Grace the Amazing

“this is a coming-of-age story that will resonate with many who also feel isolated, a misfit and misunderstood, as once again, Darlison has created credible characters who could be the kids we know and so the reader fits right into the story.”
-The Bottom Shelf  
“this is a great read for your kiddos from around Year 4 upwards, and definitely a very worthy contender for a shared serial read [particularly Year 4/5 before they get all snarky in the upper school IMO], and obviously as a valuable adjunct to your classroom in engaging emotional intelligence.”
- Just So Stories
"The delightful character of Grace will resonate with many young readers. She is full of energy, passion and creativity, yet struggles to find her place amongst her peers" 
- ReadPlus 
“Aleesah Darlison has created a powerful, realistic, and insightful representation of life situations children struggle to understand, at an age when friendships define who they are. In the frank narrative voice of her leading character, Darlison has produced a beautiful, well-rounded portrait of a troubled child; how she thinks, what she worries about, and the insecurities that at times plague her, with resolutions.” 
- Kids’ Book Review 
“A sensitive story filled with joy, heart, and special bonds that last a lifetime.”
- Buzz Words 
“A novel that will gently tug on your heartstrings. An engaging story, full of profound emotions and deep relationships.”
- Magpies Magazine 
“Drawing on the author’s lived experience it explores a family’s experience of early-onset dementia from the child’s point of view. The care of the family’s chickens is a well-crafted metaphor for Mama’s changing but enduring relationship with her children. The use of the chickens in this way is relatable and age-appropriate for younger children and adds playfulness to a heavy topic.”
- Educating Young Children Journal 
“With themes of family, friendship, loss, grief and mental health, this moving middle-grade novel explores neurodivergence, the special bond between students and teachers, dealing with difficult situations and the loss of loved ones.”
- Story Links 
“Join candid and creative eleven-year-old Grace as she grapples with the impending loss of her closest (and only) friend. If only Grace could do real magic …
Expect to cry happy and sad tears with this special story.”
-LoveOzMG