Sophie and her circle of family and friends are sympathetic and appealing in all their flawed humanity. Her peculiar way of speech soon reads as clearly as plain English and perfectly mirrors her internal turmoil as she navigates her parents’ shift from just mambo and don to people with a past she never imagined—which, to some extent, is a transformation every young person will understand. A creative and memorable story about secrets, lies, and moving on.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Long weaves an inventively written and entrancing story filled with good intentions, poor decisions, meaningful friendships, and complicated but loving family relationships. It takes something of a leap of faith on the reader’s part, as Sophie’s peculiar writing style seems somewhat nonsensical at first glance; however, those who persevere will quickly understand her true meanings. The result is an original narrative that zigs and zags in inspired ways, with a sympathetic heroine leading the way.
—Booklist (starred review)
Long (Being a Girl) creates intrigue as she plays with themes of language and communication…Readers who embrace Sophie’s eccentric narrative will be rewarded with revelations about the cost of deceit and the healing power of honesty.
—Publishers Weekly
Sophie’s a brilliant main character, able to spot her own weaknesses with the same honesty that she does those of others…Creative teens may happily try their own hand at telling autobiographies using a similar linguistic approach.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
The plot moves quickly, though, and once they get used to Sophie’s “code speak,” even reluctant readers will find it satisfying. Teens will relate to Sophie’s challenges as she struggles to learn who she really is. For readers who have graduated from Roald Dahl’s Matilda and Susan Patron’s The Higher Power of Lucky, this charming title will be a fast favorite.
—School Library Journal
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