Wonderful coming of age story about an 8th grader named Layla. This was a short read and as Layla is in her 8th grade year, she makes a bad decision in school and her parent and teachers begin to worry. She was finally discovered to have a learning disability, dyslexia. This is a great book for middle schoolers to parents as it explores self realization and acceptance. ( )

This last Friday was my last day at school. Our principal told us to make sure we took time for us. Then he called me out in front of everyone. He told me he had talked to my husband about finding a way to make me not focus on work. Yes I admit I have a problem letting school work go. However, after two years of covid teaching I needed a break. I told him I had a stack of books on my couch waiting for me.

This book was one of them I had not been able to get to earlier due to covid teaching. As a middle school teacher, this book really resonated with me. I see students like Layla every year. A lot of them fall through the cracks and are never diagnosed with a learning disability. I try to be a teacher who works for each and every one of them. Layla wants so hard to do better in school. She wants the approval of her mother who works the night shift as a nurse. She has the support of her older brother Nick. No matter how hard she tries her undiagnosed dyslexia makes her feel bad about herself. It is her English teacher who believes in her and recognizes her disability that turns things around.

This should be on every classroom shelf. It is true to life. Middle school students will be able to identify with the character and most importantly the events that take place in school and at home. The fact that Layla is able to find help will give hope to those who struggle, and may just encourage those teachers who aren't real sure how to help a student. I applaud this author for creating a book that needs to be read by teachers and students alike. ( )

My Name is Layla is about a thirteen-year-old girl dealing with the pressures of middle school while dealing with an undiagnosed learning disorder and the return of her long-absent father. I found the characters to be likable, the dialogue engaging, and the story poignant without getting too heavy or unrealistic. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing and a bunch of lessons to learn along the way. You can read my full review here: https://laurasbooksandblogs.com/my-name-is-layla-review/ ( )