Tune It Out

I enjoyed this sweet novel about Lou, a young girl who has a beautiful singing voice.  Her mother wants them to make it big with her voice, but Lou suffers from a sensory processing disorder.  Loud noises disturb her immensely and she does not like people touching her at all.  When an accident forces Lou to be taken from her mother and placed with an aunt and uncle, Lou begins to experience a normal life in school and with friends.  She also learns how she can live more fully with her disorder in school and in public.  I found the mother character unrelatable, especially after Lou was taken away.  I did enjoy the story and had not read many that highlight this disorder.   (FIC SUM)

Chunky

This graphic novel "memoir" by Yehudi Mercado was disappointing.  I hoped, given the title, it would be a statement against our fat-phobic society and a story of self-love.  It did not get there in my opinion.  Hudi is encouraged to lose weight and play sports.  His lack of interest and health issues set him up for failure.  He is a funny guy and wants to pursue theatre.  I enjoyed the post-chapter breakdowns and thought they were inventive and funny, but too much of the story went without proper explanation.  It missed the mark in letting kids know that whatever their size, they can be healthy and beautiful.  (GN MER)