The U-nique Lou Fox by Jodi Carmichael is a middle grade novel that celebrates neurodiversity.

Louise Elizabeth Fitzhenry-O’Shaughnessy is a firecracker of a fifth grader. She is creative and has spunk. She is neurodiverse and lives with ADHD and dyslexia. This can make life tough for Lou but thankfully she has the most loving parents and the best friends. Unfortunately, her teacher knows nothing about having ADHD and is a total “Shadow Phantom” of a teacher. Through the story we all learn along with Lou how to foster creativity and how to encourage those with different learning styles.

Everything about The U-nique Lou Fox is fantastic. Pajama Press Inc has ensured the book is accessible using a font and font size to make it dyslexia friendly. Jodi Carmichael writes from personal experience. As an adult with ADHD, her writing celebrates the wonderful things that come from having such a creative, empathetic and adventurous spirit. Lou Fox is a celebration. Her struggles are real and the treatment she faces from some of the adults in her life is confusing to her. When Mrs. Snyder, aka Shadow Phantom, comes across as hard and mean, it’s very reflective of the ways that teachers can sometimes try and help without realizing they are causing harm.

The adults in the story are all very supportive. Lou’s parents are a dream come true and so incredibly kind and supportive as many parents are. There were times I was moved to tears by their kindness. Lou’s principal Mrs. Muswagam reminds me of the kind and nurturing principals I was fortunate to have as a child. I especially appreciated Lou’s reunion with Mrs. Snyder. Mrs. Snyder acknowledges that she was trying to be encouraging in the wrong ways and apologizes to Lou. It’s so important for readers to see not only children like themselves making amends but especially adults.

Although Lou is part of a triad friendship, this one is so nurturing. All three friends are so kind and understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. They try to help Lou when she is daydreaming or feeling frustrated. Even when they have a big blowout of a fight, Lou acknowledges her part and they all move on in the right way.

This story exudes kindness and generosity and is a must have for classrooms and school libraries. It’s time for more stories about neuro-atypical children.