Marcelo is unique. He hears music that nobody else can hear; he lives in his own treehouse; he is deeply fascinated by religions, and he already has a job lined up for the summer, caring for the horses at his special school.
Marcelo has an aspergers-like condition that makes it hard for him to make small talk, to read what people are feeling, and to communicate with others. He's not stupid- far from it! Marcelo is just different, and his school helps him make the most of his strengths.
But when Marcelo's dad decides that Marcelo needs to work in the real world for the summer - in his high-powered law firm - Marcelo is forced to agree. The deal is that Marcelo will give it his best shot, and in return, he can attend his special school in the fall, instead of the public high school. Marcelo and his dad both know that the summer will be difficult; Marcelo just wants to survive, and his dad want Marcelo to prove that he can be "normal".
But nobody could have predicted the consequences when Marcelo uncovers scandal, deception and intrigue right in the heart of his father's firm. Marcelo has tough decisions to make, and he has to make them on his own. At it's heart, this is a book about growing up, and taking a stand for what's right. Marcelo, with his crystal clear vision of human contradictions, is the perfect person to narrate this story. Marcello appears initially as flawed, but we come to realize that he, or all the people in the book, understands the nature of morality and goodness.
This book is a great read for anyone, but I particularly recommend it for those who have experience with Aspergers or Autism. A challenging and uplifting book. I loved it.
Realistic Fiction
Grades 10-12
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