Overview

"A neurodivergent child interacts with their neighbors to discover the true meaning behind greetings and salutations.  When people say “How are you?” are they really asking or just saying hello? Verity, who is neurodivergent, plans an experiment to figure this out. Verity is bubbling with excitement about an upcoming school field trip to the aquarium! When neighbors ask, “How are you?” Verity shares their excitement and fascinating facts about sea animals. Their older brother John kindly suggests that the question ""How are you?"" is actually a greeting and not an invitation to share so much. Verity plans an experiment to find out if their brother is right. But when the trip to the aquarium is cancelled, Verity is heartbroken. When people ask “How are you?” what should they say then?"

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9781433841514

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Reviews

Verity must navigate the titular question’s multiple social meanings in this personal-feeling story, which draws on the author’s experiences. In neighborhood settings, community members portrayed with varying skin tones ask brown-skinned, bespectacled Verity, “How are you?” and the exuberant child responds at length with information about sea creatures. When big brother John observes that the question is generally considered a greeting rather than an invitation for elaboration, Verity experiments with the concept. The exercise grows more complex when a canceled field trip to the aquarium leaves Verity feeling down, prompting a sincere version of the query from John—and provoking a heart-to-heart that revives the protagonist. Barron’s flattened, unlined renderings stylishly play with shape, pattern, and, aptly, perspective. An author’s note from Wilson Duff discusses neurodiversity. Ages 4–8.  * Publishers Weekly *

Author Information

Meghan Wilson Duff, PsyD, wanted to be a marine biologist when they grew up, but got distracted trying to figure out people. They currently teach in the Psychology & Community Studies program at University of Maine at Machias. Prior to teaching, Meghan worked as a clinical psychologist supporting children and families. This is their first children’s book. They live in Machias, Maine. Visit meghanwilsonduff.com. Taylor Barron graduated with a Bachelor’s of Fine Art in Digital Art and Animation from DigiPen Institute of Technology. Her focus is in illustration, murals, character design, background painting, and concept art. She lives in Paris, France. Visit taylorbarron.com and @TBearDraws on Instagram.

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