Quirky characters dealing with social problems. Witty and delicate handling of issues. Though I wouldn't actually teach it in class would recommend to my students.

Thank you Netgalley and Dutton Brooks / Penguin Books for Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Maya Van Wagenen's "Chronically Dolores" offers a relatable glimpse into the lives of two young girls navigating the complexities of friendship, health, and self-discovery. Dolores Mendoza, grappling with a chronic bladder condition, finds solace and companionship in Terpsichore Berkenbosch-Jones, a homeschooled girl with autism. Together, they embark on a journey of healing and growth, facing challenges and forging a deep bond along the way. Before going into this book, I had never heard of interstitial cystitis, and I was definitely able to learn more about this condition through the story. Because the story is from Dolores’s POV, there isn’t a super in-depth look into the condition, but I thought the descriptions were well-developed and vivid to allow the reader to better understand both the condition and Dolores herself.

The book excels in its portrayal of complex and authentic characters. Dolores and Terpsichore are both multifaceted and relatable, each struggling with their own set of challenges and insecurities. If you are a teen reader or remember the complicated life of being a 14-year-old who may have had a public humiliation moment in school (who hasn’t?), then you will definitely relate to Dolores and her experiences. Van Wagenen deftly explores the nuances of their friendship, capturing the joy, humor, and stresses that arise as they navigate the ups and downs of adolescence. This is definitely a younger YA book, which works as Dolores is just about to enter high school; I might even classify this book as a MG novel as well. The characters felt realistic, like they were actual teenagers, as well as their thoughts/experiences. When Dolores would imagine certain events like they were from Spanish soap operas felt like something I would have done when I was younger.

I really enjoyed the exploration of disability and neurodiversity. Through Dolores and Terpsichore's experiences, Van Wagenen sheds light on the unique challenges faced by individuals living with chronic illnesses and autism, really showing that there is no “magical cure” to chronic pain. The book offers a sensitive and insightful portrayal of these issues, creating feelings of empathy and understanding among readers.

I will say that Dolores's unreliable narration takes a little getting used to with certain recollections she has of past events. As stated earlier, she likes to imagine events as if they’re from soap operas, which means that she sometimes embellishes what actually happened. This sometimes made me confused as to what was actually going on in the novel, especially with the perspectives of the other characters. While the story is a bit limited with just Dolores’s POV, it also adds an intriguing layer of complexity, inviting you to question the truth behind her recollections and motivations.

Overall, "Chronically Dolores" strikes a delicate balance between lighthearted humor and reflection as one begins to grow up and move on, making it an engaging read for young adult audiences. While touching on serious themes such as chronic illness and family stressors, the book maintains a sense of optimism and resilience that left me feeling satisfied with the ending.

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

Book Review: Girl in the Mirror

Dolores Mendoza's life is in a downward spiral. Diagnosed with a chronic bladder condition, she's struggling to cope with the pain and isolation that come with it. When she meets Terpsichore Berkenbosch-Jones, a glamorous and autistic homeschooled girl, she sees a chance to turn things around.

Terpsichore agrees to help Dolores win back her ex-best friend, Shae, while Dolores convinces Terpsichore's mother that her daughter is ready for public school. Their plan seems foolproof, but Dolores's unreliable narration and questionable choices hint at a potential betrayal that could shatter this fragile alliance.

Strengths:

Complex and relatable characters: Dolores and Terpsichore are both flawed and sympathetic, making their struggles and triumphs all the more engaging.

Insightful exploration of disability: The story tackles the challenges faced by individuals with chronic illnesses and neurodiversity, offering a nuanced perspective on these issues.

Engaging and suspenseful plot: The story keeps the reader guessing, as Dolores's actions and motivations become increasingly unpredictable.

Weaknesses:

Dolores's unreliable narration: The story's events are filtered through Dolores's perspective, leaving the reader questioning the truth and reliability of her recollections.

Pacing: The story slows down in some sections, and the plot development could be more streamlined.

Overall, Girl in the Mirror is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of friendship, self-discovery, and the challenges of living with a chronic illness. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the story's themes are handled with sensitivity and insight.