How Are You, Verity?

A neurodivergent child's exploration of social interactions leads to a deeper understanding of greetings and emotional responses in How Are You, Verity?

In How Are You, Verity?, readers are introduced to Verity, a neurodivergent child who approaches social interactions with curiosity and determination. Verity's journey begins with a simple question: when people say, 'How are you?', are they genuinely interested in the answer, or is it merely a polite greeting? This question sparks an intriguing experiment that Verity sets out to conduct, leading to enlightening interactions with neighbors and family alike.

As excitement builds for an upcoming school trip to the aquarium, Verity enthusiastically engages with neighbors, sharing fascinating sea animal facts in response to their inquiries about their well-being. However, Verity's older brother, John, offers a different perspective, suggesting that the phrase is often just a social nicety rather than a genuine question. This insight prompts Verity to delve deeper into the nuances of communication and the expectations surrounding greetings.

The story takes an emotional turn when the aquarium trip is unexpectedly cancelled, leaving Verity grappling with disappointment. This pivotal moment raises further questions about how to respond when asked 'How are you?' in times of sadness, ultimately leading Verity to a deeper understanding of human interactions and the importance of empathy. How Are You, Verity? is a heartwarming exploration of social cues, emotional intelligence, and the beauty of authentic connections.