Five Things About Ava Andrews

Eleven-year-old Ava has invisible disabilities: anxiety and a heart condition. She is invited to join her improv group, where she discovers a new side of herself and learns that it isn't enough to raise her voice; it's how and why she uses it that matters.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

Eleven-year-old Ava Andrews has a vibrant and humorous interior, bursting with ideas and plans. However, due to her shy nature and the perception that she doesn't talk or is stuck-up, everyone except her best friend, Zelia, believes this. What few people know is that Ava has invisible disabilities: anxiety and a heart condition. Ava eagerly anticipates starting middle school, hoping it will be a fresh start. However, when Zelia moves across the country, and Ava's Nana Linda encourages her to speak up about social issues, Ava retreats further. She is surprised when her writing abilities impress her classmates, leading to an invitation to join their improv group. Determined to overcome her anxiety, Ava joins the group, discovering a whole new side of herself and the importance of being part of a team.

As Ava's self-confidence grows, her relationship with Zelia begins to strain, and she realizes that simply raising one's voice is not enough; it's the way and why one uses it that truly matters. Through her experiences in the improv group, Ava learns to manage her anxiety, find her voice, and advocate for social justice.

This heartfelt and funny story by Margaret Dilloway, the author of Summer of a Thousand Pies, is perfect for fans of Sharon Draper, Lynda Mullaly Hunt, and Holly Goldberg Sloan. It explores the themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of teamwork, and will resonate with readers of all ages.

Weight: 218g
Dimension: 130 x 193 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780062803504