A Blind Guide to Normal [Paperback]

Richie Ryder Raymond has a gift. He can find the punchline in any situation, even in his limited vision and prosthetic eye. During the past year at Addison School for the Blind, Ryder's quick wit earned the respect and friendship of his classmates. Heading to mainstream, or normal school for eighth grade is going to be awesome.

After all, what's not to like? At Addison, Ryder was everyone's favorite person. He could make anyone laugh, especially his best friend Alice. So long as he can be first to make all of the one-eyed jokes, Ryder is sure he'll fit in just as quick at Papuaville Middle School, home of the Fighting Guinea Pigs. But Alice warns him fitting in might not be as easy as he thinks.

Turns out, Alice was right. In just the first hour of normal school, Ryder is attacked by General MacCathur II (aka, Gramps's cat), causes his bio teacher to pass out cold, makes an enemy out town hero Max, and falls for Jocelyn, the fierce girl next door who happens to be Max's girlfriend. On top of that, Ryder struggles to hold onto his dignity in the face of students' pity and Gramps's non-stop practical jokes.

Ryder quickly sees the only thing worse than explaining a joke is being the punchline. But with help from his stuck-in-the-70s Gramps and encouragement from Alice, Ryder finds the strength to not only fight back, but to make peace.

A Junior Library Guild SelectionA Junior Library Guild selection.

Once in a great while I read a book and want to immediately email the author to thank them for writing it.A Blind Guide to Normalis one of those books. It's filled with kindness, friendship, and hope. Lots of hope. Just beautiful. —Kerry O'Malley Cerra, author ofJust a Drop of Water

A Blind Guide to Normaltreats difficult subjects with grace and compassion, plus a delightful sense of the absurd. With his unique voice and a memorable predicament, Richie Ryder represents the underdog in us all. &#ló,