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Rogue
Kiara has Asperger’s syndrome, and it’s hard for her to make friends. So whenever her world doesn’t make sense—which is often—she relies on Mr. Internet for answers. But there are some questions he can’t answer, like why she always gets into trouble, and how do kids with Asperger’s syndrome make friends? Kiara has a difficult time with other kids. They taunt her and she fights back. Now she’s been kicked out of school. She wishes she could be like her hero Rogue—a misunderstood X-Men mutant who used to hurt anyone she touched until she learned how to control her special power.
When Chad moves in across the street, Kiara hopes that, for once, she’ll be able to make friendship stick. When she learns his secret, she’s so determined to keep Chad as a friend that she agrees not to tell. But being a true friend is more complicated than Mr. Internet could ever explain, and it might be just the thing that leads Kiara to find her own special power.
In Rogue, author Lyn Miller-Lachmann celebrates everyone’s ability to discover and use whatever it is that makes them different.
When Chad moves in across the street, Kiara hopes that, for once, she’ll be able to make friendship stick. When she learns his secret, she’s so determined to keep Chad as a friend that she agrees not to tell. But being a true friend is more complicated than Mr. Internet could ever explain, and it might be just the thing that leads Kiara to find her own special power.
In Rogue, author Lyn Miller-Lachmann celebrates everyone’s ability to discover and use whatever it is that makes them different.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published May 16, 2013
About the author
Lyn Miller-Lachmann
18 books46 followersI've practiced writing ever since I was six years and invented an entire classroom of 24 kids who wanted to be my friends. The following year, my mother gave me a typewriter, and I started putting my stories on paper. It was my way of creating a world where everything worked out the way I wanted it to.
When I became a high school teacher, I started collecting my students’ stories, and I incorporated these into my first efforts to write for others. I taught English to refugees from Latin America and organized concerts of Latin American music, and the people I met inspired and encouraged me to write the novel that years later would become Gringolandia. After Gringolandia came out in 2009, I enrolled in the MFA program in Writing for Children & Young Adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts and there gained the confidence to write the story I’d been avoiding or skirting for my life up to that point—growing up with Asperger’s Syndrome, a mild form of autism that made it so hard for me to make and keep friends. My 2013 novel, Rogue, is based on two incidents that happened to me as a teenager.
In addition to my published fiction for preteens and teens, I have complete drafts of two young adult novels, one of them a companion to Gringolandia, and am writing a middle grade novel. I am also working on a graphic novel featuring a Lego town I’ve built, Little Brick Township, and the minifigures who live there and/or visit. The stuff that happens in Little Brick Township sometimes appears on my blog, along with tips for other Lego builders. While I occasionally offer writing advice, my blog mainly features my other interests, including the experience of living abroad and learning another language (I spent the last four months of 2012 in Portugal and hope to return), my work as assistant host of a bilingual radio show of Latin American, Spanish, and Portuguese music, and what’s new in Little Brick Township.
When I became a high school teacher, I started collecting my students’ stories, and I incorporated these into my first efforts to write for others. I taught English to refugees from Latin America and organized concerts of Latin American music, and the people I met inspired and encouraged me to write the novel that years later would become Gringolandia. After Gringolandia came out in 2009, I enrolled in the MFA program in Writing for Children & Young Adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts and there gained the confidence to write the story I’d been avoiding or skirting for my life up to that point—growing up with Asperger’s Syndrome, a mild form of autism that made it so hard for me to make and keep friends. My 2013 novel, Rogue, is based on two incidents that happened to me as a teenager.
In addition to my published fiction for preteens and teens, I have complete drafts of two young adult novels, one of them a companion to Gringolandia, and am writing a middle grade novel. I am also working on a graphic novel featuring a Lego town I’ve built, Little Brick Township, and the minifigures who live there and/or visit. The stuff that happens in Little Brick Township sometimes appears on my blog, along with tips for other Lego builders. While I occasionally offer writing advice, my blog mainly features my other interests, including the experience of living abroad and learning another language (I spent the last four months of 2012 in Portugal and hope to return), my work as assistant host of a bilingual radio show of Latin American, Spanish, and Portuguese music, and what’s new in Little Brick Township.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
June 27, 2013
As an 8th grader with Asperger's, Kiara is used to being called 'Weird Girl', 'Crybaby Kiara', 'retard' and 'that psycho'. She is whip smart, but so emotionally and socially awkward that things everyone else takes for granted are out of reach for her. We have all been through the 8th grade and are well aware that it is a difficult enough time of life without having to contend with Asperger's. Kiara says inappropriate things, she tends to either cry when bullied or explode in a fit of rage. She cannot bear to have anyone touch her, the very thought is repellent and there is actual pain when it happens. The idea of touching anyone herself is equally revolting. Kiara considers herself a mutant and identifies with a comic book character named Rogue, a superhero who sometimes wrestles with problems similar to her own. More than anything, Kiara wants to have friends. This is a tale of how she learns what being a friend is all about.
The writing is clean and crisp, and the story will keep your interest. Not only did I discover things about Asperger's Syndrome, but I can honestly say that everything I know about the X-Men I learned from this book. That's okay, it fit perfectly. This book was loaned to me by one of my Goodreads buddies who won it in a first-reads giveaway. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The writing is clean and crisp, and the story will keep your interest. Not only did I discover things about Asperger's Syndrome, but I can honestly say that everything I know about the X-Men I learned from this book. That's okay, it fit perfectly. This book was loaned to me by one of my Goodreads buddies who won it in a first-reads giveaway. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
June 23, 2013
This was a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway. Thank you for the opportunity to read it.
This book has many important players, but the main one is a girl named Kiara. Her fondness for the X-Men, especially the character Rogue has it's influence on this book. Kiara has Asperger's syndrome and finds it very hard to find and keep friends. She gets in trouble often because of the communication gap between her and the authority figures that don't know how to communicate with her. When a new family moves in next door she tries her hand at making friends again. The meat and potatoes of this book revolves around the relationship of Kiara and the two young boys that move in next door. There are ups and down and ever changing roles. The book was really well written and hit a lots of things right on the nose. I do believe the book relates to any kids though, not to only kids with Asperger's. Bullying, peer pressure, family problems, and communication breakdown are such a huge problem in our society that this could have easily been about John or Jane Doe in your neighborhood. I enjoyed the book and hope many others have the opportunity to read it also.
This book has many important players, but the main one is a girl named Kiara. Her fondness for the X-Men, especially the character Rogue has it's influence on this book. Kiara has Asperger's syndrome and finds it very hard to find and keep friends. She gets in trouble often because of the communication gap between her and the authority figures that don't know how to communicate with her. When a new family moves in next door she tries her hand at making friends again. The meat and potatoes of this book revolves around the relationship of Kiara and the two young boys that move in next door. There are ups and down and ever changing roles. The book was really well written and hit a lots of things right on the nose. I do believe the book relates to any kids though, not to only kids with Asperger's. Bullying, peer pressure, family problems, and communication breakdown are such a huge problem in our society that this could have easily been about John or Jane Doe in your neighborhood. I enjoyed the book and hope many others have the opportunity to read it also.
June 19, 2017
Kiara has been kicked out of school because she can't control her temper: she responded with violence to other children taunting and bullying her. Her mother has left home, her father works long hours, and her elderly friend and neighbour has recently died. Into this myriad of problems steps Chad Jr, Kiara's new neighbour, an energetic and nervous kid that Kiara desperately want to befriend.
The first half of this book works well for me -- it sets up Kiara, her family and her problems, as well as Chad and the problems in his life. However, this book failed for me on two fronts. Firstly, the portrayal of Kiara herself. Although I know the author, like me, is autistic, I didn't think she portrayed Kiara with depth or nuance. Kiara often states she has trouble talking with other children, but we rarely see what this is -- other children torment her, but that's hardly Kiara's fault. It felt to me like the narrative unfairly blamed Kiara or Kiara's autism for something that was clearly the fault of those around her. Other things I associate with autism didn't really show up for me here -- even Kiara's special interest in X-Men felt tacked on and not fully explored. I also felt like Kiara's lack of diagnosis, which is common for girls, wasn't fleshed out enough. Kiara never felt like a real character to me: she always seemed like she existed to serve the plot.
And, unfortunately, the plot is also a bit of a mess. A lot of the focus is on Chad, and his parents, who . His problems, both emotional and physical, are myriad, and with the focus on both Chad and Kiara, it felt that neither of them really got enough space in the book and both their characters felt flat. The story wraps itself up far too quickly with and how or why this happens is not well realised. I was really excited to read about an autistic girl who loves X Men, but unfortunately this book fell flat for me, and I don't recommend it.
The first half of this book works well for me -- it sets up Kiara, her family and her problems, as well as Chad and the problems in his life. However, this book failed for me on two fronts. Firstly, the portrayal of Kiara herself. Although I know the author, like me, is autistic, I didn't think she portrayed Kiara with depth or nuance. Kiara often states she has trouble talking with other children, but we rarely see what this is -- other children torment her, but that's hardly Kiara's fault. It felt to me like the narrative unfairly blamed Kiara or Kiara's autism for something that was clearly the fault of those around her. Other things I associate with autism didn't really show up for me here -- even Kiara's special interest in X-Men felt tacked on and not fully explored. I also felt like Kiara's lack of diagnosis, which is common for girls, wasn't fleshed out enough. Kiara never felt like a real character to me: she always seemed like she existed to serve the plot.
And, unfortunately, the plot is also a bit of a mess. A lot of the focus is on Chad, and his parents, who . His problems, both emotional and physical, are myriad, and with the focus on both Chad and Kiara, it felt that neither of them really got enough space in the book and both their characters felt flat. The story wraps itself up far too quickly with and how or why this happens is not well realised. I was really excited to read about an autistic girl who loves X Men, but unfortunately this book fell flat for me, and I don't recommend it.
November 17, 2021
Rather disappointed in this one. The second half wrapped up way too fast and I never really felt connected to Kiara. Also the crush on Antonio kinda ruined the book for me.
January 19, 2016
Rogue By: Lyn Miller-Lachmann
“ Imagine having Asperger's syndrome and having a hard time making friends at school.” I read Rogue because it is a Truman book. Also I was interested in reading Rogue because I heard that it was a really good book. I also decided to read Rogue because I read what it was about and I thought that Rogue would be a good book to read.
Rogue is about Kiara a teenage girl who has trouble making friends and has problems in school but, when Chad moves across the street she seeks a friendship with him. The setting takes place in a school and neighborhood in Hartford, Connecticut. Rogue has a really good events in the plot that keeps the story interesting. The conflict in Rogue is character vs. self because of Kiara’s disorder she is keeping herself from making friends and she isn’t putting herself out there. The characters include Kiara who is a teenage girl who has the personality of being really shy and kind and Chad who’s a teenage boy who is kind and outgoing.
I thought the ending of Rogue was a really happy and I thought it was well ended because everything worked out really well. Also I thought the problem was well resolved at the ending. My favorite quote from Rogue is “There’s a special power in each one of us.” This is my favorite quote because it means that there is something inside of us that makes us who we are. My favorite part was the introduction part because I liked how it introduced the characters and introduced the setting.
My personal opinion of Rogue was that it was a really good book and it had a really good plot. Also the book had well characters and a good setting. Rogue is similar to books like the Raft because in both books both of the main characters struggle but, in different ways. I recommend that you read Rogue because it is a really good book that tells the story of what it is like having Asperger’s syndrome and having a hard time making friends.
“ Imagine having Asperger's syndrome and having a hard time making friends at school.” I read Rogue because it is a Truman book. Also I was interested in reading Rogue because I heard that it was a really good book. I also decided to read Rogue because I read what it was about and I thought that Rogue would be a good book to read.
Rogue is about Kiara a teenage girl who has trouble making friends and has problems in school but, when Chad moves across the street she seeks a friendship with him. The setting takes place in a school and neighborhood in Hartford, Connecticut. Rogue has a really good events in the plot that keeps the story interesting. The conflict in Rogue is character vs. self because of Kiara’s disorder she is keeping herself from making friends and she isn’t putting herself out there. The characters include Kiara who is a teenage girl who has the personality of being really shy and kind and Chad who’s a teenage boy who is kind and outgoing.
I thought the ending of Rogue was a really happy and I thought it was well ended because everything worked out really well. Also I thought the problem was well resolved at the ending. My favorite quote from Rogue is “There’s a special power in each one of us.” This is my favorite quote because it means that there is something inside of us that makes us who we are. My favorite part was the introduction part because I liked how it introduced the characters and introduced the setting.
My personal opinion of Rogue was that it was a really good book and it had a really good plot. Also the book had well characters and a good setting. Rogue is similar to books like the Raft because in both books both of the main characters struggle but, in different ways. I recommend that you read Rogue because it is a really good book that tells the story of what it is like having Asperger’s syndrome and having a hard time making friends.
August 11, 2013
Full review to come. Great voice. Gripping plot. Strong themes: what it means to be a friend, how you find your place, your talents in the world, the importance of trust and family and friends. Yes, it's about coping with Aspergers, but it's about so much more. The impact of drugs and alcohol make me hesitant to share with 5th graders. Definitely a middle school book, in my opinion. Great early reviews from students.
Full review:
Kiara knows that she’s different, a mutant like her hero Rogue from the popular comic book series The X-Men. “It usually took the new kids two weeks to dump me, three weeks at the most.” (p. 1) In fact, Kiara has Aspberger’s Syndrome and cannot process the social cues around her or the emotions surging through her. Kiara feels intensely isolated now that her mom has left to pursue a singing career in Canada and her father has emotionally withdrawn. It often seems that Mr. Internet is Kiara’s only source of information and support. When Chad’s family moves next door, Kiara is desperate to make and keep a friend. Against her better judgment, she joins Chad on his trips to buy large quantities of Sudaphed. At first she believes that it’s just to help his little brother’s cold, but she soon realizes that Chad’s parents are running a meth lab out of their home. Chad certainly manipulates Kiara, but he does not completely reject her. As Kiara and Chad become closer through their shared love of BMX biking, they each discover a sense of accomplishment and pride. Miller-Lachman raises multiple questions through this gripping, gritty story: What does it mean to be a friend? How do you find your place and your talents in the world? The graphic climax creates a tense narrative in which there are no tidy answers.
Full review:
Kiara knows that she’s different, a mutant like her hero Rogue from the popular comic book series The X-Men. “It usually took the new kids two weeks to dump me, three weeks at the most.” (p. 1) In fact, Kiara has Aspberger’s Syndrome and cannot process the social cues around her or the emotions surging through her. Kiara feels intensely isolated now that her mom has left to pursue a singing career in Canada and her father has emotionally withdrawn. It often seems that Mr. Internet is Kiara’s only source of information and support. When Chad’s family moves next door, Kiara is desperate to make and keep a friend. Against her better judgment, she joins Chad on his trips to buy large quantities of Sudaphed. At first she believes that it’s just to help his little brother’s cold, but she soon realizes that Chad’s parents are running a meth lab out of their home. Chad certainly manipulates Kiara, but he does not completely reject her. As Kiara and Chad become closer through their shared love of BMX biking, they each discover a sense of accomplishment and pride. Miller-Lachman raises multiple questions through this gripping, gritty story: What does it mean to be a friend? How do you find your place and your talents in the world? The graphic climax creates a tense narrative in which there are no tidy answers.
April 24, 2013
I received this book as part of Goodreads First Reads giveaway competition.
I really enjoyed this book. At first it was a bit slow but the paced picked up which made me happy. I loved the protagonist, Kiara. She sometimes made me angry with the wily choices she made but I guess that comes along with the territory when you have a teenager uncertain of herself and someone who was born with a form of autism. The characters were relatable enough but I felt like I wanted more background as to why Kiara's mom left her family.
Though I enjoyed the book a great deal I still felt like too many things went wrong at the same time, especially towards the end. I am happy that the book ended with a more realistic finale. A lot of times in books like these everything wraps up too nicely and everyone is happy and got what they wanted. Yes, I would liked to have better closure about what happened to Chad and his family but I was satisfied with what we got.
4 stars, holla.
I really enjoyed this book. At first it was a bit slow but the paced picked up which made me happy. I loved the protagonist, Kiara. She sometimes made me angry with the wily choices she made but I guess that comes along with the territory when you have a teenager uncertain of herself and someone who was born with a form of autism. The characters were relatable enough but I felt like I wanted more background as to why Kiara's mom left her family.
Though I enjoyed the book a great deal I still felt like too many things went wrong at the same time, especially towards the end. I am happy that the book ended with a more realistic finale. A lot of times in books like these everything wraps up too nicely and everyone is happy and got what they wanted. Yes, I would liked to have better closure about what happened to Chad and his family but I was satisfied with what we got.
4 stars, holla.
May 28, 2017
**SPOILERS**
My 10yo son pulled this off the shelf at the library, and since it was from the Juvenile section, I didn't think to check it first. A couple of days later, he was on the couch reading it and yelling at the main character to stop doing illegal stuff. Wha???? So I questioned him about it and he said that the boy in the story had already gotten the main character to go around from drug store to drug store buying cold meds, and now he was secretly getting her to carry something called "shake and bake". What! The! Hell??? This is a kid's book?! So I grabbed the book from him and started reading some reviews, and yes indeed, the reviews said the book was about drug production, child abuse, and even suicide. So I was kind of panicking and getting ready to march over to the library to have it out with the librarian for sticking such material in the Juvenile section, when I decided to calm down and read it myself. I am really glad that I did. Yes, the book deals with all the topics mentioned, plus parental abandonment, autism, and underaged drinking. But you know what? It was an excellent book. This book is so full of good information, and if you think your kid is mature enough to handle it, I highly recommend it. I had a long talk with my dad today about meth, since he is a former Chicago cop, and he said all the info that I was relating to him that was given in the book was accurate. So, after a lot of deliberation, I am going to hand this book back to my child because there is something to be said for learning important life lessons though a book instead of making the mistakes yourself. Yes, the book is gut wrenching in spots, but at least it doesn't gloss over the consequences of drugs and drinking. I do honestly believe that even though the topics covered are extremely mature, they are handled well, with compassion and intelligence.
If you do let a 10+ child read this book, I would absolutely read this with them, or use this as a read-aloud so that you can discuss as you go. I will definitely be talking to my child as he reads through this. But this is not bed-time reading, nor is it something for younger kids to listen in on. As sad as it makes me that I have to teach my child about these topics, I am grateful for talented writers who make my job easier.
My 10yo son pulled this off the shelf at the library, and since it was from the Juvenile section, I didn't think to check it first. A couple of days later, he was on the couch reading it and yelling at the main character to stop doing illegal stuff. Wha???? So I questioned him about it and he said that the boy in the story had already gotten the main character to go around from drug store to drug store buying cold meds, and now he was secretly getting her to carry something called "shake and bake". What! The! Hell??? This is a kid's book?! So I grabbed the book from him and started reading some reviews, and yes indeed, the reviews said the book was about drug production, child abuse, and even suicide. So I was kind of panicking and getting ready to march over to the library to have it out with the librarian for sticking such material in the Juvenile section, when I decided to calm down and read it myself. I am really glad that I did. Yes, the book deals with all the topics mentioned, plus parental abandonment, autism, and underaged drinking. But you know what? It was an excellent book. This book is so full of good information, and if you think your kid is mature enough to handle it, I highly recommend it. I had a long talk with my dad today about meth, since he is a former Chicago cop, and he said all the info that I was relating to him that was given in the book was accurate. So, after a lot of deliberation, I am going to hand this book back to my child because there is something to be said for learning important life lessons though a book instead of making the mistakes yourself. Yes, the book is gut wrenching in spots, but at least it doesn't gloss over the consequences of drugs and drinking. I do honestly believe that even though the topics covered are extremely mature, they are handled well, with compassion and intelligence.
If you do let a 10+ child read this book, I would absolutely read this with them, or use this as a read-aloud so that you can discuss as you go. I will definitely be talking to my child as he reads through this. But this is not bed-time reading, nor is it something for younger kids to listen in on. As sad as it makes me that I have to teach my child about these topics, I am grateful for talented writers who make my job easier.
June 7, 2017
I would warn parents with this one - this book does discuss meth and underage drinking.
I really enjoyed Rogue. Kiara has Asperger's which is a mild form of autism that makes it hard for her to communicate with people. Her older brothers are at college and her mother is working in Canada. Her father is distant and doesn't seem too connected, maybe battling a mild depression. Kiara desperately wants to make friends. She doesn't always say the right thing or catch social cues. When other kids tease her, she either cries or lashes out physically.
A new kid moves into the house behind her house. Desperate to make friends, she does what the new kid, Chad, asks her to do. It starts out by going to every single drug store in town to buy cold medicine. After some internet research, she finds out that Chad's parents are making meth in their rent house!
She should have told an adult but she is still desperate for friendship. She also doesn't want to be found guilty for assisting in the crime. It did bother me that she didn't tell an adult about this (but her mother is her usual confidante and is now working in Canada).
Chad semi-apologizes and wants to ride bikes with Kiara. She borrows one of his and shows him this bike trail local teens have made to do BMX bike stunts. She makes friends with the high school BMX bikers by filming their stunts, editing them, putting music to them, and posting them to YouTube. It turns out that she is very good at communicating through music and videos.
I don't want to give away the ending, but things get worse but then better for Chad and Kiara. It was a pretty exciting book. It does start out a little slow, but stick with it!
I really enjoyed Rogue. Kiara has Asperger's which is a mild form of autism that makes it hard for her to communicate with people. Her older brothers are at college and her mother is working in Canada. Her father is distant and doesn't seem too connected, maybe battling a mild depression. Kiara desperately wants to make friends. She doesn't always say the right thing or catch social cues. When other kids tease her, she either cries or lashes out physically.
A new kid moves into the house behind her house. Desperate to make friends, she does what the new kid, Chad, asks her to do. It starts out by going to every single drug store in town to buy cold medicine. After some internet research, she finds out that Chad's parents are making meth in their rent house!
She should have told an adult but she is still desperate for friendship. She also doesn't want to be found guilty for assisting in the crime. It did bother me that she didn't tell an adult about this (but her mother is her usual confidante and is now working in Canada).
Chad semi-apologizes and wants to ride bikes with Kiara. She borrows one of his and shows him this bike trail local teens have made to do BMX bike stunts. She makes friends with the high school BMX bikers by filming their stunts, editing them, putting music to them, and posting them to YouTube. It turns out that she is very good at communicating through music and videos.
I don't want to give away the ending, but things get worse but then better for Chad and Kiara. It was a pretty exciting book. It does start out a little slow, but stick with it!
April 8, 2018
Autistic representation matters to me in fiction, and the fact that this book's author is, herself, on the autism spectrum made it even more appealing to read.
Currently one-third through, I am finding a lot to relate to with Kiara, the protagonist. Like her, I struggled with making friends in school. I would pin my hope on new arrivals to the school, people not yet indoctrinated to the "norm" that I was to be ostracized and shunned -- only to have them abandon me once they figured out that I was the kid no one liked.
Kiara's desperation to make friends makes her vulnerable to bad influence.
A new boy, Chad, is forced by his parents to help them manufacture drugs. They set him or his little brother to keep look-out for them, hours at a time, in the park, even during extreme weather.
Chad's father also makes unscrupulous use of Kiara's isolation from other kids. He pressures Chad to involve Kiara in illegal activities -- and so the two of them go from pharmacy to pharmacy, purchasing supplies for making drugs.
Kiara catches on and stands up for herself, but on the very next occasion, Chad goes with her on a bike ride to explore local trails ... only to pack hazardous chemicals for disposal in both bikes' saddlebags.
This story is populated with well-developed characters. Chad, for example, hates what he has to do, but doesn't really see a way out of it. If it was just him, he would be glad to run away, but he feels that he has to protect his younger brother.
Because of its mature theme of drug-manufacturing, this book would be best for readers in middle-grade and older. Its themes of struggling to connect with people are ones that many readers will be able to relate to.
Currently one-third through, I am finding a lot to relate to with Kiara, the protagonist. Like her, I struggled with making friends in school. I would pin my hope on new arrivals to the school, people not yet indoctrinated to the "norm" that I was to be ostracized and shunned -- only to have them abandon me once they figured out that I was the kid no one liked.
Kiara's desperation to make friends makes her vulnerable to bad influence.
A new boy, Chad, is forced by his parents to help them manufacture drugs. They set him or his little brother to keep look-out for them, hours at a time, in the park, even during extreme weather.
Chad's father also makes unscrupulous use of Kiara's isolation from other kids. He pressures Chad to involve Kiara in illegal activities -- and so the two of them go from pharmacy to pharmacy, purchasing supplies for making drugs.
Kiara catches on and stands up for herself, but on the very next occasion, Chad goes with her on a bike ride to explore local trails ... only to pack hazardous chemicals for disposal in both bikes' saddlebags.
This story is populated with well-developed characters. Chad, for example, hates what he has to do, but doesn't really see a way out of it. If it was just him, he would be glad to run away, but he feels that he has to protect his younger brother.
Because of its mature theme of drug-manufacturing, this book would be best for readers in middle-grade and older. Its themes of struggling to connect with people are ones that many readers will be able to relate to.
May 27, 2018
Rogue by Lyn Miller-Lachmann is a great novel that involves a teenage girl who has Aspergers Syndrome. In addition, the book involves her life and what she is going through and her perspective on how she is moving forward in her life with Aspergers Syndrome. This is a great read with lots of action and adventure and leaves you on the edge of your seat until the end of the book. I thought it was very easy to read and could be very relatable for those who have the Aspergers Syndrome or the casual reader. Also, I thought Rogue was very interesting because it involves a family that was very separated because the family is very into music and for a part of there lives they created a band and the family traveled to concerts and festivals to play. Also for the most part of the book, it is only Kiara Thorton and her dad. As well as the mom who is living in Canada because she is trying to make money for the family by singing in concerts and festivals and even the with dad making a living working a Tech Town they still needed there mom for singing especially when Kiara's brother is in college. The book gets very interesting on page 170 which says," My chest tightens. I can't breathe. Dad called the cops? A brief flash of light comes from behind me, from the park, and an explosion shatters the air, The entire house rocks. My hands fly to the top of my head. The two cops take off running." This quote made me wonder what was happening and grabbed my attention. I thought this book was a great novel and recommend this book to readers who like action and adventure with happiness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2020
Overall, I liked how the author told the story through Kiara's perspective, consistently showing how her special interest informed her actions and why she made the choices she did, ones that were often not what a neurotypical character would have done. For me, what really left a sour taste was just how little anyone ultimately tried to understand or help Kiara (except Antonio, he's the best); her parents seemed to not only resent Kiara but actively try to trigger meltdowns. It's super realistic but I would have liked to see this addressed more, either within the narration as something Kiara accepts in her own way, or by another character.
And that is sticking with me.
It was still a one-sitting read, though, so I can't in good conscience give less than 4 stars.
And that is sticking with me.
It was still a one-sitting read, though, so I can't in good conscience give less than 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2018
First off, I just feel this would be better categorized as an adolescent book, as the main character is a middle schooler. Nothing against that; just not what I was expecting in a realm of THUG and All the Bright Places.
Kiara, a temperamental girl with undiagnosed Aspergers, attempts to find a friend in the world. The author tends to blame Kiara’s autism for her not being able to make friends, when in reality every interaction she has is with snot-nosed little assholes. That’s NOT Kiara’s fault.
The plot was all over the place. It started off with Kiara, but then there was Chad’s alcoholism, a meth lab, BMX.....
It’s was a little scattered.
Skip this. Read What to Say Next instead.
Kiara, a temperamental girl with undiagnosed Aspergers, attempts to find a friend in the world. The author tends to blame Kiara’s autism for her not being able to make friends, when in reality every interaction she has is with snot-nosed little assholes. That’s NOT Kiara’s fault.
The plot was all over the place. It started off with Kiara, but then there was Chad’s alcoholism, a meth lab, BMX.....
It’s was a little scattered.
Skip this. Read What to Say Next instead.
August 17, 2021
This book had great autism/Asperger's representation (I speak from experience as an autistic person), but was also a lot darker than I was expecting for a middle grade novel, as other big topics in this story include drug/alcohol addiction, child abuse, depression, and not feeling like you belong anywhere in the world. Not saying that that's a bad thing, kids shouldn't have to be sheltered from this kind of stuff, because they're not stupid and plenty of kids could relate to the struggles of Kiara and Chad in this book. But yeah, this author clearly does not sugarcoat anything, and I very much appreciate that kind of writing approach.
December 28, 2017
Of course this was a good book, but I think I was expecting more. I feel that the book could have been carried out differently, gone in a different direction. I think the only thing I wasn't pleased with was that it seemed to be a lot about violence, things getting out of hand. And maybe it was just me, I read this book at the wrong time. It was still good, but I wasn't amazed. Read it if you have time, because it was good. But, it didn't fulfill my expectations.
Read
May 3, 2022this book is great all though i'm not fan of Xmen it still is pretty good to read a book like this it shows a different prospective on people who have type of a syndrome like in the case of this book keira the main character has Aspergers syndrome (i don't know much about this syndrome) but over all i like the book its just not my thing.
November 8, 2017
Excellent, first-person depiction of Asperger's Syndrome. Another wonderful element of this novel is the secondary plot revolving around the protagonist's neighbor/friend who is the troubled child of two meth dealer parent.
November 2, 2018
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. This is a good story that gives readers a glimpse of what it is like to live with an invisible disability. I will be reading this with my students next week. It lends itself well to discussion about social boundaries, emotional regulation and perspective taking.
July 4, 2018
I liked Kiara as a protagonist but the plot felt a bit overloaded with Serious Issues.
July 21, 2018
Review by M.H. : "I liked it when it was over. My cousin [would like this]."
June 22, 2017
Just finished and loved Lyn Miller-Lachmann's YA novel Rogue. Eighth grader Kiara has Asperger's syndrome [which she explains and describes as she learns more about it]. She is desperate to make friends. Identifying with the X-Men mutant Rogue, Kiara tries to identify her own superpower in order help her new neighbors, the sons of meth manufacturers.
January 10, 2016
Originally posted on City of Books
Rogue is an intense and thought-provoking novel about a girl with Asperger's syndrome who tried her best to make friends despite everything she's been through. This is technically middle grade, although I wouldn't really recommend this to middle schoolers on account of the subject matter *cough* drugs and drinking *cough*.
Kiara has always had trouble making friends, especially since she's already labelled 'weird' and 'Crybaby Kiara' after a few incidents. She has trouble managing her anger, and that gets her kicked out of school. Kiara has a brilliant mind - it's just that she's not good with emotions. So when Chad moves in across, Kiara wants to make a friendship that will actually last. Except that Chad's got a lot of troubles of his own, troubles that Kiara gets dragged into. And she realizes that empathy is something she really is capable of, despite what 'Mr. Internet' says.
I loved that Kiara's obsessed with X-Men! I love the movies, though haven't read any of the comics. But I love Rogue too, she's awesome. Kiara relates her life to that of Rogue, and even relates people she knows to other X-Men characters. Chad is Gambit, and her brother Max's friend is Wolverine. I thought it was pretty cool, though no one in the novel does.
It was interesting to see into Kiara's mind as a kid with Asperger's syndrome. Though it's a little concerning that she's not actually diagnosed with it. No one knows what's wrong with her, not even her family. They think she was born different because of her father's chemotherapy before her conception. I don't know if that's legit, but I still think it's weird that no one bothered to find out what her condition really is. Kiara had to find out from the internet and tell her dad.
Speaking of Kiara's family, I was pretty surprised at how different they are! Definitely not your average family - they're all in a band together. Kiara's mother, father, two older brothers, and even uncles I believe. They go touring and everything, and Kiara goes along with them, recording concerts. Which is really cool! But I did find it weird that her mother speaks mostly only Spanish and barely any English, while her dad can't speak Spanish at all. Major communication issues!
Oh gosh, issues. There are so many issues in this book. Not even kidding! Really serious ones that I wasn't expecting at all, especially for a middle grade book. And that made things pretty hard to believe, because everything gets so messed up. I don't want to state them specifically, but I did mention drugs and drinking. Not together, don't worry. But it's way intense. And that's not even all there is. Which is why I think Rogue is a great book for teenage readers, like maybe fourteen or fifteen? Twelve seems too young to me, even though that's the age of the characters here.
Another cool thing about this book - the BMX riding. I've seen some do awesome tricks in a skate park, and reading about them here brought back the amazement I felt seeing that. It's a bunch of guys having fun and making videos of their stunts and wipeouts, and there's real talent everywhere. I'm a little jealous of Kiara that she got to see all of that up close! But of course, not all good things last. And things get really really bad soon in the novel.
Overall, I enjoyed Rogue in many ways, even though the intensity freaked me out a little. Integrating X-Men into Kiara's life was a great move, I think. It really did help me empathize with her and her situation.
*Thank you to Lyn Miller-Lachmann for sending an ARC for review*
Rogue is an intense and thought-provoking novel about a girl with Asperger's syndrome who tried her best to make friends despite everything she's been through. This is technically middle grade, although I wouldn't really recommend this to middle schoolers on account of the subject matter *cough* drugs and drinking *cough*.
Kiara has always had trouble making friends, especially since she's already labelled 'weird' and 'Crybaby Kiara' after a few incidents. She has trouble managing her anger, and that gets her kicked out of school. Kiara has a brilliant mind - it's just that she's not good with emotions. So when Chad moves in across, Kiara wants to make a friendship that will actually last. Except that Chad's got a lot of troubles of his own, troubles that Kiara gets dragged into. And she realizes that empathy is something she really is capable of, despite what 'Mr. Internet' says.
I loved that Kiara's obsessed with X-Men! I love the movies, though haven't read any of the comics. But I love Rogue too, she's awesome. Kiara relates her life to that of Rogue, and even relates people she knows to other X-Men characters. Chad is Gambit, and her brother Max's friend is Wolverine. I thought it was pretty cool, though no one in the novel does.
It was interesting to see into Kiara's mind as a kid with Asperger's syndrome. Though it's a little concerning that she's not actually diagnosed with it. No one knows what's wrong with her, not even her family. They think she was born different because of her father's chemotherapy before her conception. I don't know if that's legit, but I still think it's weird that no one bothered to find out what her condition really is. Kiara had to find out from the internet and tell her dad.
Speaking of Kiara's family, I was pretty surprised at how different they are! Definitely not your average family - they're all in a band together. Kiara's mother, father, two older brothers, and even uncles I believe. They go touring and everything, and Kiara goes along with them, recording concerts. Which is really cool! But I did find it weird that her mother speaks mostly only Spanish and barely any English, while her dad can't speak Spanish at all. Major communication issues!
Oh gosh, issues. There are so many issues in this book. Not even kidding! Really serious ones that I wasn't expecting at all, especially for a middle grade book. And that made things pretty hard to believe, because everything gets so messed up. I don't want to state them specifically, but I did mention drugs and drinking. Not together, don't worry. But it's way intense. And that's not even all there is. Which is why I think Rogue is a great book for teenage readers, like maybe fourteen or fifteen? Twelve seems too young to me, even though that's the age of the characters here.
Another cool thing about this book - the BMX riding. I've seen some do awesome tricks in a skate park, and reading about them here brought back the amazement I felt seeing that. It's a bunch of guys having fun and making videos of their stunts and wipeouts, and there's real talent everywhere. I'm a little jealous of Kiara that she got to see all of that up close! But of course, not all good things last. And things get really really bad soon in the novel.
Overall, I enjoyed Rogue in many ways, even though the intensity freaked me out a little. Integrating X-Men into Kiara's life was a great move, I think. It really did help me empathize with her and her situation.
*Thank you to Lyn Miller-Lachmann for sending an ARC for review*
August 6, 2013
Rogue deals with or at least touches upon: Asperger’s Syndrome, biculturalism, cancer, meth production, BMX and mountain bike culture, alcohol poisoning, child abuse, ADD, the El Salvadorian genocide, the X-Men as metaphor, the death of a parent-figure, and foster care. That’s a lot of stuff for one little book to deal with, but the main theme should come out clear to readers: it is the story of how a lonely, misunderstood outsider finds a way to use her talents to connect with others. Kiara is in 8th grade, or would be, if she wasn’t being homeschooled after losing her temper one time too many at school. Kiara has a hard time controlling her emotions and interacting with other people and her homeschool teacher suspects Kiara might have Asperger’s Syndrome. Even though she is at home and away from all the other kids who taunt her, Kiara still feels isolated: her mother is a small-time musician away on an extended band tour, her two older brothers are off at college, and her father is a bit lost himself without his wife at home. Kiara mostly spends her time obsessively looking up facts on the Internet and fantasizing that she is Rogue from the X-Men series because she relates to the feeling of being a “mutant” who secretly has hidden powers.
So when twelve year old Chad moves into the empty house on her block, Kiara sees a new opportunity to make a friend. Unfortunately, Chad thinks she’s as weird as everyone else does, and only agrees to go on bike rides with her for his own ulterior motives. Kiara knows he’s using her, but agrees to show him the secret spot in the woods where her older brothers used to mountain bike and do BMX tricks, and in doing so slowly starts to feel included by the BMX boys, especially when she starts videoing them and getting them positive attention on YouTube. Soon, however, her involvement with both Chad and the BMX boys leads to unexpected upheavals in Kiara’s life. With her social blindspots and hotheadedness, Kiara makes some pretty bad decisions when dealing with these upheavals, and faces some serious consequences for her actions. Yet, by the end of the book, Kiara feels like she has figured out her Rogue superpower, and figured out a way to be better connected to her family and peers. A good book for both boys and girls about the middle school struggle to find one’s place.
Three stars because of how many ISSUES were packed into the story, which I thought was a little unnecessary and distracting. Also some deductions for: being in the dreaded First Person Present Tense; the kind of heavy-handed X-Men metaphor; the confusing preference of '90s music by teens in 2013; and an ending which forces Kiara's mom to give up her dreams to be more "mom"-like. Bonus points for the author's dedication which is: "To my Secret Gardeners".
So when twelve year old Chad moves into the empty house on her block, Kiara sees a new opportunity to make a friend. Unfortunately, Chad thinks she’s as weird as everyone else does, and only agrees to go on bike rides with her for his own ulterior motives. Kiara knows he’s using her, but agrees to show him the secret spot in the woods where her older brothers used to mountain bike and do BMX tricks, and in doing so slowly starts to feel included by the BMX boys, especially when she starts videoing them and getting them positive attention on YouTube. Soon, however, her involvement with both Chad and the BMX boys leads to unexpected upheavals in Kiara’s life. With her social blindspots and hotheadedness, Kiara makes some pretty bad decisions when dealing with these upheavals, and faces some serious consequences for her actions. Yet, by the end of the book, Kiara feels like she has figured out her Rogue superpower, and figured out a way to be better connected to her family and peers. A good book for both boys and girls about the middle school struggle to find one’s place.
Three stars because of how many ISSUES were packed into the story, which I thought was a little unnecessary and distracting. Also some deductions for: being in the dreaded First Person Present Tense; the kind of heavy-handed X-Men metaphor; the confusing preference of '90s music by teens in 2013; and an ending which forces Kiara's mom to give up her dreams to be more "mom"-like. Bonus points for the author's dedication which is: "To my Secret Gardeners".
July 18, 2013
ORIGINAL REVIEW AT: LITTLE BOOK STAR
First of all, I love how the cover has something to do with the story. Rogue, mutant, and BMX plays a big part in Rogue, and I think it's smart and convenient how the definition is placed on the cover. This book is told from Kiara's point of view, a 13 year old who has the Asperger's syndrome because the medication that her father was taking when he had cancer affected her development. She constantly tells the readers of how she wishes she was like Rogue (a character from X-Men) and she even compares her friends and teacher to the characters in X-Men.
Kiara's family revolves around music. Her mother, who was born in El Salvador, travels to different places to play music. Her father plays the banjo, and he used to have a band. Kiara also has 2 brothers who are in college so she's just left with her father at home. She constantly tells her mother to come home, but her mother tells her she can't because of her job. Kiara feels like the real reason why her mother wouldn't come home is because she has the syndrome and that she is an "accident". Since she has the Asperger's syndrome, which is an autism that affects one's behavior and communication, she has a hard time making friends and feels like she has to "work hard" just to gain friends. She got picked on at school by the popular girls, and during the book, she is home schooled. Throughout the novel, we get to see how the people that Kiara meets makes a big impact in her life and decisions.
Chad is Kiara's neighbor who recently moved in. He's a year younger than her, and Kiara is eager to be his friend. She follows whatever he tells her to do even though he treats her horribly, calling her names (i.e. retarded) like all the popular girls at school used to do. Chad's character was just frustrating and maddening. He is very rude to Kiara even though she was kind to him ALL THE TIME. Chad is one of those characters who you would just want to punch in the face. He plays BMX which is a bicycle racing in dirt tracks.
What I love about this book is that we get to see how the characters change from start to finish. Kiara's the one who made the biggest change which made me very proud of her. She started out having a very low self esteem and ended up being somewhat confident after all the trouble she has gone with the new "friends" she'd made.
I like how there wasn't really any romance in this book. There's a lot of adventure and twist that will make your jaw drop. It ended with a bam, and the whole book was just unpredictable. I recommend this to everyone, especially to those who are looking for a fresh contemporary read.
First of all, I love how the cover has something to do with the story. Rogue, mutant, and BMX plays a big part in Rogue, and I think it's smart and convenient how the definition is placed on the cover. This book is told from Kiara's point of view, a 13 year old who has the Asperger's syndrome because the medication that her father was taking when he had cancer affected her development. She constantly tells the readers of how she wishes she was like Rogue (a character from X-Men) and she even compares her friends and teacher to the characters in X-Men.
Kiara's family revolves around music. Her mother, who was born in El Salvador, travels to different places to play music. Her father plays the banjo, and he used to have a band. Kiara also has 2 brothers who are in college so she's just left with her father at home. She constantly tells her mother to come home, but her mother tells her she can't because of her job. Kiara feels like the real reason why her mother wouldn't come home is because she has the syndrome and that she is an "accident". Since she has the Asperger's syndrome, which is an autism that affects one's behavior and communication, she has a hard time making friends and feels like she has to "work hard" just to gain friends. She got picked on at school by the popular girls, and during the book, she is home schooled. Throughout the novel, we get to see how the people that Kiara meets makes a big impact in her life and decisions.
Chad is Kiara's neighbor who recently moved in. He's a year younger than her, and Kiara is eager to be his friend. She follows whatever he tells her to do even though he treats her horribly, calling her names (i.e. retarded) like all the popular girls at school used to do. Chad's character was just frustrating and maddening. He is very rude to Kiara even though she was kind to him ALL THE TIME. Chad is one of those characters who you would just want to punch in the face. He plays BMX which is a bicycle racing in dirt tracks.
What I love about this book is that we get to see how the characters change from start to finish. Kiara's the one who made the biggest change which made me very proud of her. She started out having a very low self esteem and ended up being somewhat confident after all the trouble she has gone with the new "friends" she'd made.
I like how there wasn't really any romance in this book. There's a lot of adventure and twist that will make your jaw drop. It ended with a bam, and the whole book was just unpredictable. I recommend this to everyone, especially to those who are looking for a fresh contemporary read.
April 1, 2016
In “Rouge”, a novel written by Lyn Miller-Lachmann, you get to experience the mindset of someone with Asperger’s syndrome through writing. I originally read this book, because I needed to, not because I wanted to. As soon as I got past the first few pages I was hooked. Kiara, the main character had to go through conflicts that I’ve never read about before. This book took realistic fiction to another level.
This story takes place in a small town named Willingham. Kiara has Asperger’s syndrome which makes her different than all of the other children her age. Asperger’s syndrome make Kiara incredibly smart, but oblivious to some situations. She’s always had trouble making friends, whenever Chad, the mysterious boy with a mysterious family, moves in across the street she takes her chance to befriend him. Little does she know, that she is about to get into a huge mess of problems including meth, ruining relationships, and pain from that same boy, who decides to take advantage of her.
The title “Rouge” is inspired by Kiara’s obsession with X-Men. A character, named Rouge has been the focus for Kiara while calming and entertaining her. Kiara often compares herself to Rouge, and always trying to find her “Gambit”. Gambit is Rouge’s best friend. Throughout the story Kiara is constantly trying to find and figure out who her Gambit is.
I thought that this book did a wonderful job with the realistic side of the plot and conflicts. It was hard to follow though. I didn’t really understand what was happening until at least the middle of the book. This lead to feeling as though everything was dragged out and the plot was extremely slow. The ending was the worst part. Only because, the entire book was slow paced and then all of a sudden the solutions were happening so quickly I’m not sure what happened at some parts. The story kept filling you with questions, that by the end of the book they either had a blunt solution or it was something so complex it got lost in its own complexities.
I may seem harsh, but this was a truly amazing book. The uniqueness really kept pulling me back into the story. I did think that this book did a wonderful job with the realistic side of the plot and conflicts. It was hard to follow though. Since this book was so different and I’ve never read anything like this before, I have nothing I can compare it to. I think this book is more for the mature type of person. If you like realistic fiction, this is the book for you. Also, if you might know someone who has Asperger’s syndrome, or just want to know more about it, you should read this. I learned many things about Asperger’s syndrome, and the plot isn’t even based around her condition.
This story takes place in a small town named Willingham. Kiara has Asperger’s syndrome which makes her different than all of the other children her age. Asperger’s syndrome make Kiara incredibly smart, but oblivious to some situations. She’s always had trouble making friends, whenever Chad, the mysterious boy with a mysterious family, moves in across the street she takes her chance to befriend him. Little does she know, that she is about to get into a huge mess of problems including meth, ruining relationships, and pain from that same boy, who decides to take advantage of her.
The title “Rouge” is inspired by Kiara’s obsession with X-Men. A character, named Rouge has been the focus for Kiara while calming and entertaining her. Kiara often compares herself to Rouge, and always trying to find her “Gambit”. Gambit is Rouge’s best friend. Throughout the story Kiara is constantly trying to find and figure out who her Gambit is.
I thought that this book did a wonderful job with the realistic side of the plot and conflicts. It was hard to follow though. I didn’t really understand what was happening until at least the middle of the book. This lead to feeling as though everything was dragged out and the plot was extremely slow. The ending was the worst part. Only because, the entire book was slow paced and then all of a sudden the solutions were happening so quickly I’m not sure what happened at some parts. The story kept filling you with questions, that by the end of the book they either had a blunt solution or it was something so complex it got lost in its own complexities.
I may seem harsh, but this was a truly amazing book. The uniqueness really kept pulling me back into the story. I did think that this book did a wonderful job with the realistic side of the plot and conflicts. It was hard to follow though. Since this book was so different and I’ve never read anything like this before, I have nothing I can compare it to. I think this book is more for the mature type of person. If you like realistic fiction, this is the book for you. Also, if you might know someone who has Asperger’s syndrome, or just want to know more about it, you should read this. I learned many things about Asperger’s syndrome, and the plot isn’t even based around her condition.
April 1, 2016
Rogue
By Lyn Miller-Lachmann
Have you ever been in a situation where you know what the right thing to do is but if you do this it could still have bad consequences? Kiara Thornton-Delgado, a temperamental fourteen year old girl who has a very hard time making friends, and in Rogue by Lyn Miller-Lachmann, she faces this exact situation. I picked this book because it was recommended to me and it was one of the Truman books so I wanted to read it. In the end I was glad I picked it to read.
Rogue takes place place in Spring 2006 in Kiara’s hometown which is poor compared to the surrounding towns but Kiara takes trips to other towns to do things that aren’t around in her town. This book starts with Chad Elliott, a new kid moving to the town where Kiara lives who is very hyper and hard to connect with for Kiara, but she still strives to be his friend. Kiara finds this task to be hard especially when she finds out that Chad’s family is making meth and Chad is forced to help them. This faces Kiara with a big conflict on whether she wants to stay friends with Chad or get his family in trouble. When Kiara and Chad meet Antonio, who is friends with Kiara’s older brother Max and rides BMX, they find out about a BMX park and Kiara and Chad find their places and find new friends. Kiara finds her place by videoing all of the guys riding and enjoys uploading videos and getting hits for their videos. All goes well until the meth situation with Chad’s family goes very wrong.
I thought that the ending of this book was very good and somewhat heartwarming due to everything falling into place. It wouldn’t be your ideal heartwarming ending, but I think everything worked out how it was supposed to with the whole Meth fiasco. My favorite part is when Brandon, Chad’s little brother, starts getting better and may have a chance to live with Kiara’s family. This puts a part in the book that shows everything can get better with time. I also loved how Kiara’s mom came back from Montreal to be with her and help her and her father get back to their normal selves.
I thought that this was a very good book and is a good description of things that go on in middle school and high school and it shows how some people have to go through adversities with their friends and families. I have never read a book quite like Rogue with characters that have to deal with the same problems as Kiara and Chad. I think that people who like realistic stories about what actually goes on in everyday life should read this book. Also, if you like stories when everything falls into place even when the author puts doubt in your mind, this book is for you. I would give this book four out of five stars and I would recommend it for everyone to read.
By Lyn Miller-Lachmann
Have you ever been in a situation where you know what the right thing to do is but if you do this it could still have bad consequences? Kiara Thornton-Delgado, a temperamental fourteen year old girl who has a very hard time making friends, and in Rogue by Lyn Miller-Lachmann, she faces this exact situation. I picked this book because it was recommended to me and it was one of the Truman books so I wanted to read it. In the end I was glad I picked it to read.
Rogue takes place place in Spring 2006 in Kiara’s hometown which is poor compared to the surrounding towns but Kiara takes trips to other towns to do things that aren’t around in her town. This book starts with Chad Elliott, a new kid moving to the town where Kiara lives who is very hyper and hard to connect with for Kiara, but she still strives to be his friend. Kiara finds this task to be hard especially when she finds out that Chad’s family is making meth and Chad is forced to help them. This faces Kiara with a big conflict on whether she wants to stay friends with Chad or get his family in trouble. When Kiara and Chad meet Antonio, who is friends with Kiara’s older brother Max and rides BMX, they find out about a BMX park and Kiara and Chad find their places and find new friends. Kiara finds her place by videoing all of the guys riding and enjoys uploading videos and getting hits for their videos. All goes well until the meth situation with Chad’s family goes very wrong.
I thought that the ending of this book was very good and somewhat heartwarming due to everything falling into place. It wouldn’t be your ideal heartwarming ending, but I think everything worked out how it was supposed to with the whole Meth fiasco. My favorite part is when Brandon, Chad’s little brother, starts getting better and may have a chance to live with Kiara’s family. This puts a part in the book that shows everything can get better with time. I also loved how Kiara’s mom came back from Montreal to be with her and help her and her father get back to their normal selves.
I thought that this was a very good book and is a good description of things that go on in middle school and high school and it shows how some people have to go through adversities with their friends and families. I have never read a book quite like Rogue with characters that have to deal with the same problems as Kiara and Chad. I think that people who like realistic stories about what actually goes on in everyday life should read this book. Also, if you like stories when everything falls into place even when the author puts doubt in your mind, this book is for you. I would give this book four out of five stars and I would recommend it for everyone to read.
Read
April 27, 2016Ever wondered if you are going to make any friends in middle school? This has always been a problem for Kiara. Rogue is about Kiara Thornton having to make friends with the new kids in the neighborhood and at school but due to an accident caused by one of her newest friends, she was kicked out of school. Forced to make new friends, Kiara has to learn to cooperate with Asperger’s syndrome and maintain good grades.
Most of the time, Kiara has to go to Mr. Internet when the world doesn’t make since. While she is on the internet, Kiara often daydreams that she is Rogue from X-Men. She soon finds her Gambit who is also known as Chad which is the 7th grade new kid on the block. Chad’s family has had a lot of problems that have got to do with making and selling drugs. But Chad is just trying to protect his brother, Brandon, who is oblivious to the situation. Kiara’s mom, or Mami, moves to Montreal to improve her singing career with her other offspring, Max, who plays keyboard in their band. Kiara’s dad plays many instruments, the guitar being his favorite. Antonio, one of Max’s friends and becomes Kiara’s Wolverine, becomes friends with Kiara and does not like Chad.
Chad does not want to be friends with Kiara because she is just the “Weird girl” but he doesn’t know of her disability and calls her retarded. Little did he know, she is a great camera girl. And little did Kiara know, Chad is a great BMX rider. They become friends and friends with other people such as Antonio, Veg, Brian. Kiara video tapes their stunts and posts them to Youtube, each getting over a thousand hits.
One night Chad and Kiara are invited to a party with high schoolers and tons of alcohol. Chad starts drinking like he has been doing it all of his life. He finally gets wasted enough to get into fights, BMX stunting, and wipeout onto the skate park. After that night, Kiara is terrified because she might get arrested. A few days earlier, Kiara is offered to stay with her mom in Montreal but not if she can help staying with her new friends. Find out in Rogue whether she stays with her new friends or stays with her mom in Montreal.
I would not recommend this book because I thought it was all over the place and did not have a standard or stable plot. It changes topic rapidly. The book ended very abruptly to where I was left with many questions that had to be answered by the author. If you like action-packed, books that are random, and hero related then I would recommend this book.
Most of the time, Kiara has to go to Mr. Internet when the world doesn’t make since. While she is on the internet, Kiara often daydreams that she is Rogue from X-Men. She soon finds her Gambit who is also known as Chad which is the 7th grade new kid on the block. Chad’s family has had a lot of problems that have got to do with making and selling drugs. But Chad is just trying to protect his brother, Brandon, who is oblivious to the situation. Kiara’s mom, or Mami, moves to Montreal to improve her singing career with her other offspring, Max, who plays keyboard in their band. Kiara’s dad plays many instruments, the guitar being his favorite. Antonio, one of Max’s friends and becomes Kiara’s Wolverine, becomes friends with Kiara and does not like Chad.
Chad does not want to be friends with Kiara because she is just the “Weird girl” but he doesn’t know of her disability and calls her retarded. Little did he know, she is a great camera girl. And little did Kiara know, Chad is a great BMX rider. They become friends and friends with other people such as Antonio, Veg, Brian. Kiara video tapes their stunts and posts them to Youtube, each getting over a thousand hits.
One night Chad and Kiara are invited to a party with high schoolers and tons of alcohol. Chad starts drinking like he has been doing it all of his life. He finally gets wasted enough to get into fights, BMX stunting, and wipeout onto the skate park. After that night, Kiara is terrified because she might get arrested. A few days earlier, Kiara is offered to stay with her mom in Montreal but not if she can help staying with her new friends. Find out in Rogue whether she stays with her new friends or stays with her mom in Montreal.
I would not recommend this book because I thought it was all over the place and did not have a standard or stable plot. It changes topic rapidly. The book ended very abruptly to where I was left with many questions that had to be answered by the author. If you like action-packed, books that are random, and hero related then I would recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2013
Kiara has a difficult time making and keeping friends. She has Asperger's syndrome, so relating to other people doesn't come naturally. Most of the time she relies on Mr. Internet to explain things when the world doesn't make sense and her daydreams that she is Rogue form the X-Men comics. Rogue hurts anyone she touches, but finally learns to control her superpower. When Chad moves in across the street, Kiara hopes that she can finally make this friendship with the new kid stick. She's even ready to keep his scary secret if that's what it takes. Friendship is complicated, but it might just lead to learning what her own super power is.
I really loved this book. I've never been a comic book reader, nor do I see the world and the people I meet in it as characters from the X-men like Kiara does, but I was immediately drawn into the story and the characters.
Kiara is in the 8th grade, though technically, she's being homeschooled after a meltdown at school when one of the popular girls made fun of her caused Kiara to lash out, hitting the other girl in the face with a lunch tray and breaking her nose. Chad and his little brother Brandon spend a lot of time outdoors: Brandon playing with his wrestlers at the park and Chad, once Kiara shows him around town, at the bike trails and BMX ramp. Kiara loves biking, but doesn't know tricks like Chad. She can - and does - film these tricks though and finally she sees herself fitting in and having friends who aren't just using her.
In addition to Kiara's growing understanding of friendship, I loved how Lyn develops her relationship with the adults in her life. Kiara isn't the only one affected by he fact that her mami left their home to go to Montreal to pursue her singing career - her father clearly is lost with what to do with himself and Kiara. These complications are realistic for the situation.
Moreover, through Kiara's voice Lyn Miller-Lachmann creates a realistic and nuanced portrait of a child with Asperger's syndrome, one which may help those who aren't on the spectrum better understand what the experience of being Kiara is like and what conflicts it creates within her family.
Highly recommended for the characterization as well as how moving and poignant the story is as a whole. It ends on a hopeful note, but I loved that Lyn doesn't tie up all the loose ends in a pretty bow. Not everything can be solved by an 8th grader, no matter how much Kiara wishes she could do so.
I really loved this book. I've never been a comic book reader, nor do I see the world and the people I meet in it as characters from the X-men like Kiara does, but I was immediately drawn into the story and the characters.
Kiara is in the 8th grade, though technically, she's being homeschooled after a meltdown at school when one of the popular girls made fun of her caused Kiara to lash out, hitting the other girl in the face with a lunch tray and breaking her nose. Chad and his little brother Brandon spend a lot of time outdoors: Brandon playing with his wrestlers at the park and Chad, once Kiara shows him around town, at the bike trails and BMX ramp. Kiara loves biking, but doesn't know tricks like Chad. She can - and does - film these tricks though and finally she sees herself fitting in and having friends who aren't just using her.
In addition to Kiara's growing understanding of friendship, I loved how Lyn develops her relationship with the adults in her life. Kiara isn't the only one affected by he fact that her mami left their home to go to Montreal to pursue her singing career - her father clearly is lost with what to do with himself and Kiara. These complications are realistic for the situation.
Moreover, through Kiara's voice Lyn Miller-Lachmann creates a realistic and nuanced portrait of a child with Asperger's syndrome, one which may help those who aren't on the spectrum better understand what the experience of being Kiara is like and what conflicts it creates within her family.
Highly recommended for the characterization as well as how moving and poignant the story is as a whole. It ends on a hopeful note, but I loved that Lyn doesn't tie up all the loose ends in a pretty bow. Not everything can be solved by an 8th grader, no matter how much Kiara wishes she could do so.
August 12, 2013
Rogue deals with or at least touches upon: Asperger’s Syndrome, biculturalism, cancer, meth production, BMX and mountain bike culture, alcohol poisoning, child abuse, ADD, the El Salvadorian genocide, the X-Men as metaphor, the death of a parent-figure, and foster care. That’s a lot of stuff for one little book to deal with, but the main theme should come out clear to readers: it is the story of how a lonely, misunderstood outsider finds a way to use her talents to connect with others. Kiara is in 8th grade, or would be, if she wasn’t being homeschooled after losing her temper one time too many at school. Kiara has a hard time controlling her emotions and interacting with other people and her homeschool teacher suspects Kiara might have Asperger’s Syndrome. Even though she is at home and away from all the other kids who taunt her, Kiara still feels isolated: her mother is a small-time musician away on an extended band tour, her two older brothers are off at college, and her father is a bit lost himself without his wife at home. Kiara mostly spends her time obsessively looking up facts on the Internet and fantasizing that she is Rogue from the X-Men series because she relates to the feeling of being a “mutant” who secretly has hidden powers.
So when twelve year old Chad moves into the empty house on her block, Kiara sees a new opportunity to make a friend. Unfortunately, Chad thinks she’s as weird as everyone else does, and only agrees to go on bike rides with her for his own ulterior motives. Kiara knows he’s using her, but agrees to show him the secret spot in the woods where her older brothers used to mountain bike and do BMX tricks, and in doing so slowly starts to feel included by the BMX boys, especially when she starts videoing them and getting them positive attention on YouTube. Soon, however, her involvement with both Chad and the BMX boys leads to unexpected upheavals in Kiara’s life. With her social blindspots and hotheadedness, Kiara makes some pretty bad decisions when dealing with these upheavals, and faces some serious consequences for her actions. Yet, by the end of the book, Kiara feels like she has figured out her Rogue superpower, and figured out a way to be better connected to her family and peers. A good book for both boys and girls about the middle school struggle to find one’s place.
So when twelve year old Chad moves into the empty house on her block, Kiara sees a new opportunity to make a friend. Unfortunately, Chad thinks she’s as weird as everyone else does, and only agrees to go on bike rides with her for his own ulterior motives. Kiara knows he’s using her, but agrees to show him the secret spot in the woods where her older brothers used to mountain bike and do BMX tricks, and in doing so slowly starts to feel included by the BMX boys, especially when she starts videoing them and getting them positive attention on YouTube. Soon, however, her involvement with both Chad and the BMX boys leads to unexpected upheavals in Kiara’s life. With her social blindspots and hotheadedness, Kiara makes some pretty bad decisions when dealing with these upheavals, and faces some serious consequences for her actions. Yet, by the end of the book, Kiara feels like she has figured out her Rogue superpower, and figured out a way to be better connected to her family and peers. A good book for both boys and girls about the middle school struggle to find one’s place.
August 12, 2016
Lots going on here, but it's well integrated. Kiara is being home-schooled after attacking a girl (who had tormented her) in school. It wasn't the first time she'd lost her temper. Having Asperger's syndrome makes it hard for her to read people and to keep friends. She's used to having new people hang out with her until they see some of her quirks: not liking being touched, relating all situations to the X-men saga, being super literal, naive and obtuse.
So when two boys and their parents start renting a house nearby in the neighborhood, Kiara is determined not to blow this chance at friendship. Even when she begins to realize that the boys' home lives are seriously messed up, even though the older boy, Chad, tries to use her to do some weird (illegal? she wonders) stuff, she's still torn by her desire to have a friend. And she likes playing with superhero wrestler figures with the younger brother, Brandon.
Added to this mix is the fact that her mom has left to go earn a living performing with a band in Canada, leaving Kiara's dad to work a boring job, raise Kiara and wish HE were still able to play out. (Their family band has folded.) Kiara's older brothers are off at college; she overheard one of them say that she was an accident, a mutant from the chemo drugs her dad had taken before she was born. (Hence her ID with the mutant Rogue character from X-men.) Kiara tries various clumsily devious ploys to get her mom to come home.
Kiara starts BMX biking with Chad, and runs into one of her older brother's friends at the track. She starts filming the BMX riders' stunts and posting them on YouTube. The older boys recognize her developing skill, and she starts to feel like she might belong to this group. But what has she gotten herself into? Are they too mature? And Chad wants to join in--is he too much trouble?
This has great bike action, stuff about filming, and suspense about Chad and his family troubles, as well as less extreme tensions in Kiara's own family. The author has done a great job of capturing the challenges faced when trying to navigate social situations with Asperger's. It's based on her own experience, and you can tell.
So when two boys and their parents start renting a house nearby in the neighborhood, Kiara is determined not to blow this chance at friendship. Even when she begins to realize that the boys' home lives are seriously messed up, even though the older boy, Chad, tries to use her to do some weird (illegal? she wonders) stuff, she's still torn by her desire to have a friend. And she likes playing with superhero wrestler figures with the younger brother, Brandon.
Added to this mix is the fact that her mom has left to go earn a living performing with a band in Canada, leaving Kiara's dad to work a boring job, raise Kiara and wish HE were still able to play out. (Their family band has folded.) Kiara's older brothers are off at college; she overheard one of them say that she was an accident, a mutant from the chemo drugs her dad had taken before she was born. (Hence her ID with the mutant Rogue character from X-men.) Kiara tries various clumsily devious ploys to get her mom to come home.
Kiara starts BMX biking with Chad, and runs into one of her older brother's friends at the track. She starts filming the BMX riders' stunts and posting them on YouTube. The older boys recognize her developing skill, and she starts to feel like she might belong to this group. But what has she gotten herself into? Are they too mature? And Chad wants to join in--is he too much trouble?
This has great bike action, stuff about filming, and suspense about Chad and his family troubles, as well as less extreme tensions in Kiara's own family. The author has done a great job of capturing the challenges faced when trying to navigate social situations with Asperger's. It's based on her own experience, and you can tell.
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