Booklist described Gerber’s novels in starred reviews as both “highly empathetic” and “truly inspiring.” TAKING UP SPACE promises to be a realistic and compelling story about struggling with body image and learning that true self-esteem comes from within.
Watch the preview from Scholastic: TAKING UP SPACE.
I sat down with model Martha Hunt to talk about how we met and connected over our personal experiences with scoliosis. I also share more get the better results about my new book, FOCUSED, which tells the story of a young girl with ADHD and the challenges she faces. Watch my interview with Martha Hunt.
I had the best time touring, visiting schools, and connecting with readers.
For more information or to schedule an author visit, contact alyson@alysongerber.com.
Shop for FOCUSED at McNally Jackson (signed copy) Indiebound Amazon Barnes & Noble Target Book Depository
Thank you for the very warm welcome home! It was so much fun launching FOCUSED with the help of The Andover Bookstore and Temple Emanuel.
We had such an amazing time celebrating the launch of FOCUSED in NYC.
Shop for a signed copy of FOCUSED from McNally Jackson.
★ “An accurate and compassionate picture of growing up with ADHD is the icing on the cake of this well-told novel.” – Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “Truly inspiring!” – Booklist, starred review
★ “This book includes middle school family drama, a little romance, and could be used for growth mindset lessons about being assertive and an effective communicator, identifying what individuals need to succeed, and learning to become a self-advocate.” – School Library Connection, Highly Recommended
★ Junior Library Guild Selection
Following Braced, which had three starred reviews, comes a story of a girl caught between her love of chess and her ADHD.
Clea can’t control her thoughts. She knows she has to do her homework . . . but she gets distracted. She knows she can’t just say whatever thought comes into her head . . . but sometimes she can’t help herself. She knows she needs to focus . . . but how can she do that when the people around her are always chewing gum loudly or making other annoying noises?
It’s starting to be a problem—not just in school, but when Clea’s playing chess or just hanging out with her best friend. Other kids are starting to notice. When Clea fails one too many tests, her parents take her to be tested, and she finds out that she has ADHD, which means her attention is all over the place instead of where it needs to be.
Clea knows life can’t continue the way it’s been going. She’s just not sure how you can fix a problem that’s all in your head. But that’s what she’s going to have to do, to find a way to focus.
In a starred review, Booklist called Alyson Gerber’s first novel, Braced, “a masterfully constructed and highly empathetic debut about a different kind of acceptance.” With Focused, she explores even further how, when life gives you a challenge, the best way to face it is with an open mind, an open heart, and the open support of the people around you.
You can now watch the Scholastic Online Preview of FOCUSED, a story of a girl caught between her love of chess and her ADHD for 8- to 12-year-old readers.
Shop for FOCUSED at McNally Jackson (signed copy) Indiebound Amazon Barnes & Noble Target Book Depository
I’m so excited to share the cover of my new middle grade novel FOCUSED with you! Following Braced, which had three starred reviews, comes a story of a girl caught between her love of chess and her ADHD. Read my interview with Scholastic’s Ambassador of School Libraries Mr. Schu!
Clea can’t control her thoughts. She knows she has to do her homework . . . but she gets distracted. She knows she can’t just say whatever thought comes into her head . . . but sometimes she can’t help herself. She knows she needs to focus . . . but how can she do that when the people around her are always chewing gum loudly or making other annoying noises?
It’s starting to be a problem—not just in school, but when Clea’s playing chess or just hanging out with her best friend. Other kids are starting to notice. When Clea fails one too many tests, her parents take her to be tested, and she finds out that she has ADHD, which means her attention is all over the place instead of where it needs to be.
Clea knows life can’t continue the way it’s been going. She’s just not sure how you can fix a problem that’s all in your head. But that’s what she’s going to have to do, to find a way to focus.
In a starred review, Booklist called Alyson Gerber’s first novel, Braced, “a masterfully constructed and highly empathetic debut about a different kind of acceptance.” With Focused, she explores even further how, when life gives you a challenge, the best way to face it is with an open mind, an open heart, and the open support of the people around you.
Shop for FOCUSED at McNally Jackson (signed copy) Indiebound Amazon Barnes & Noble Target Book Depository
I spent the day with nine classes of third, fourth, and fifth grade students at an amazing public school in the Bronx. I learned so much from these incredible kids and their dedicated teachers.
Book Riot readers recommend their favorite middle grade books about sports, and BRACED is on the list!
Soccer star Rachel has friends, a crush, and…scoliosis. When her doctor prescribes a back brace, she feels trapped and mortified. Will it break her–or make her stronger?
School Library Journal reviewer, teacher, and librarian loved BRACED!
“I can`t wait to recommend it to more kids! Thanks to so many #bookstagram friends for reviewing this one over the last year — I finally picked it up and then couldn`t put it down!
BRACED is about more than just scoliosis and the trauma of getting a back brace in middle school. This book is also about friendship and family relationships (as well as first romantic relationships) and the way those can be tested. It`s also about soccer! I know quite a few soccer playing kids who will LOVE this book for primarily that reason. The author`s personal experience with scoliosis and a back brace makes this book really powerful.”
