Alvin Ho series - Lenore Look

This is a fantastic series for elementary readers. It reminds me of Judy Blume’s Peter and Fudge, as well as Beverley Cleary’s Ramona.

Alvin is a charming character with classic middle-child woes. What makes this series extra special, is that Alvin happens to be an AAPI main character who grapples with anxiety and selective mutism. He has his own coping strategies such as making meticulous lists for all possible eventualities, and his parents have enlisted the help of a child psychologist. Look normalizes neurodiversity for her readers, and tackles the subject of therapy with a touch of humor. Readers come to view Alvin’s therapy sessions as no different than visits to the pediatrician or dentist.

Sanjay started this series last summer, and is steadily working his way through it. I can tell that he finds Alvin extremely relatable as a fellow middle child. He chose the first book as his favorite book “because it is funney [sic]”. LeUyen Pham’s charming illustrations sprinkled throughout the book help to keep first-time chapter book readers engaged in the story. 

Recommended: 2nd grade