Newbery Prediction #7: Tornado Brain by Cat Patrick
Please note that each title is appearing in no specific order other than publication date and that it is physically impossible for us to choose just ONE title to receive the Newbery medal, therefore we have narrowed it down to our top 10!
Publisher: Putnam Pub Group
Summary from the publisher:
In this heartfelt and powerfully affecting coming of age story, a neurodivergent 7th grader is determined to find her missing best friend before it’s too late.
Things never seem to go as easily for thirteen-year-old Frankie as they do for her sister, Tess. Unlike Tess, Frankie is neurodivergent. In her case, that means she can’t stand to be touched, loud noises bother her, she’s easily distracted, she hates changes in her routine, and she has to go see a therapist while other kids get to hang out at the beach. It also means Frankie has trouble making friends. She did have one—Colette—but they’re not friends anymore. It’s complicated.
Then, just weeks before the end of seventh grade, Colette unexpectedly shows up at Frankie’s door. The next morning, Colette vanishes. Now, after losing Colette yet again, Frankie’s convinced that her former best friend left clues behind that only she can decipher, so she persuades her reluctant sister to help her unravel the mystery of Colette’s disappearance before it’s too late.
A powerful story of friendship, sisters, and forgiveness, Tornado Brain is an achingly honest portrait of a young girl trying to find space to be herself.
Why have we chosen this title?
Ever read a book where you are so sad that it is over and desperately wish you had more chapters? That is this book. Frankie will immediately worm her way into your heart in a way that you just want to follow her story more and more and watch as she begins to find herself and discover friendship and forgiveness in a very special way.
Cat Patrick has done a truly remarkable job of capturing Frankie’s voice. You understand things the way that Frankie does, you see things the way she sees them and it helps you understand and celebrate neurodiversity in all of its beautiful forms. It is perfect for your mystery fans and would make for a great read aloud or group discussion.