Five Things about Ava Andrews

Ava Andrews, 11, is more nervous than usual at the beginning of sixth grade: not only is middle school intimidating, but her best friend, Zelia, has just moved across the country. Zelia always stood up for Ava when the clinically anxious girl--who has a genetic heart condition and attendant pacemaker--encountered social difficulties that upped her anxiety and her heart rate. Though Ava doesn't like to stand in front of groups, and dreads attending social events organized by her father's Cotillion business, she discovers a supportive community when she joins an improv group predicated on a foundation of celebrating mistakes and working with what one is given. The group is soon shocked to discover that the theater in which they rehearse is in danger of being developed. They decide to fight the onset of gentrification in their San Diego neighborhood, and with the help of her improv skills, Ava finds her voice. Alongside a sensitive portrayal of Ava's invisible disabilities, well-wrought subplots, such as problems with an unkind classmate and the growing distance between two once-close friends, support the journey of Dilloway's (Summer of a Thousand Pies) thoughtful protagonist from timid observer to well-liked social activist. Ages 8-12. Agent: Patricia Nelson, Marsall Lyon Literary. (June)

Gr 3-6--Dilloway (Summer of a Thousand Pies, Momotaro) returns to middle grade with this hopeful story of invisible disabilities, friendship, and advocating for one's beliefs. Like the author, 11-year-old Ava has non-compaction cardiomyopathy and uses an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) to help manage her condition. Ava is also quite anxious, and she's quiet around everyone but her best friend, who just moved across the country. Ava finds confidence and friendship when she begins taking improv classes, and together the group works to save a favorite locale from gentrification. Along the way, Ava discovers she's not the only one struggling with unseen hurdles, and tender moments reveal what it's like to be on both sides of assumption. Dilloway covers a lot of ground including social justice, mental health, physical ability, and prejudice, but all the while the narrative is hopeful and encouraging. Ava describes herself as having her mother's Japanese features, and a diverse cast is implied through brief descriptions. VERDICT Dilloway's latest provides a valuable perspective on living with a heart condition and anxiety as a tween; many will relate to Ava, even if their own experiences aren't an exact reflection of hers. Ideal for book clubs and discussions, this is recommended as a general purchase.--Taylor Worley, Springfield P.L., OR