Reading Metrics
Description
When Andrea, whom no one else can see, appears to Simon in class, he is fascinated and strikes up a friendship, even though he knows she may be pure hallucination. He's had imaginary friends before.
Quick Summary
If you've ever wondered whether an imaginary friend could be more real than anyone thinks, this one's for you. Simon's convinced Andrea isn't just in his head even though everyone else tells him she's not there and their unusual friendship becomes the heart of the story. The book balances genuine humor with some pretty thought-provoking moments about perception and what it means to really see someone. Middle graders who like stories with a touch of mystery mixed with humor, or anyone who's ever felt like they're the only one who understands something, will probably connect with this one. There's nothing too heavy or scary, but there are moments that make you think twice about what's actually happening versus what seems to be happening. Fans of Louis Sachar's Sideways Stories from Wayside School might enjoy this one for its similar mix of quirky characters and unexpected plot turns.