Can You See Me?
Libby Scott, Rebecca Westcott
Subjects
- Friends & Family - tears and laughter, and happy ever after
- Friends & Family - tears and laughter, and happy ever after
With diary entries written by eleven-year-old Libby Scott, based on her own experiences of autism, this pioneering book, written in collaboration with esteemed author Rebecca Westcott, has been widely praised for its realistic portrayal of autism. Tally is eleven years old and she's just like her friends. Well, sometimes she is. If she tries really hard to be. Because there's something that makes Tally not the same as her friends. Something she can't cover up, no matter how hard she tries: Tally is autistic. Tally's autism means there are things that bother her even though she wishes they didn't. It means that some people misunderstand, her and feel frustrated by her. People think that because Tally's autistic, she doesn't realise what they're thinking, but Tally sees and hears - and notices - all of it. And, honestly? That's not the easiest thing to live with. The first book written in collaboration with Libby Scott When Libby's mum shared a short piece of Libby's writing online it soon went viral, with tens of thousands of people saying that Libby's writing helped them understand autism for the first time This fictionalised portrayal of a young autistic girl is written by Rebecca Westcott, in close collaboration with Libby Scott, making it a truly original and inspirational book that will give readers of all ages a deeper understanding of what it's like to be autistic Perfect for fans of The Goldfish Boy, Wonder and The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Night-time BOOKS BY LIBBY SCOTT AND REBECCA WESTCOTT Can You See Me? (2019) Do You Know Me? (2020) Ways To Be Me (2021) All the Pieces of Me (2022)
Reviews
The story of a year 7 girl, Tally, who is autistic, transitioning to secondary school. As a teacher, it gave me a deep insight into how some children in my class might be feeling and what I might be able to do to support them. A clever story :)
CatStewart
Can You See Me? is suitable for ages 10 and above. This tale explores themes of autism, friendship, and self-discovery in a heartfelt and authentic manner. Through the eyes of eleven year old Tally, readers gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of living with autism. With its engaging storyline and relatable characters, "Can You See Me?" sparked important discussions about acceptance and inclusion.
hannahkav
One of my favourites!
zoejackman3
The book was written from the point of view of Tally, a girl with autism. I felt immersed into her world from very early on in the story. It was a thought provoking read with a lovely ending.
SZig
Brilliantly written. Really like the duel aspect of the main text then the diary entries. Great that perspective of family was included.
Mills29
This was probably the BEST book I’ve read for older children in a long time! It made me smile, nearly cry but also made me realise how hard it must be for children to try and accept that they may just be that little bit different to others and how that’s absolutely fine and something to embrace! Brilliant text to expose children to what autism actually is too! Loved it!
emma.dunkin
Such a helpful insight into life as a neurodivergent child and the pitfalls in secondary transition.
LCorin
This a fantastically funny, insightful and uplifting book. The story follows a young girl, Tally, as she faces all her day-to-day struggles, plus the challenges of starting secondary school. It illustrates the wonderful world of someone with autism and shows how necessary empathy and kindness are. I feel I have learnt so much about autism from reading this book- one for children and all adults to read!
Bethmay217
I have just read this for a second time! Tally has autism and the world is a strange place for her. She is just about to start secondary school and her best friend, who has always stood by her, suddenly starts behaving strangely around her. Tally tries to fit in but realises that not being her true self also has problems. A touching story to give anybody an insight to the world of an autistic child. The story is inspired by Libby Scott, the co-author.
abatten
This is a book that all school staff should read! It made me picture a child in school as I read it but it gives such a brilliant insight as to what life is like for an autistic person as well as being an entertaining read. I think adults and children alike will enjoy this.
AN21
I really enjoyed this book and it gave me a great insight into how autistic people see the world. I thought the diary sections were so informative and I learned a lot from them. Having recently started working in a school, I enjoyed seeing it from Tally’s point of view. I would definitely recommend this book.
Tallonst
I really enjoyed this book. It was engaging and challenged some of my assumptions. I would definitely recommend it.
motherease
Thought provoking - made me think about children I teach and how I respond to them.
Nicola
I enjoyed this as it gave me an insight on how pupils can feel with autism. A bit of an eye opener and good for year 6 children to read
helen9392020
I love the diary elements of the book and how they are in fact based on a real person's account. My current class really invested in Tally's understanding of the world and can relate to people they know with autism.
This is a great book for anyone preparing to transition to secondary school. The main character Tally is autistic and she battles with hiding her real self or showing it! The relationship with her sister, mum and friends is the page turner in this book as she navigates her ay through the challenges for young autistic girls.
kate74
The novel explores Tally's experiences at the start of secondary school including her anxieties and ways of coping as a neurodiverse individual in a school setting that, at times, is an assault on the senses. With changing friendship dynamics resulting from the transition from primary to secondary and the onset of puberty, the novel covers a wide range of events including bullying. Ultimately, the characters come to the realisation that there is no reason for autism to be kept hidden. Co-written by Libby Scott, a teenager who also has a diagnosis of autism spectrum condition, the novel is at times brutally honest about the challenges faced both inside and outside of school by those not perceived by society to be 'normal', including a detailed description of a meltdown. An insightful read for students and teachers alike both, suitable from KS2 upwards. I initially read this when it was released and recommend it on a regular basis.
ClareB6
A great insight into an Autistic child’s life. I recommend every professional working with children should read this. Spread awareness and understanding.
Chelsea3
Great diary style that helps with understanding children with autism.
Efinch1811
I really enjoyed this book and the insights it gave into the life of an autistic child starting secondary school. I would recommend this book to children about to start secondary school themselves.
C2rickaby