These links show the original reading lists. Inclusion is not a guarantee of suitability for your child.
Libby Scott & Rebecca Westcott - Author
This is an empathetic school story about an autistic girl navigating sensory overload, anxiety, bullying and friendship while deciding how openly to present herself. It offers recognition without promising an uncomplicated transformation.
Tally notices what others think and experiences pressure to appear ‘normal’ while starting a new school.FavourableFavourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.Favourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.
How the book presents it: The narrative treats Tally’s perspective and individuality with compassion, rather than presenting conformity as the final answer.
Talk about: What does Tally want other people to understand about her, and when does she feel most able to be herself?
School belonging and exclusion
A new school, changing routines and classmates’ reactions make belonging difficult for Tally.MixedMixed: the book presents both supportive and critical signals.Mixed: the book presents both supportive and critical signals.
How the book presents it: The story presents social harm seriously but does not reduce every other character to a villain; teachers are mostly receptive and relationships remain complicated.
Talk about: If someone is struggling with a new routine or sensory environment, what could classmates and teachers do differently?
Privacy and disclosure
Tally keeps her autism secret from new classmates and faces pressure around whether to reveal it.AmbiguousAmbiguous: the book leaves its position open to more than one reasonable reading.Ambiguous: the book leaves its position open to more than one reasonable reading.
How the book presents it: The book recognises both the desire for privacy and the costs of concealment; disclosure is not presented as a magic solution.
Talk about: When, if ever, should a person choose to share personal information, and who should control that decision?
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Why It May Be Worth Reading
Its close first-person perspective can invite discussion of how behaviour is misunderstood, while the diary entries may help readers consider privacy, self-advocacy and the difference between fitting in and feeling accepted.
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What Deserves Attention
Be ready for scenes involving name-calling, social exclusion, anxiety and sensory distress. The story also depicts supportive family relationships, although the effects of Tally’s needs on family life can be stressful.
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A Conversation Worth Having
How does Tally’s wish to keep her autism private affect her choices and relationships? If her situation improves, what might still remain difficult or unresolved?
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Reading Approach
Consider reading alongside the child rather than treating the book as an autism guide. Pause after difficult school scenes, ask what Tally might need, and distinguish her experience from assumptions about autistic people generally.
Confidence & Basis
Theme indicators describe how the book presents a topic; they are not a verdict on the whole book or your family's values. Confidence reflects how much book-specific material was checked. Only part of the book information was available, so some details remain unconfirmed.
What remains unconfirmed
Being seen beyond stereotypes: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
School belonging and exclusion: The ending and the extent of any lasting change in Tally’s school relationships are not fully established.
Privacy and disclosure: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
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