Fifty-Four Things Wrong with Gwendolyn Rogers

By: Caela Carter

Narrated by: Hope Newhouse

From the critically acclaimed author of the ALA Notable and Charlotte Huck Honor Book Forever, or a Long, Long Time comes a moving own-voices story that shines a light on how one girl’s learning differences are neither right nor wrong…just perfectly individual. For fans of Alyson Gerber, Cammie McGovern, and Kathryn Erskine.

No one can figure out what Gwendolyn Rogers’s problem is—not her mom, or her teachers, or any of the many therapists she’s seen. But Gwendolyn knows she doesn’t have just one thing wrong with her: she has fifty-four.

At least, according to a confidential school report (that she read because she is #16. Sneaky, not to mention #13. Impulsive). So Gwendolyn needs a plan, because if she doesn’t get these fifty-four things under control, she’s not going to be able to go to horse camp this summer with her half-brother, Tyler.

But Tyler can’t help her because there’s only one thing “wrong” with him: ADHD.

And her best friend Hettie can’t help her because there’s nothing wrong with Hettie. She’s perfect.

So Gwendolyn is hopeless until she remembers the one thing that helped her mother when her own life was out of control. Or actually, the twelve things. Can these Twelve Steps that cured her mother somehow cure Gwendolyn too?

Amazing 😃!!!!

Best book ever. I read this amazing book over and over. I really recommend reading this book

Required reading for children and parents of children who are neurodivergent

I cried so many times. I didn’t expect that at all. As a therapist I was amazed at how accurate the mental health and school support (or lack there of at times) was in this book.

Enlightening

As a parent of a neurodiverse child, this helped me see inside the mind of someone whose mind isn't typical. It gave me more compassion for those who struggle with things I don't. Loved the descriptions of how one's brain processes emotions and stimuli.

So amazing

I loved this book! The writing is gorgeous and the story is enthralling inventive and interesting

Should be required reading

I am a veteran teacher & a mom of 2 young kids with ADHD. We have just begun our journey with ADHD! I. Am. So. Grateful. For this story! It should be required reading for anyone who works with or HAS kids!!! Thank you! Thank you!!!

(Title is a mouthful but fitting!)