Written by Karole Cozzo
Jordyn Michaelson has a secret to keep. Her brother who is 3 years younger than her has autism. When she was in 3rd grade she was suddenly an outcast from the rest of the girls, especially her best friend, Caroline, who formed a club against Jordyn. Since the family moved so Phillip, her brother, could attend a special school, Jordyn thought she could keep the secret of her brother from all the students at Valley Forge High School. That hope fell apart when the special school closed and the students were placed at the high school for a couple of months.
Everything came to a head when Jordyn confided in Alex, a boy she had worked with during the summer. He was offended she had not told him about her brother. Jordyn’s best friend, Erin, turned her back on her when she found out about Phillip. The senior most popular girl at Valley Forge High turned against Jordyn, blaming her for the break-up with her boy- friend, Alex.
Good things happen and friends forgive each other. The story picks up and Jordyn finally faces the reality that Phillip is Phillip. He can be cute and accepting one minute and fly off the handle the next. Deep down Jordyn loves him and learns how to say “I love you” out loud.
Great book to help see the trials of families with special needs children. Not everything is fun and easy. There are days, maybe weeks, filled with events which are disastrous and hard to hold out to the end of each event. There are events happening all the time.
Wonderful read!
Review by Kristine Johnson, Teacher West Lake Junior High
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 7-12
How to Say I Love You Out Loud
Written by Karole Cozzo
Swoon Reads
217 pages
Release Date: August 4, 2015
Thanks for the review.