Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Touching story of girl with autism navigating change.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
ELLEN OUTSIDE THE LINES is about how 13-year-old Ellen learns to navigate changing friendships and the unexpected while on a class trip to Barcelona. Ellen has autism, and can sometimes get overwhelmed when there's too much stimulation. She's also most comfortable when she follows a routine and is able to make careful plans so she always knows what to expect. And she's excited about the trip to Barcelona, because it will finally be a chance to reconnect with her best friend Laurel by doing everything together. But when they get there, Ellen learns that the itinerary is going to be very different from what she expected. Worse still, she and Laurel are placed in different groups, which means Ellen will be spending most of her time with classmates she doesn't know very well. Change can be scary, but sometimes it can also bring just what you need the most.
Is It Any Good?
This is a lovely, warm, heartfelt story brimming with positivity and inclusivity. In Ellen Outside the Lines, author A.J. Sass skillfully balances gently guiding readers and characters through tough situations and strange new ideas with humor and authenticity, making the characters believable and relatable as they explore issues like friendship, differences, gender, crushes, change, and more.
It's not all sunshine and roses, though. Mistakes are made and things go wrong, adding to how easily big kids and tweens will relate to the characters. And there are appropriate consequences when called for. Barcelona comes colorfully alive, and readers will have fun figuring out the clues in the scavenger hunt and exploring landmarks along with the characters. The ending is upbeat, touching, and sweetly satisfying.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about character strengths in Ellen Outside the Lines. How do Ellen and her friends model teamwork, compassion, and communication?
Why are diverse representations important in books, movies, games, etc.? What do we gain from seeing ourselves reflected in the media, or by seeing people who are different from us?
Do you have, or do you know someone who has autism? What did you know about it before you read this book? What did you learn?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Friendship
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little Brown and Company
- Publication date : March 22, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 336
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Awards : ALA Best and Notable Books , Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
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