Together, they've taken the internet by storm little do Mia’s classmates know that she’s the viral singer Elle-Q! But while the chance to perform live for a local talent show has Charlie excited, Mia isn’t so sure. While she wishes she could stand up to her bullies, she’s always been able to express her feelings through singing and songwriting, even more so with her best friend, Charlie, who is nonbinary, putting together the best beats for her. Twelve-year-old Mia is just trying to navigate a world that doesn’t understand her true autistic self. The author is also autistic, so it’s nice to experience a story from someone who shares some of the experiences of their protagonist.For fans of Click and Brave, this touching coming-of-age middle grade graphic novel debut follows an autistic girl who finds friendship where she least expects it and learns to express her true self in a world where everyone defines her by her differences. It’s nice to see (almost) everyone grow and learn. Everybody has their own lives, feelings and motivations. I also liked seeing the other characters’ experiences explored. But at the same time fearing being ridiculed if discovered or having your interests “exposed.” No matter how innocent they may be, the fear of mockery is palpable.

I saw a lot of my younger self in Mia, especially in elementary school when I was bullied for being “weird” or having interests that my age-mates considered “childish.” Finding comfort in your passion, an escape, and being proud of what you make. Worries about what other people think get in the way of not only herįriendship with Charlie, but also showing everyone, including theīullies, who she is and what she has to say. She’ll have to decide whether she’ll let her Mia’s classmates know that she’s the viral singer Elle-Q! But while theĬhance to perform live for a local talent show has Charlie excited, Mia Together, they’ve taken the internet by storm little do

She could stand up to her bullies, she’s always been able to express herįeelings through singing and songwriting, even more so with her bestįriend, Charlie, who is nonbinary, putting together the best beats for World that doesn’t understand her true autistic self.

Twelve-year-old Mia is just trying to navigate a

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