Young Adult Annotation

Author: Jackie Khalilieh

Title: Something More

Genre: Young Adult, Fiction

Publication Date: June 6, 2023

Number of Pages: 336

Geographical Setting: Canada

Time Period: Current

Series (If applicable): N/A

Plot Summary: Something More is about fifteen-year-old Jessie as she starts high school at Holy Trinity High. She is diagnosed as autistic shortly before school starts and vows to keep a secret from her classmates. High school is a new beginning for her so she creates a list of things she wishes to accomplish. The items on the list include performing in the school musical and receiving her first kiss. 

As Jessie navigates high school and female friendships, she meets Levi and Griffin. She falls fast for Levi but also develops a strong relationship with Griffin. Jessie finds out very quickly how messy relationships can be. 

This is a sweet story of first loves and navigating the confusing world of high school as a neurodivergent teenager. Jessie's authentic, kind heart will have you rooting for her up until the very end. 

Subject Headings (according to Novelist): 

• Autistic teenagers
• Palestinian people
• Canadian people
• Teenage girls
• High schools
• Crushes
• Belonging
• Teenage romance
• Neurodivergent people

Appeal: 

Characters: 

The main character, Jessie, cares deeply but often struggles to relate to other people. Throughout the novel, you watch Jessie's journey as she discovers herself and her place in the world. Even if you are not in high school, it is easy to relate to Jessie in terms of finding and accepting yourself. Her family, friends, and love interests play an important role in Jessie's journey. 

Storyline:

The storyline focuses primarily on Jessie's life and how she navigates school, family, and her identity. Being neurodivergent is an important part of Jessie's identity and is acknowledged throughout the novel. The romance between Jessie, Levi, and Griffin is a primary storyline in Something More but it is not the only focus. 

Pacing: 

The pacing of this novel is surprisingly fast-paced and consistent throughout the entire book. 

3 terms that best describe this book:  emotional, moving, and heartfelt

3 Relevant Non-Fiction Works

Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity by Devon Price

Unmasking Autism takes a deep looker at Autism, specifically the act of masking. The act of masking is something Jessie addresses several times throughout the novel.

Looking for Palestine by Najla Said 

Najla Said's memoir looks at what it is like to grow up as a second-generation Arab American. Her father is Palestinian and her mother is Lebanese. Jessie's identity as a Palestinian Canadian is explored throughout the book and is important to the overall narrative. 

Different, Not Less: A Neurodivergent's Guide to Embracing Your True Self and Finding Your Happily Ever After by Chloé Hayden

This non-fiction work looks at Autism and how it is presented differently in women. This is brought up several times in Something More. 

3 Relevant Fiction Works

Give Me A Sign by Anna Sortino 

This coming-of-age novel explores Deaf culture and how this looks for the protagonist, Lilah. Similar to Something More, this novel is about young love and acceptance. 

Down and Across by Arvin Ahmadi 

Similar to Something More, Down and Across is an own voice, coming of age story that is romantic and emotional. 

Stay with my Heart by Tashie Bhuiyan

A YA contemporary novel about a girl who falls for the guitarist of the band she is helping. This novel explores themes of grief and mental health which are present in Something More.