Rules for Camouflage

Gr 9 Up–“WE’RE HERE. We’re weird. We don’t need to be fixed,” Shalan emphatically opens a high-octane performance—with copious FWOOSHING, cursing, emoji-laden (over)emoting, and notable instances of “hop off my wang”—as she manifests neurodivergent Evvie maneuvering high school. Mrs. Dearborn, whose biology class Evvie must pass to graduate, tops the threatening list as abusive bully. Her grandnephew, senior Vandal (his actual given name), continues the family tradition with next-level harassing. Luckily, Evvie’s also-neurodivergent mother and teacher-hero Rachel whose “brain is also unruly” are pillars of support. The aquarium where Evvie works with magnificent cephalopod Aretha—and a few fabulous humans—is a welcoming haven. Her best friendship with Ken is devolving, but her new romance with Blue flourishes. Like Aretha, Evvie must be a master of camouflage to navigate dangers—and joys. Plus Evvie knows: “Neurotypical people, you need us.”