Book details
A Blind Guide to Normal
Description
Richie "Ryder" Raymond has a gift. He can find the punchline in any situation, even in his limited vision and prosthetic eye. During the past year at Addison School for the Blind, Ryder's quick wit earned the respect and friendship of his classmates. Heading to mainstream, or "normal" school for eighth grade is going to be awesome.After all, what's not to like? At Addison, Ryder was everyone's favorite person. He could make anyone laugh, especially his best friend Alice. So long as he can be first to make all of the one-eyed jokes, Ryder is sure he'll fit in just as quick at Papuaville Middle School, home of the Fighting Guinea Pigs. But Alice warns him fitting in might not be as easy as he thinks.Turns out, Alice was right. In just the first hour of "normal" school, Ryder is attacked by General MacCathur II (aka, Gramps's cat), causes his bio teacher to pass out cold, makes an enemy out town hero Max, and falls for Jocelyn, the fierce girl next door who happens to be Max's girlfriend. On top of that, Ryder struggles to hold onto his dignity in the face of students' pity and Gramps's non-stop practical jokes.Ryder quickly sees the only thing worse than explaining a joke is being the punchline. But with help from his stuck-in-the-70s Gramps and encouragement from Alice, Ryder finds the strength to not only fight back, but to make peace. A Junior Library Guild Selection
Age
8-12
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
304 pages
Why to read
- Empathy and Understanding: 'A Blind Guide to Normal' by Beth Vrabel offers readers a unique perspective into the life of a visually impaired teenager, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.
- Engaging Storytelling: Vrabel's writing style is engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to become invested in the protagonist's journey and the book's nuanced exploration of friendship, family, and self-discovery.
- Themes of Resilience and Adaptation: The story provides a powerful narrative on resilience and the human capacity to adapt to new situations, which can be inspiring and motivational for readers of all ages.
- Educational Value: By delving into the experiences of a character with a visual impairment, the book educates readers about accessibility, the importance of inclusivity, and the various ways people navigate the world with different abilities.