47 pages • 1 hour read
Terry TruemanA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Stuck in Neutral by Terry Trueman follows Shawn McDaniel, a fourteen-year-old boy with cerebral palsy, who is perceived by his family and the world as being in a vegetative state due to his lack of motor function and communication abilities. Unbeknownst to them, Shawn possesses perfect memory and intelligence, experiencing profound internal thoughts and out-of-body sensations during his frequent seizures, while grappling with the fear of whether his father might end his life out of mistaken compassion. The book touches on sensitive topics, including euthanasia and perceptions of disability.
Stuck in Neutral by Terry Trueman offers a gripping depiction of a disabled teen's inner world, praised for its emotional depth and unique perspective. While lauded for raising awareness and empathy, some critics feel the plot lacks complexity and depth. Despite these shortcomings, it remains a compelling, thought-provoking read.
A reader who would enjoy Stuck in Neutral by Terry Trueman is likely drawn to thought-provoking, character-driven narratives that tackle complex themes. Fans of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon or Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper would appreciate its poignant exploration of a teenager with cerebral palsy.
Lexile Level
820LRealistic Fiction
Children's Literature
Education
Education
Disability
Relationships: Family