Something More – at a glance
The School Reading Lists’ five word review: Authentic, neurodivergent, heart-warming, friendship, romance.
YA book title: Something More.
YA author: Jackie Khalilieh.
Genre: Romance.
Published by: Hashtag Press.
ISBN: 9781913835347.
Recommended for children aged: 14+.
First published: Paperback July 2025.
This children’s book is ideal for: Neurodivergent teens.
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Our review:
I guess at some level I always knew I was different.
When 90s-obsessed Jessie is diagnosed as autistic on her fifteenth birthday, it explains a lot. She’s never felt that she fit in, either at school or in her loud Palestinian-Canadian family. She’d rather work alone than in groups, struggles with regulating her emotions and is far more interested in reading 90s music magazines than following current beauty tips.
I don’t get people. I try, I really do, but it doesn’t help when they say one thing and do something else.
Although her siblings are supportive, Jessie’s parents – and even Jessie herself – are having a difficult time accepting her autism. Starting high school is meant to be a fresh start, and Jessie has come up with a list of goals to help her fit in:
Convince Mum to buy me a real bra!!!
Make friends!!!
Do not let anyone see me cry at school!!!
Don’t tell anyone about my autism!!!
Although the first is surprisingly easy to accomplish, albeit deeply embarrassing, the others are more difficult. Friendships in particular prove tricky, especially when jealousy and ill-advised drinking are involved.
Then there’s the small matter of the two very different boys in Jessie’s life. Outgoing and charming Levi appreciates Jessie’s help with his schoolwork and is an excellent kisser, but refuses to go public about their maybe-relationship. And then there’s quiet, loyal Griffin, who champions Jessie’s desire to join the drama club but is firmly entrenched in the friend zone.
As she struggles to navigate budding romance and a desire for social acceptance, Jessie is forced to consider how much she is willing to sacrifice of herself in order to fit into a neurotypical world.
As the title suggests, Something More goes beyond the typical YA romance. While there are the normal high school tropes of cliques and cool girls, homework and hot boys, there is also a strong focus on family and friendship. The Canadian setting is a refreshing change to the typical American high school, and the details of Jessie’s home life and parental concerns are touching.
The author’s own autistic Palestinian background gives a welcome authenticity to Jessie’s character, helping to break down stereotypes and misinformation. Although being autistic is a large part of who Jessie is, it is not the only aspect of her life. Her friendship struggles and romantic entanglements will be relatable to both neurotypical and neurodiverse teens, giving the book a wide fan base and popular appeal.
Something More is a charming and affirmative teen romance that will appeal to fans of Aoife Dooley’s Finding My Voice and Abigail Balfe’s A Different Sort of Normal.
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