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Link to NetGalley ARC
Short Synopsis--When 13-year-old amateur entomologist Daisy gets an assignment to “change the world,” (he tells the students about Me & the Bees) she’s determined to help her older brother, Sorrel—who has Down syndrome and adores men’s fashion—fulfill his dream of becoming a YouTube celebrity. The catch? If their overprotective parents find out, Daisy won’t be able to change anything.
Long Synopsis--Thirteen-year-old Daisy Woodward loves insects, running track, and hanging out with her older brother, Sorrel, who has Down syndrome and adores men’s fashion.
When her social studies teacher assigns each student a project to change the world for the better along with an oral report, Daisy fears the class bully—who calls her Woodworm— will make fun of her lisp. Still, she decides to help Sorrel fulfill his dream of becoming a YouTube fashion celebrity despite their parents’ refusal to allow him on social media.
With the help of her best friend Poppy, and Miguel—the most popular boy in school and her former enemy—Daisy launches Sorrel’s publicity campaign. But catastrophe strikes when her parents discover him online along with hateful comments from a cyberbully.
If Daisy has any hope of changing the world, she’ll have to regain her family’s trust and face her fears of public speaking to find her own unique and powerful voice.
With the help of her best friend Poppy, and Miguel—the most popular boy in school and her former enemy—Daisy launches Sorrel’s publicity campaign. But catastrophe strikes when her parents discover him online along with hateful comments from a cyberbully.
If Daisy has any hope of changing the world, she’ll have to regain her family’s trust and face her fears of public speaking to find her unique and powerful voice.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melissa Hart’s writing is focused on kids and parents, with a particular interest in marginalized communities. Melissa lives in Eugene, Oregon, with her husband and teen daughter. She grew up in Southern California with her brother, who has Down Syndrome, and spent a decade working as a special education teacher. She teaches for the MFA Program in Creative Writing at Southern New Hampshire University with a focus on MG/YA Literature. Daisy Woodworm Changes the World is her second novel.
Photo of author by Jonathan B. Smith
The author & her brother, Mark. Photo by Susan Hellman.
“Hart (Avenging the Owl) highlights the importance of disability representation and self-advocacy with thoughtful realism, and explores Daisy and Squirrel’s sibling bond with nuance.”
—Publisher’s Weekly
“An uplifting story of family, community, and friendship.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“As the sister of a Special Olympics athlete, author Melissa Hart knows first-hand that so called differences in intellectual abilities add to the tapestry of human development and dignity. Daisy Woodworm Changes the World is a great read for all young people and their families who understand that we all have challenges of one sort or another. As lead character Daisy exclaims, “If you want to change the world… cross-pollination is key.”
—Jacqueline Jodl, PhD, Senior Vice President of Global Youth and Education at Special Olympics
“Melissa Hart weaves the disparate people and actions of an eighth-grader's daily life into a warm, realistic and compelling whole. I truly love this book.”
—Nancy Gruver, founder/editor of New Moon Girls Magazine
“ Readers will devour this funny and touching story about relationships – with classmates, family, teachers, and beyond. Track star and budding entomologist Daisy is the kind of friend readers will wish they had in their own lives.”
—Mary Boone, author of Bugs for Breakfast: How Eating Insects Could Help Save the Planet
“Melissa draws upon her own life to craft a beautiful story that's equal parts witty and warm. Brave Daisy Woodworm will inch her way into your hearts as she discovers the power of her own voice. An inspiring-read for young changemakers.”
—Sarita Menon, editor of S’More Magazine
Where to Pre-Order Daisy Woodworm
Related Media
Interview on Jefferson Exchange (radio) 10/18/2022