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Description
Two gymnast sisters are forever changed when a car accident leaves the younger, Nellie, with a traumatic brain injury. Claire, the older sister, must help Nellie rebuild her life while confronting the strain on their family, their ambitions, and the high-pressure world of competitive gymnastics. As they navigate the aftermath, they must decide what is truly worth fighting for, and the story includes mild profanity, sexual references, and violence.
Quick Summary
If you want a story that tackles a tough family crisis without losing its sense of humor, Spotting for Nellie delivers in spades. After a car accident leaves her younger sister Nellie with a brain injury, Claire finds herself navigating the weird mix of therapy appointments, school drama, and the everyday annoyances of being a teen, all while trying to figure out what truly matters. Lowell writes with a raw, sometimes irreverent voice that makes the heavier moments feel manageable, and the sisters' banter feels like something you'd hear in a real family, complete with the occasional mild profanity and teenage awkwardness. It's the kind of book that will appeal to readers who loved the emotional honesty of Counting by 7s but also want a bit more action and a dash of the gritty reality of hospital scenes. Parents should know there's some mild profanity, a few sexual references, and a couple of violent moments (the accident and a few tense confrontations), so it's best for older middle-grade readers who can handle those topics. Overall, Spotting for Nellie is a memorable, heartfelt ride that balances humor, hope, and the hard work of rebuilding a sibling bond after tragedy.