Surprisingly fun. Really clear on what some kids go through as they cope with a learning disability, but not at all preachy or saccharine. Iow, Gertie is a regular girl, going through the expected gamut of self-identity issues a girl her age would be going through, and starting to relate to the larger world and to better empathize with other people, most especially her cousin. There's an HEA, but it's not magical, there's no pretty bow tying everything up.

I especially enjoyed the well-crafted side characters & other adventures, and appreciate that a child, re-reading this, would get more out of the book the second (or third) time because the first read would focus on the principals, but re-reads would reveal the extra subtleties and details.

Even though I'm not a child craving 'more, more' I do wish there were a sequel so I could get to know all these characters better, and watch as the kids face new challenges. Meanwhile, I will see what else the author has written. ( )