Meera TrehanRecensioni

Told from the point of view of two children on the autism spectrum AND a large, overdone house that looms over the other houses in the neighborhood--this is a story about friendship, acceptance, and things not always being what they appear. My heart ached for the two children on the spectrum as they forged new friendships as old, familiar bonds faded. I especially loved the voice of the house and felt real emotion as he himself, wanted nothing more than to house a family that was just the right fit for him.

This story's theme of fitting in, tolerance, and growing pains are timeless, and I hope this becomes a staple in the classrooms all over. Truly a gem.

I wanted to like this more than I did. I will acknowledge my understanding that I am not the intended audience which I think is part of why I didn't fall in love with the book.
The unique aspect of having the house as a character was one in particular I was very intrigued by. I appreciate also the straightfowardness of the characters in how their presented with their uniqueness and nuerodivergency. I can see this being a great book for many younger readers who often don't get to see themselves in stories.
I would've rated this a 3 1/2 if Goodreads allowed 1/2 ratings. Because I appreciate the representation of diverse characters I bumped it up to a 4.

This is the kind of friendship story that hurts a little bit, makes you feel good a little bit, and has you feeling grateful for friends who can step in and understand when maybe family or other people don't.

It's also a book that shows how autism isn't the same for everyone and while it can have challenges, it also is part of what makes people who they are.

The book is part thriller too, keeping things interesting and the reader guessing. WHile not for everyone, many readers will find the story progressing through the different POV characters exciting.

I received a free copy of The View from the Very Best House in Town by Meera Trehan in exchange for an honest review.
This early chapter book is a great introduction to differing perspectives. Each chapter is told by one of three middle school students as well as from one of the grandest homes in town. What sets this book apart from other varying perspective stories such as Anthony Browne’s Voices in the Park or Rob Buyea’s Because of Mr. Terupt is that a building - a home - has an opportunity to tell it’s view on the situation.
Each character is unique with their own troubles and strengths. Reluctant or struggling readers would find this book manageable to read since chapters are only two to four pages long.½

I LOVED this book told from the perspective of two children on the autism spectrum, one boy and one girl, along with a HOUSE. Such a clever idea! The ONLY reason I will not be purchasing a copy for our school library is because a description of a hide-and-seek game mentioned hiding in a suitcase. I'm sorry, but that's almost as bad as hiding in a discarded refrigerator; a child could suffocate. I will in no way be responsible for a child trying that as a result of reading this book. It's a shame as the rest is wonderful.

Main characters Asha and Sam are on the autism spectrum, I can’t speak to the accuracy of their portrayal, but I felt like the author treated them with respect and thoughtfulness even if certain characters didn’t always.

Asha stood out as my favorite, I loved her fascination with architecture, how she steps up even for someone who has let her down and emotionally she’s so well written, her longing for friendship, her anxieties, everything about her was just super easy to care about.

Sam’s sections of the story were emotionally palpable, too, the bullying scenes always had me on edge worried for what may happen to him but his story isn’t reduced to him just being manipulated by this person masquerading as a possible friend, he does have some wonderfully uplifting moments involving his parents and advocating for himself.

This wraps up nicely without feeling overly saccharine, I liked that there’s a bittersweet element yet plenty to feel good about as well.


I received this ARC through a giveaway.½

This book got off to a slow start for me, but I ended up really loving it. The chapters alternate point of view between Asha, Sam, and Donnybrooke (the house!). Asha and Sam are both on the autism spectrum, which is mentioned briefly but not explicitly. However, as you read you see how their uniquely wired minds impact their decision making, hopes, fears, and loyalties. The chapters written by the proud mansion Donnybrooke took me a little getting used to, but I understood by the end that Donnybrooke's observations gave us a peek into Donaldson family and a third-person objective view of the goings-on within the house. I look forward to purchasing this book when it's out and adding it to my elementary library collection.

** I obtained this ARC through the Early Reviews program, but all opinions are my own. **

A story told through the perspective of two children on the autism spectrum, Asha and Sam, and a house owned by a snobby family. Asha and Sam's friendship is put to a test when Sam is accepted into a prestigious school and becomes "friends" with the nasty, manipulative girl, Prestyn, who lives in the mansion. Asha's love of houses and architecture has her obsessed with Donnybrooke; however, she has been banned from being on or even near the property by Prestyn's socialite mother. The story does an okay job of switching between perspectives but it would have been better in first person rather than third.

I received a free advanced copy of this book from the LibraryThing Early Reviewers giveaway in exchange for an honest review.

This story is an interesting take on middle school friendships. It’s told from the point of view of two best friends Sam and Asha who start to grow apart after Sam is accepted into a private school. You also hear from the character of “Donnybrooke” which is a mansion in town that sees and hears all, especially what happens to the family that lives inside. Once Sam starts going to Castleton Academy (his mom’s dream school) he pushes away Asha and becomes a part of a toxic friendship with a girl named Prestyn who lives in Donnybrooke. Through chapters told from the point of view of Donnybrooke the house we learn how Prestyn and her friends end up bullying Sam. Both Sam and Asha are on the autism spectrum and the author does a good job of exploring how the two characters don’t always understand when kids are pretending to be nice but really being awful friends. One of the most heartbreaking but important takes aways from the story is that both students and adults need to choose to be kind and understand how their words and actions can negatively affect the self esteem of their children and students.

I've had experience with high functioning kids on the spectrum and Meera Trehan has nailed some of their issues such as being clueless about the intentions of other people and confusion about what is expected of them. It was heart breaking how the adults who should have been protecting them seemed to be oblivious. The Head of School was a little over the top and I would have liked to be able to get to know Rohan a bit better. He seemed much more real than any of the adults. Overall I enjoyed the book including the house theme because I like architecture, too.