Car Wash Wish
by Sita Brahmachari
Interest age: 13+
Reading age: 7+
Published by Barrington Stoke, 2016
About this book
Fourteen-year-old Hudson knows his brain works differently.
Having Asperger's Syndrome, he sometimes has difficulty understanding people around him. He sees patterns in language and has a particular affinity with words beginning with 'Z'.
The book sees Hudson getting ready for his grandad's funeral. As he does so, he talks through his observations on life with his not-yet-born sibling-to-be, whom he affectionately calls Zed - for 'zygote'. Hudson shares his feelings about his mum, his stepdad, his real dad (who he finds rather sad and awkward), and his grief over his grandfather who had Alzheimer's, which caused arguments between his parents.
Unexpectedly, today of all days, it turns out to be grandad who will bring about a special moment between Hudson and his dad, which might just bring them closer together.
This is a 'super readable' book from Barrington Stoke. It's accessible, unassuming and deceptively simple, but with huge substance and depth, which will stay with the reader long after the final page. An entertaining, uplifting but extremely thought-provoking story, revealing that there is more than one way of looking at life and its problems.
About the author
More books like this
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Artichoke Hearts
by Sita Brahmachari
9 to 14 years
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When Shadows Fall
by Sita Brahmachari, illustrated by Natalie Sirett
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When Secrets Set Sail
by Sita Brahmachari, illustrated by Evan Hollingdale
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Where the River Runs Gold
by Sita Brahmachari
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Lists of recommended reads
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Books on dementia
Dementia is a difficult thing to deal with and it can be hard to talk about with your loved ones. If you're looking for some books for children and young teens to help start a difficult conversation, check out these books, which look at dementia and its impact on families in different ways.
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Dyslexia-friendly books for teens
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Autism
We believe that books are a great way to raise awareness and improve understanding of different experiences. This booklist aims to provide a range of children's and teens' books that feature characters who are autistic, or who have Autistic Spectrum Conditions.