How Are You, Verity?

July 15, 2023
A child learns the nuances of a typical social interaction. Verity is excited for their upcoming field trip to the aquarium. They know a lot about marine life, like vampire squid and sea sheep (a type of sea slug). Whenever anyone asks Verity, "How are you?" the child responds with interesting facts about sea creatures or the effect of plastics on the oceans. Later, their brother John explains that when most people ask that question, they are just making conversation and don't want a long answer. Verity experiments, asking different people how they're doing, and determines that most of the time, " 'How are you?' seems like a fancy way to say hello," but other times, people can be tricky to understand. When the field trip is canceled, John asks Verity how they're feeling. Verity is quiet ("Were they supposed to say 'Good' now?") until John explains he knows Verity must be upset. Verity vents their frustration, John thanks them for sharing, and Verity asks for help with an idea. This gentle, encouraging story centers the experience of a neurodivergent child learning a societal norm--as well as times when it doesn't apply. The reader's note offers more information on neurodiversity and advice to caregivers and educators. The illustrations have an airbrushlike quality that, combined with the vibrant colors, emits a playful energy. Verity and John have brown skin and Afro-textured hair, while the neighbors are racially diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An effective breakdown of a common greeting from a neurodivergent point of view. (Picture book. 4-8)

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September 11, 2023
Verity must navigate the titular question’s multiple social meanings in this personal-feeling story, which draws on the author’s experiences. In neighborhood settings, community members portrayed with varying skin tones ask brown-skinned, bespectacled Verity, “How are you?” and the exuberant child responds at length with information about sea creatures. When big brother John observes that the question is generally considered a greeting rather than an invitation for elaboration, Verity experiments with the concept. The exercise grows more complex when a canceled field trip to the aquarium leaves Verity feeling down, prompting a sincere version of the query from John—and provoking a heart-to-heart that revives the protagonist. Barron’s flattened, unlined renderings stylishly play with shape, pattern, and, aptly, perspective. An author’s note from Wilson Duff discusses neurodiversity. Ages 4–8.