The Way I Say It by Nancy Tandon – Book Review

Title: The Way I Say It Author: Nancy Tandon Publisher: Charlesbridge Release Date: January 18, 2022

For Rory, middle school means a host of changes: new students, new teachers, and new bullies. Meanwhile, his new speech teacher helps him navigate more than just his saying his r’s. From complicated feelings about his ex-best friend to a growing interest in hard rock to learning about boxing legend Muhammad Ali, Rory takes on unforeseen challenges and learns what it means to be a good person, no matter who needs support.

The Way I Say It has all the trappings of a classic middle grade novel. At first, the narrative arc seems like a familiar trope, and readers may get a sense that they’ve read this kind of story before. There’s a great young person with a problem, bullies that tease him, the loss of a best friend, and a great mentor teacher. However, author Nancy Tandon does a remarkable job distinguishing it by infusing the novel with nuance and depth. Rory’s development is realistic and relatable, and Brent’s character will likely evoke complicated feelings in readers, just as it does in Rory. These main characters are cued as white. While the novel may seem simplistic in its plot line, the characters’ many facets and conflicts make for a heartfelt and memorable story.

Educators will find plenty to love about The Way I Say It. Students will be instantly drawn to the relatable, classic elements in this middle grade story. The novel also offers numerous extension opportunities, including exploring hard rock music and the life of Muhammad Ali. In addition, the book provides an intimate look into Rory’s and Brent’s struggles with their disabilities. The honest and realistic portrayals will allow students to not only better understand these struggles but also help develop empathy and sensitivity towards those that face similar challenges. In the end, The Way I Say It is a knock-out middle grade novel.

Thank you to Edelweiss+ and publisher, Charlesbridge, for an eARC of this book.

Classroom Applications

• Cross-curricular Study – Teach the novel in conjunction with a biography study of Muhammad Ali.
• Literature Circles – Use novel for small groups or choice reading with a variety of fiction books about characters overcoming disabilities.
• Book Club or Book Exchange – Share the novel with students that enjoy reading realistic fiction.

Nonfiction Connections

The list below outlines topics that will enrich your students’ understanding of the novel.

• Speech Impediments & Therapy
• Muhammad Ali
• Effects of a Brain Injury

Book Companions

The following are great books to pair with The Way I Say It. In parenthesis are the specific aspects students could explore when synthesizing across the texts.

• Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander (Character Connections, Nonfiction Connections, Themes)
• Mighty Inside by Sundee Frazier (Character Connections, Nonfiction Connections, Themes)
• Restart by Gordon Korman (Character Connections, Nonfiction Connections, Themes)
• Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper (Character Connections, Nonfiction Connections, Themes)

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