samira Ahmed.
Fifteen-year-old Jessie, a quirky loner obsessed with the nineties, is diagnosed as autistic just weeks before starting high school. Determined to make a fresh start and keep her diagnosis a secret, Jessie creates a list of goals that range from acquiring two distinct eyebrows to getting a magical first kiss and landing a spot in the school play. Within the halls of Holy Trinity High, she finds a world where things are no longer black and white and quickly learns that living in color is much more fun. But Jessie gets more than she bargained for when two very different boys steal her heart, forcing her to go off-script.
Fifteen-year-old Jessie, a quirky loner obsessed with the nineties, is diagnosed as autistic just weeks before starting high school. Determined to make a fresh start and keep her diagnosis a secret, Jessie creates a list of goals that range from acquiring two distinct eyebrows to getting a magical first kiss and landing a spot in the school play. Within the halls of Holy Trinity High, she finds a world where things are no longer black and white and quickly learns that living in color is much more fun. But Jessie gets more than she bargained for when two very different boys steal her heart, forcing her to go off-script.
Book (2023)
A contemporary teen romance novel featuring a Palestinian-Canadian girl trying to hide her autism diagnosis while navigating her first year of high school, for fans of Jenny Han and Samira Ahmed.
Fifteen-year-old Jessie, a quirky loner obsessed with the nineties, is diagnosed as autistic just weeks before starting high school. Determined to make a fresh start and keep her diagnosis a secret, Jessie creates a list of goals that range from acquiring two distinct eyebrows to getting a magical first kiss and landing a spot in the school play. Within the halls of Holy Trinity High, she finds a world where things are no longer black and white and quickly learns that living in color is much more fun. But Jessie gets more than she bargained for when two very different boys steal her heart, forcing her to go off-script.
Fifteen-year-old Jessie, a quirky loner obsessed with the nineties, is diagnosed as autistic just weeks before starting high school. Determined to make a fresh start and keep her diagnosis a secret, Jessie creates a list of goals that range from acquiring two distinct eyebrows to getting a magical first kiss and landing a spot in the school play. Within the halls of Holy Trinity High, she finds a world where things are no longer black and white and quickly learns that living in color is much more fun. But Jessie gets more than she bargained for when two very different boys steal her heart, forcing her to go off-script.
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Content at a glance
More filled segments mean stronger content.
Sex & Nudity
The story centers on typical teenage romance, including romantic tension, crushes, and the pursuit of a first kiss. There is no explicit sexual content, only age-appropriate expressions of puppy love.
Violence & Gore
The book contains no physical violence or aggressive confrontations, focusing entirely on social dynamics and personal growth.
Profanity
The language is clean with only occasional, mild teenage frustration such as "cr*p" or "h*ll" used in casual conversation to reflect high school dialogue.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking
There is no mention or depiction of alcohol, drugs, or smoking, as the narrative focuses on the protagonist's school goals and personal life.
Frightening Scenes
The intensity is limited to the emotional anxiety of navigating a new social environment and the stress of hiding a medical diagnosis, which may be relatable for teens but is not scary.
Key Insights
Quick summary and important considerations
This story is about a girl who learns that being yourself is more rewarding than trying to fit in, showing that everyone has their own unique way of seeing the world.
Detailed Analysis
In-depth insights for parents and educators
What Parents Need to Know
The narrative centers on the social pressures of the first year of high school and the internal struggle regarding neurodivergent disclosure. No intense violence, sexual content, or substance abuse indicated in available information.
What Kids Can Learn
Viewers gain perspective on the autism spectrum, the importance of cultural identity, and the value of communication in building meaningful relationships.
Key Topics Discussed
Autism awareness
High school social dynamics
Palestinian-Canadian identity
Why Parents Might Like It
It provides a thoughtful, contemporary look at the intersection of teen romance and the pursuit of individual mental health and identity.
Positives & learning
More filled segments mean stronger positive content or learning value.
Positive messages
Encourages self-acceptance and the courage to embrace one's authentic identity despite societal pressure to conform. Emphasizes that personal growth comes from navigating challenges rather than hiding perceived differences.
Role models
Jessie acts as a relatable protagonist who models resilience and honest self-reflection. She demonstrates personal accountability while learning to balance her goals with emotional truth.
Representation
Features a Palestinian-Canadian lead who navigates her dual heritage alongside an autism diagnosis. The narrative centers on the intersectionality of these identities with agency and specificity.
Learning
Promotes social-emotional learning by illustrating the challenges of neurodivergent communication and the importance of empathy in friendships.
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