‘Let’s Pretend We Never Met’ by Melissa Walker

I could intensely relate to the drama that is central to Let’ s Pretend We Never Met, seeing parallels from my own life with circumstances for the character of Agnes.

At Calistoga Elementery School and at Calistoga Junior/Senior High School, I was the weird girl, the person ostracized and shunned by the school population. There was no understanding for an autism spectrum when I was going to school, so my differences went unexplained.

Learning that the character of Agnes in this book is possibly autistic, made me interested in reading it. I’m interested in the ways that authors portray characters who are on the autism spectrum.
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Agnes is also “the girl that no one likes” at protagonist Mattie’s school.

Other readers have complained that Agnes is not specifically identified as being autistic; instead, Mattie overhears Agnes’s mother say that Agnes has a “social disorder” and anxiety.

Well, Agnes’s behavior seems consistent with a person who is on the autism spectrum. It’s possible that Agnes’s mother might find it simpler to tell people that Agnes has a “a social disorder” — especially people whom she’s only recently met. Agnes’ mother might worry that people might make assumptions on the basis of stigma attached to the word “autism.”

To be clear, in matters of disability representation, Agnes is a secondary character. This book tells Mattie’s story, and centers around her perspective, so Agnes and her disability are presented through a neurotypical character’s viewpoint.

I value this book for its possible encouragement for “up-standers” against bullying. (As my regular readers may know, this is a crusade that is dear to my heart.)

The targets of bullying shouldn’t have to combat bullying alone. An entire community needs to unite in support of bullying’s victims. And fictional works like Melissa Walker’s book can help foster that united community.

Disclosure of material connection: My taxes support local libraries’ acquisition of this and other resources. I consider the access I enjoy to be a “priceless” return on my investment.