If Austin picked a color to describe his life, it would be tumbleweed brown. Austin doesn't like standing out. He moves a lot, so he’s always the new kid, and there's no hiding his size. Plus, Austin has a secret.
Then Austin meets Bertie who is razzmatazz! Everything about Bertie is bursting! But the best part of his newest school, is the Safety Squad with their laser lemon vests. Their cool confidence stands out in the best way.
Not everything is vibrant, though. His classmate Dee makes Austin feel pacific blue, and things aren’t always easy at home. But for the first time, Austin wants to leave a mark. And the more he speaks up, the more he finds he may not be that different after all.
“Austin’s narration is conversational and observant.”
–Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“Compellingly conveys the experience of living with an invisible, stigmatized disability.” –Kirkus Reviews
“Hand this book to readers who have enjoyed Gary D. Schmidt’s Okay for Now or Jacqueline Woodson’s Harbor Me.” –School Library Journal
“This tale tugs heartstrings and brings a deeper understanding of differently abled students.” –Booklist
