An Unexpected Friendship Book Review

I read a book titled An Unexpected Friendship by Alfred Polidori. It's about a boy named Freddie on the autism spectrum with special interests and quirks that is the target of bullying by a new kid named Kevin which causes Freddie confusion and hurt until finding out there's more to Kevin's story than what meets the eye.

Once the layers are revealed, Freddie and Kevin unexpectedly become friends which allows the former's quirks to be more understood by someone else and always be there for them, even when the bond finds itself with a threatening illness.

I felt this book was relatable on a personal level as I have many quirks that during my early years were misunderstood and met with harshness. I even saw this happen with other kids who I later found out were also autistic as well. There were even many kids who I resented for their mean attitudes towards me until I learned there were more pages to their book than I realized that helped me understand them better which allowed us to become friends.

Some of Freddie's quirks from stimming that helps him feel calm and happy reminded me of my own ways of stimming for the same purposes that I remember other autistic kids at school I knew personally did it too.

Being understanding of the enemy-turned-friend's serious emergency and staying by their side for them all the way through reminds me of how I was supportive towards my friends when they endured similar scenarios, even those who I had trouble with before.

In conclusion, this was a solidly-written book with the right kind of heart and passion that can be used to help families and other people with understanding not only those with autism, but why some bully the autistics.

I'd definitely rate it a 9/10.