SHOW US WHO YOU ARE

An autistic London girl discovers that a groundbreaking technology comes at a heavy cost.

Usually, 12-year-old Cora Byers doesn’t mind being autistic. But when her teacher patronizes her and classmates bully her, sometimes it feels very important to be “normal” and mimic neurotypical interactions. So when she’s dragged to a party hosted by her brother’s boss, CEO Magnus Hawkins of the prestigious Pomegranate Institute, she doesn’t expect to befriend Adrien, Hawkins’ son. Adrien, who has ADHD, doesn’t care about social norms or expectations, much to Cora’s perplexity. Gradually, Cora warms to his free-spirited outlook, but their endearing, banter-filled relationship hits a snag when she’s asked to participate in Pomegranate’s latest project: uploading living humans’ personalities into holograms that will continue existing after their death. Having lost her mother last year, Cora doesn’t understand why her father and Adrien warn her against such wondrous technology, especially since Pomegranate finds her autistic perspective particularly valuable. But when tragedy strikes, she makes a horrifying discovery. Through Cora’s frank, insightful narration and heartwarming bond with Adrien, McNicoll—herself neurodivergent—vividly explores tough issues such as death and identity with nuance, humor, and care. A poignant twist and an especially nasty (if somewhat one-dimensional) villain will keep readers hooked until the satisfying ending, and the premise will keep them thinking after the last page. Characters are presumed White.

A touching, perceptive take on grief, technology, and self-acceptance.