Roll with It

Roll with It

book

2020, Children's Books, Growing Up & Facts of Life

WISE
92%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

Ellie’s got cerebral palsy, a killer brownie recipe, and zero patience for people who treat her like a porcelain doll.

Amazon4.7
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

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Screenwise Verdict

Jamie Sumner nails the voice here. It’s a book that treats its audience like they can handle the truth: life is sometimes messy, and being in a wheelchair is often more about the annoyance of stairs than it is about 'overcoming' anything.

It skips the 'after-school special' vibe and gives us a protagonist defined by her talent for baking and her sharp wit. It’s a quick read, emotionally resonant, and honestly, a great pick for any kid who feels like an outsider. It’s safe, smart, and actually entertaining—not just 'good for you' like a serving of literary broccoli.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 8-12 crowd. It's sophisticated enough for middle schoolers but accessible enough for younger readers who are ready for a story with some emotional weight.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
92

The story centers on a grounded, supportive family dynamic. It tackles the reality of caring for an aging grandparent and moving to a trailer park without being depressing or overly sentimental. It models resilience and genuine friendship.

Imaginative
78

While it's a contemporary realistic novel, Ellie’s obsession with professional baking and her creative way of navigating a world not built for her wheelchair shows a high level of ingenuity and passion.

Safe
98

This is a middle-grade book with zero 'red flag' content. It deals with some social friction and health issues (grandpa's dementia/aging), but in a way that is entirely appropriate for the target audience.

Enriching
95

Excellent for building empathy. It bypasses the 'inspiration' clichés of disability and gives readers a protagonist with a distinct, sassy voice who faces real systemic hurdles.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Ellie is a three-dimensional kid with a real attitude, not a saintly 'lesson' for the reader.
  • The baking obsession is a fun, creative hook for kids who love cooking shows.
  • It offers a rare, honest look at 'sandwich generation' family life—mom taking care of both her kid and her own father.
  • Authentic representation of disability that focuses on the person, not just the wheelchair.
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What to Watch For

  • Emotional weight regarding the grandfather's health and memory loss.
  • Realistic depictions of the frustrations and social isolation that come with accessibility barriers.
  • Themes of financial stress as the family moves to a trailer park to make ends meet.

Conversation Starters

  • "Why does Ellie get so annoyed when people try to be 'extra' nice to her?"
  • "If you had to move and start over, what's the one hobby or skill you'd use to make new friends?"
  • "How does Ellie's mom handle the stress of taking care of everyone? How can we help each other out when things get busy?"
  • "What did you learn about the daily life of a wheelchair user that surprised you?"

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