Proctor, Katie. My Storied Year. Fiction. Fawkes, 10/2020. 244pp. PB $10.99 978-1-9454-1952-2. OUTSTANDING. GRADES 5-7.
Dragon is a seventh grader who struggles with dyslexia, a tumultuous home life in a trailer park, and emotions he doesn’t always know how to handle. Readers follow Dragon’s journey through the school year, where, with the help of his teacher and an understanding school administrator, he discovers the power of writing to transform his own story. The compelling narrative deftly portrays Dragon’s personal growth alongside his evolution as a writer. It gives a thoughtful, yet not stereotypical depiction of a character with dyslexia, a topic without much representation in middle grade fiction. Most characters are presumed white. Perfect to hand to any young aspiring writer, this story is also recommended for anyone looking for fiction thoughtfully depicting empathy and learning differences.
Megan Keane, Burlingame Public Library