On the Bright Side is a poignant story told from the points of view of the two main characters. Ellie, the female main character, has been deaf since birth. She is a senior and has been at an all deaf boarding school for most of her life. Suddenly, with the closure of her school, she has to move home to a family who has not learned ASL or done anything to accommodate her disability. She is thrust into mainstream school and meets the male main character, Jackson. Jackson is facing weird physical symptoms and eventually gets a life changing diagnosis. Together they explore what it means to be different and find in each other support and acceptance.

I really enjoyed this book. It is definitely written for older grades and includes some strong language. It is well written. The author uses her own experience to give the reader a realistic look into what it means to be deaf or have a disability.

I was given a free advance reader copy of this book, but all opinions are my own.

On the Bright side
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.75)

I. Loved. This. Thank you so much Penguin & Anna for the eARC. I am so glad I was granted the opportunity to read this before release. The deaf rep & MS rep>>
As a deaf/hard of hearing person myself, I never knew how much I needed to read about female main characters in my situations until I read Anna’s books. give me a sign made me cry and in shock that I was reading words that I related to. On the bright side had me understanding a whole other POV of struggles that some deaf people encounter (family wise mainly in this one)

I absolutely truly enjoyed this book so much. (Minus the shitty parents at first, that had me furious at multiple points of the book because I just could feel how the FMC was feeling)
Reading about people who struggle with disabilities (one I’m familiar with and one I am not) is something I want and like to see more in books. I admire authors who are able to really put a good POV of what a character may be dealing with whatever disability they may have. In this case both Deaf & MS (multiple sclerosis) were involved in this and were perfectly written. Reading about a main character falling into the unexpected of all the sudden becoming disabled while the other main character has been disabled her whole life gave us two different POVs when it comes to that. I really was captivated with how Anna had written this and really thought it was well done and put into words perfectly.

Also, reading how others in their lives react to their disabilities was so eye opening to me. Not realizing how some people may have so much of negative side of reactions versus the positive. I had so much anger in reading how their parents reacted to their situations ; especially when the FMC has had it her whole life.

Besides the whole two disability representation in this book, I really loved the two main characters relationships unravel and grow. It was just so sweet and lovely and had my heart warm and had me smiling so wide at times. I really love how both characters truly supported and were patient with one another. It just was such a soft and welcoming love that I feel that everyone should be able to experience even when they don’t think they deserve it (you do).

Once again, Anna did it perfectly. She is now an automatic buying author of mine and I will be definitely purchasing physical copies of her books when I am able to. I love her work. Love the deaf representation and I look forward to reading more of that in her work because it hits home for me and I needed to read these books to realize I’m not alone. Thank you.

Thank you to NetGalley, Anna Sortino, and the publishers for allowing me access to the e-Arc.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It has representations of Ms and being Deaf. I loved how both characters were finding their way in the world. It’s definitely not a happy read but I don’t think it’s supposed to be. These two people are struggling with different disabilities that make life more challenging. Those aspects of the story I completely get having autoimmune diseases. I’m glad that I got to read this story.

I highly recommend it!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 On the Bright Side by Anna Sortino

What to expect: Deaf rep, Multiple Sclerosis rep, Bullying, Ableism.

A hopeful novel about love, disability, and the inevitability of change. Ellie is mainstreamed her senior year of high school because her Deaf shut down. The school’s guidance counselor pairs her with Jackson to show her around and help her adjust. Jackson finds solace in his time with Ellie since he has been avoiding his soccer team, and friends, since numbness in his legs cost the team an important match. Little does he know he will soon be processing a diagnosis and disability of his own and having Ellie by his side might be the best thing for him.

I loved this book and how the author approached the characters and their disabilities. One of my favorite parts was watching as Jackson dealt with his worsening symptoms and ultimate diagnosis. Ultimately I liked the ending and how optimistic it was. I would absolutely recommend this book. This would be best for anyone looking for a book with disability representation and specifically #OwnVoices. This was a read for #DisabilityReadathon2024

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

On the Bright Side was a quick read that I enjoyed. Through Ellie, it dives into Deaf culture and the frustrations a Deaf person faces in an ableist world. Ellie is independent and maybe a little stubborn, but her frustrations with unsupportive parents and classmates were understandable. She has to make some tough choices along the way but shows a lot of strength through it. Jackson was a very likeable character, and I loved how he made the effort to connect with Ellie when other classmates just wanted to gossip and assume. Jackson is faced with his own unexpected and scary diagnosis, and it was interesting to share his journey that portrayed his fears and frustrations while still providing optimism about the future. I think an important takeaway from this story is understanding how not all disabilities are obvious, and anyone can become disabled at any time, so it goes a long way to show compassion to others.

Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the advance review copy of On the Bright Side! All opinions expressed are completely my own.

I could not put down this book. I was so enamored with Ellie's determination to be her authentic self no matter who was made uncomfortable by her calling out the constant ableism she faced from her peers, her interpreter, and her family. I was ready to smash through the wall when her interpreter chose to misrepresent Ellie's words just because it made her uncomfortable and then proceeded to pull out those white lady tears when she was called out.

This book is certainly not for teens whose parents do not allow them to read books with rebellious children. I did find myself hoping several times that Ellie would say the obvious thing to her parents rather than walking away or falling into their argument traps because what really needed to be said was "It's my body. I will decide when and where I use the hearing aids and cochlear you forced upon me. You exclude me from every conversation and refuse to learn ASL. You are the problem, not me." But I fully recognize that most people, especially children struggle to express the most important parts of how they're feeling particularly to those who refuse to listen.

good thing I didn’t have plans tonight because I would’ve canceled them to keep reading this book… seriously I read it all in one sitting which I NEVER do

such a beautiful story about change and growing up, and how nothing ever plays out quite the way we expect it to

(also loved the subtle tie in to Give Me A Sign!)

thank you Penguin Teen and NetGalley for the ARC! so excited for this one’s release- July 2!

On the Bright Side is a touching and heartfelt story about finding friendship and love in unexpected places.
Ellie, a Deaf student forced to leave her beloved boarding school, faces the daunting task of navigating a new mainstream public school. Enter Jackson, tasked with helping her adjust to her new environment. What starts as a reluctant partnership blossoms into a beautiful friendship as they navigate the challenges of high school together.
The author beautifully captures the struggles and triumphs of both Ellie and Jackson as they grapple with their own personal challenges. From Ellie's adjustment to a hearing world to Jackson's health concerns, the characters are portrayed with depth and authenticity, making their journey feel incredibly relatable.
The budding romance between Ellie and Jackson adds an extra layer of depth to the story, as they find solace and support in each other during difficult times. Their bond is heartwarming and genuine, reminding readers of the power of connection and understanding.
On the Bright Side is a moving tale that explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the beauty of embracing the unexpected. The author's storytelling is both poignant and uplifting, leaving readers with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation for the bonds we form along life's journey.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Dive into "On the Bright Side" by Anna Sortino and get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions and laughter! From the moment I cracked open this book, I was hooked. Anna Sortino has a knack for crafting stories that not only entertain but also enlighten.

One of the standout features of Sortino's writing is her incredible representation of disability. Through her characters, she offers readers a fresh perspective on life with disabilities, prompting important conversations about accessibility and inclusion. As someone with a hard of hearing partner, I found myself reflecting on my own relationship and surroundings, thanks to Sortino's insightful storytelling.

But don't let the weighty themes fool you - "On the Bright Side" is also a delightful YA rom-com that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. The characters are vibrant, the dialogue crackles with wit, and the romantic tension is palpable. I couldn't help but giggle and kick my feet in excitement as I followed the ups and downs of the protagonists' journey.

In summary, "On the Bright Side" is a must-read for anyone looking for a captivating blend of heart, humor, and meaningful representation. Whether you're seeking insightful commentary on disability or simply craving a feel-good romantic comedy, this book has it all. Pick up a copy and prepare to be thoroughly entertained and enlightened.

Another beautiful and inclusive work by Sortino. I'm always blown away by her ability to take a topic I think I understand, and push me to think about it differently, or dig a bit deeper. I loved the representation of two different disabilities, but also seeing how different people respond to their circumstances. And that there's no right or wrong way to experience a diagnosis or disability - it was just a really beautiful representation of humanity.

I'll read anything that Anna writes, and I can't wait to see what she gives us next.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really really enjoyed this one! I was a big fan of Give Me a Sign by the same author, so I had high expectations for this book and it did not disappoint. I think she has officially become an auto buy author for me and I can’t wait to read what she writes next. I could not put this book down once I started and I read most of it in one day. It was such a quick and easy read that really sucked you in and left you needing to know what happened to the characters next.

There were so many amazing things about this book that I would love to talk about. This book talked heavily about disability from two very different viewpoints. It had one character who has been deaf her whole life and who has embraced it and loves to celebrate her own deafness. She has formed a beautiful relationship with her deafness, which has fed into her personality and relationships with others. She has also found a community that supports her needs and really makes her happy. Then on the other side of the story, we have a character who is experiencing disability for the first time. He is suffering from unexpected symptoms and uncertainty until he finally gets an MS diagnosis. He has to grapple with what this diagnosis means for himself and his future. He also has to come to terms with the fact that this disability will not go away and is something that he will have to live with for the rest of his life. This dichotomy between the two characters really shows the range of disability experiences and exposes readers to a whole new range of ideas. However, between both characters they still have similarities and their own frustrations and challenges that really bring them together and teach them to lean on each other.

One theme that showed up a lot in this story was how others respond to one’s disability and the effects that can have. Both main characters had a variety of reactions to their disabilities, both positive and negative, and it was very impactful to see the different things that some people may experience and how those interactions can really impact them. It is very important to think about your words and actions and the impact it can have on others.

The romance was also very cute and I loved the themes of friendship, connection, finding your voice, strength, and change throughout the story.

I really think that there is something for everyone in this book and I would absolutely recommend it. Whether you have a disability, you want to learn more, or you just want to read a cute YA romance, I would definitely pick this book up.

I can not wait for the release date so more people can get their hands on this book.

I absolutely DEVOURED Anna Sortino's debut novel, Give Me a Sign, when I read it in 2023, and this book was no different! I read it from "cover" to "cover" in a day! Truthfully, I liked her first book better, but her sophomore release holds space for just as touching, timely, and nuanced discussions around the disabled experience.

What I LOVED:

The sobering message that anyone, at any time, can become disabled. We've talked about this a lot in the last few years in terms of (long) COVID, when even people who had been "healthy" their entire lives were put on ventilators and suffering from symptoms long after testing negative again. Especially when we're young, we think about disability as something that happens to us later in life (we all get old, then have trouble taking care of ourselves). This is Jackson's perception at the beginning of the book. But like Jackson, young people can become disabled when they're... well, young.

How even well-intentioned parents can hurt us. Jackson's dad pushes him WAY too hard to always be moving ("hey son, let's go do CrossFit training after you played a scrimmage all morning"). His mom is basically anti-vax (she regrets getting him vaccinated so he could go to public school) and believes in homeopathic medicine. Both his parents are skeptical of traditional medicine and only rush him to the doctor/hospital when something is SERIOUSLY wrong. Jackson's diagnosis is a miniscule come-to-Jesus moment for them (mainly for his dad; his mom still researches 'alternative' treatments and tries to control his diet).

The importance of finding community. When Ellie is forced to mainstream after her Deaf school is shut down, she loses her Deaf community that she had built over the last five years. She returns home to a hearing family who never bothered to learn sign and doesn't understand why she needs hearing breaks (her mother tells her that unless she is sleeping, she MUST have her cochlear and hearing aid in). She is now the only deaf student at her school and must rebuild that sense of community. I loved her little found family and the Deaf House. After his diagnosis, an essential part of Jackson's healing comes from finding community in the MS group.

Ellie's nuanced perspective on disability pride. Having pride doesn't mean you never wish for a cure for your disability. It means knowing your disability doesn't make you "lesser than" abled people or who you were before disability.

Ellie's acknowledgment that her experience of disability since birth is different from Jackson's experience of sudden disability. Ellie does not know a life before or without her Deafness, so it does not feel like a loss to her. Her Deafness is also a stable part of her identity (it won't get worse as she gets older). But Jackson's entire lifestyle must change after his MS diagnosis (he can no longer be as active as he once was or play soccer to the same degree as he once could), and he faces a scary and unknown future (as MS is a progressive disease).

What I think could be improved:

The pacing. The build up to Jackson's diagnosis took up much of the book.

Ellie and Jackson's relationship. I don't know, I didn't feel a huge connection or spark between them. They seemed to like each other almost immediately. There wasn't much tension or pining.

Thank you to Penguin Teen for the advanced copy of this book! All thoughts are my own.

Oh My Goodness! On The Bright Side was such an adorable yet vulnerable book about disability and learning how to live and thrive with it. Ellie and Jackson were adorable and had me giggling throughout the entire book!

Sometimes I’ll pick up a book and it just clicks. I don’t want to put it down, I’m so invested in the characters and their lives that I just need to know what happens next. That’s definitely what happened for me with this book.

This is told in a dual POV between Ellie, a Deaf teenager born to a hearing family, who had been attending a Deaf school until it shut down, and Jackson, a soccer star who is beyond overworked and going through some really complicated things with his body (which we will get into a little bit later). They meet when Ellie is transferred to Jackson’s high school and even though things get off it a rough start, their friendship is really special.

Now, I wasn’t too sure how I felt about Ellie at first, because she is just this ball of attitude but it makes sense. She’s spent years going to Brandview and that was ripped out from under her. She went from being fully submersed in Deaf culture, able to communicate easily with her friends using ASL, to being back home with her frankly ableist parents and stuck being the only Deaf kid at her school. I’d have attitude too. Her parents really made everything worse… like a lot worse, they’re awful.

Jackson is a completely different story, because I loved him from the moment he came onto the page. His parents are a little overbearing and for a lot of the book he’s overworked between soccer, workouts with his dad, random events, and school. He’s also struggling a little with his body. There are some things happening to him physically and we go on this journey with him as he gets diagnosed with MS.

There are so many things that happen throughout the book but the one thing that’s clear from page 1 is that both Ellie and Jackson have big hearts. They’re both incredibly supportive of each other and I just adored their dynamic.

I’m also going to say that this book really made it click in my head that I am drawn to books where at least one character has a complicated relationship with their parents. I love that for me.

But the tl;dr is basically: read the book.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Teen for the gifted eARC of this book.

3.75 rounded up to 4! 🌟🤟🏻💜

A sweet story on navigating youth with a disability. “On The Bright Side” is Sortino’s second YA novel about young girls and boys in the disabled community. This book follows Ellie, a young deaf girl who is thristed back into a mainstream school after growing up in a deaf boarding school; and Jackson, an athlete who is diagosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for Sortino’s debut YA novel, and was delighted when I saw this one in my inbox from NetGalley as well! Anna did not disappoint with the representation in this book! While I do feel like some points were rushed and I would have liked the characters to communicate better, I see how their disabilities and youthful characters play a role in how they act and talk. Such a sweet, short story!

I enjoyed this book. I think it's a perfect YA book that older readers can relate to as well.
I loved the disability representation and felt the author did a great job putting something like being deaf on paper. I was able to easily determine what was being said using ASL and what was actual dialogue. She also did a great job portraying Jackson's MS and how he handled his diagnosis.

Everything aside, the book on its own without the representation was a cute read. I would for sure recommend this to not only YA in my life, but my older friends who just need a good love story.

Anna Sortino is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Last year, I read Give Me a Sign, and I absolutely loved reading a book that incorporated deaf culture. (I am not deaf myself, but do have hearing loss, which I wear a hearing aid for.) So since I loved her debut so much, I was excited to see On the Bright Side available to request on Netgalley. To be honest, I didn't even read the synopsis, but I knew I'd enjoy the book.

Give Me a Sign is a YA romance between Ellie, who is deaf, and Jackson, who is eventually diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Sortino developed these two characters with beauty and grace, and created a romantic pair that readers will root for. I don't know much about MS, so I enjoyed the book the representation. Though the book is fiction, Sortino pulled details from her own life to create an authentic character. I feel like this book provided me with an entry level amount of knowledge about MS, and it actually made me want to learn more about the disease.

Give Me a Sign was one of my favorite books of 2023, and while we are only a quarter of the way through 2024, I can already tell that On the Bright Side will be one of my favorites for this year. The book has not released yet, but I am already excited to see what Sortino has in store for her third book.

This was a beautifully done romance novel, it had everything that I was looking for and enjoyed how realistic this setting was. The characters felt like real people and I enjoyed how good the story was. The cover worked with what I was looking for and glad I got to read this. I enjoyed how good Anna Sortino wrote this and hope to read more.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC! I came for the story of Ellie, a deaf student, and stayed for the story of Jackson, a newly diagnosed, disabled teen. The story was great, and I loved the characters! I think this book really defines just how hard it is to be a teenager, especially one with a disability. My only complaint, is that in an effort to raise awareness and explain deafness and MS, sometimes the nuance of the story was sacrificed! Definitely and eye-opening read though!

I read Anna Sortino’s debut earlier this year, and immediately knew I couldn’t wait to read anything she writes, and On the Bright Side is a phenomenal follow-up. This is intense in a lot of ways because it doesn’t shy away from casual ableism and the challenges that can be part of a Deaf person’s life when they come from a hearing family. I loved Ellie’s journey and knowing who she is while finding a new support group and friends when her Deaf school is shut down before her senior year. Jackson is also a really great character, though goodness both of them have parents that could use some light aeration (though Ellie’s family is more egregious than Jackson’s). I especially loved and appreciated the contrast of his own disability journey and coming to terms with a new diagnosis for multiple sclerosis. This book gave so much space for different experiences and also focused on how much community and common experiences can improve quality of life because of the particularities of being seen and understood in that way. All around I loved this book so much and read it in a single sitting!