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Sensitive
When thirteen-year-old Samantha moves to a new town, she decides to reinvent herself. She wants to be called SJ now. She’s going to be cool and mysterious. But above all, she’s going to pretend to be healthy.
SJ suffers from chronic eczema and allergies � she’s sick of doctors� appointments and tests, sick of itchiness and pain, sick of looking different, feeling different. All SJ wants is to be ‘normal�. She’ll do whatever it takes to keep her illness a secret. After all, would new friend Livvy or cute boy Sam still want to hang out with her if they knew the truth?
SJ suffers from chronic eczema and allergies � she’s sick of doctors� appointments and tests, sick of itchiness and pain, sick of looking different, feeling different. All SJ wants is to be ‘normal�. She’ll do whatever it takes to keep her illness a secret. After all, would new friend Livvy or cute boy Sam still want to hang out with her if they knew the truth?
229 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2019
6 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Allayne L. Webster
11Ìýbooks36ÌýfollowersAllayne is an author of Junior Fiction, Middle Grade and Young Adult literature. She’s the recipient of multiple arts grants, a Premier’s Reading Challenge Ambassador, and a former literary festival board member.
Paper Planes (Scholastic) was a 2016 Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Notable/shortlisted for the Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature. A Cardboard Palace (MidnightSun) was a 2018 CBCA Notable and published in Sweden. Our Little Secret (Scholastic) was listed for the Golden Inkys and has recently been republished by Ligature Press. The Centre of My Everything (PenguinRandomHouse) was listed in the 2019 Davitt Awards (crime) and shortlisted in the 2020 Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature. Sensitive (UQP) is published in Russia and was shortlisted in the 2020 Australian Speech Pathology Awards and is a 2023 IBBY Outstanding Book for Young People with Disabilities.
That Thing I Did (Wakefield Press), a YA comedy, was released in March 2022 to rave reviews, and Selfie (YA, Text Publishing) will be released 4th April 2023. When not writing, Allayne plays guitar and paints.
Paper Planes (Scholastic) was a 2016 Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Notable/shortlisted for the Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature. A Cardboard Palace (MidnightSun) was a 2018 CBCA Notable and published in Sweden. Our Little Secret (Scholastic) was listed for the Golden Inkys and has recently been republished by Ligature Press. The Centre of My Everything (PenguinRandomHouse) was listed in the 2019 Davitt Awards (crime) and shortlisted in the 2020 Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature. Sensitive (UQP) is published in Russia and was shortlisted in the 2020 Australian Speech Pathology Awards and is a 2023 IBBY Outstanding Book for Young People with Disabilities.
That Thing I Did (Wakefield Press), a YA comedy, was released in March 2022 to rave reviews, and Selfie (YA, Text Publishing) will be released 4th April 2023. When not writing, Allayne plays guitar and paints.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 11, 2019
I was sent Sensitive by Allayne Webster’s publisher, UQP. It’s a book I wish Little Carly had. I devoured it in a day.
SJ wants to reinvent herself in a new town, changing her name. But she can’t change her skin.
Sensitive a young adult fiction book about a girl � SJ � with severe eczema and allergies. SJ has all the challenges of becoming a teenager, plus living with skin that she just wants to hide.
I found Sensitive very relatable to my own experience with ichthyosis. The overheating, itching, wanting to cover up, the embarrassing stuff like brushing skin from the bed, the severity of some treatments compared to the skin condition itself, and infection risks, plus the emotional impacts of both medical aspects and of others� reactions to a visible difference.
There’s quite a bit of internalised ableism in the book, and also eating disorder discussion and an overwhelmingly overbearing mother who wants to fix SJ to fix herself. As I’ve written previously, my parents did want to find me cures, but gave up when I said enough. I see the cure search so frequently in parents of kids with ichthyosis � desperate and guilty for passing on a genetic illness.
I have recommended it to the Australian and New Zealand Ichthyosis support group.
Read the whole review here:
SJ wants to reinvent herself in a new town, changing her name. But she can’t change her skin.
Sensitive a young adult fiction book about a girl � SJ � with severe eczema and allergies. SJ has all the challenges of becoming a teenager, plus living with skin that she just wants to hide.
I found Sensitive very relatable to my own experience with ichthyosis. The overheating, itching, wanting to cover up, the embarrassing stuff like brushing skin from the bed, the severity of some treatments compared to the skin condition itself, and infection risks, plus the emotional impacts of both medical aspects and of others� reactions to a visible difference.
There’s quite a bit of internalised ableism in the book, and also eating disorder discussion and an overwhelmingly overbearing mother who wants to fix SJ to fix herself. As I’ve written previously, my parents did want to find me cures, but gave up when I said enough. I see the cure search so frequently in parents of kids with ichthyosis � desperate and guilty for passing on a genetic illness.
I have recommended it to the Australian and New Zealand Ichthyosis support group.
Read the whole review here:
June 13, 2019
Review copy provided by UQP books in exchange for an honest review- all thoughts are my own.
This was honestly just such a heartfelt, raw and emotional read - I felt like I was actually living as the main character, Samantha, or SJ, as she's determined to reinvent herself as.
I totally didn't judge her for wanting to keep her eczema and allergies a secret - they're not fun, having to hide your own skin for fear of being shunned and laughed at for one's flaky and red skin- but it's hard sometimes, one has an itch, you can try and distract oneself from it, but that want, no need, to scratch just overpowers one sometimes and you just gotta itch that scratch! I myself relate, though I admit I'm definitely better than what I was, scratch wise- but yet, when I was reading this book, I felt completely projected into Samantha's soul, her inner thoughts, as she went through not great patches of allergies and eczema, 'I'm ugly,' and 'unnatural', my heart just hurt for her so much! I just wanted to leap inside the pages and give her a huge hug!
I really love the growth that Samantha went through during the different points in this book - at the start, she's feeling considerably lonely after moving away from her home to another country town (extra points that this book has a South Australian setting! Allayne is a local author, so all the more reasons to support this book and her!) and Samantha is hell bent on being recognised as someone cool at her new school - she'll make friends and they won't be aware of what she suffers through, she hopes. I just wanted to tell her though, you're an absolute treasure of a girl (she's 13, the poor love), and you can be cool, and you are!
Does everything go smoothly for SJ during her new term at school? Will she be able to reinvent herself? Well, you'll just have to pick up the book and find out *wink wink*.
No but in all earnest, there's so much heart in this book - the relationship between Samantha and her brothers, who I think are slightly too young to fully understand what Samantha is going through - and her parents, her Dad in his chocolate loving ways, and her mother, who constantly worries about SamanthaÌý - as one would, of course, but worrying is often done out of love, in my opinion - as Samantha learns too. Of course her own mother would be affected by what she sees her daughter go through, the panic that she would go through at having to promptly get her daughter to a Hospital or Doctor's, after a severe reaction- which SJ definitely has during this book - and the way they're depicted just is so well done- its so rare that I come across characters that suffer from allergies and eczema, it's amazing and heartfelt that Allayne Webster has poured so much of her soul into this book, I could feel every aspect of it! It's a true credit to how amazing an author she is, I'll never not sing her praise!
I also adore the friendships in this novel, that Samantha makes with Livvy (there's such a gorgeous scene between Samantha herself and Livvy's mum, it's so heartfelt seeing the two open up to one another, well, at any rate, seeing Samantha talk so openly, seeing how Livvy's mum struggles too). There's also a very special bond that surfaces between Samantha and another girl that is in Hospital, it was so precious! I feel like Samantha's story, and in a sense, Allayne's, will stay with me for a long long time and I'll be telling everyone about how amazing and essential this book is!
This was honestly just such a heartfelt, raw and emotional read - I felt like I was actually living as the main character, Samantha, or SJ, as she's determined to reinvent herself as.
I totally didn't judge her for wanting to keep her eczema and allergies a secret - they're not fun, having to hide your own skin for fear of being shunned and laughed at for one's flaky and red skin- but it's hard sometimes, one has an itch, you can try and distract oneself from it, but that want, no need, to scratch just overpowers one sometimes and you just gotta itch that scratch! I myself relate, though I admit I'm definitely better than what I was, scratch wise- but yet, when I was reading this book, I felt completely projected into Samantha's soul, her inner thoughts, as she went through not great patches of allergies and eczema, 'I'm ugly,' and 'unnatural', my heart just hurt for her so much! I just wanted to leap inside the pages and give her a huge hug!
I really love the growth that Samantha went through during the different points in this book - at the start, she's feeling considerably lonely after moving away from her home to another country town (extra points that this book has a South Australian setting! Allayne is a local author, so all the more reasons to support this book and her!) and Samantha is hell bent on being recognised as someone cool at her new school - she'll make friends and they won't be aware of what she suffers through, she hopes. I just wanted to tell her though, you're an absolute treasure of a girl (she's 13, the poor love), and you can be cool, and you are!
Does everything go smoothly for SJ during her new term at school? Will she be able to reinvent herself? Well, you'll just have to pick up the book and find out *wink wink*.
No but in all earnest, there's so much heart in this book - the relationship between Samantha and her brothers, who I think are slightly too young to fully understand what Samantha is going through - and her parents, her Dad in his chocolate loving ways, and her mother, who constantly worries about SamanthaÌý - as one would, of course, but worrying is often done out of love, in my opinion - as Samantha learns too. Of course her own mother would be affected by what she sees her daughter go through, the panic that she would go through at having to promptly get her daughter to a Hospital or Doctor's, after a severe reaction- which SJ definitely has during this book - and the way they're depicted just is so well done- its so rare that I come across characters that suffer from allergies and eczema, it's amazing and heartfelt that Allayne Webster has poured so much of her soul into this book, I could feel every aspect of it! It's a true credit to how amazing an author she is, I'll never not sing her praise!
I also adore the friendships in this novel, that Samantha makes with Livvy (there's such a gorgeous scene between Samantha herself and Livvy's mum, it's so heartfelt seeing the two open up to one another, well, at any rate, seeing Samantha talk so openly, seeing how Livvy's mum struggles too). There's also a very special bond that surfaces between Samantha and another girl that is in Hospital, it was so precious! I feel like Samantha's story, and in a sense, Allayne's, will stay with me for a long long time and I'll be telling everyone about how amazing and essential this book is!
June 29, 2019
I loved this book. AJ is such a likeable, relatable, brave soul. She wants to be normal, she wants to be able to do what all 13 year old girls do, without having to worry about what people will think of her, wondering if they’ll stare at her, think she’s weird. She is so much more than her illness, and her pain and embarrassment is very real. In Sensitive, Webster has done an amazing job at raising the difficult topic of the effects of chronic illness on both the physical and mental health of those who suffer from it. And she has done so in an engaging story that is entertaining and captivating. I highly recommend this book for older children, teens and adults as well.
July 25, 2020
This book has been loitering on my Mount TBR pile for a while. I confess it is one I was looking at and thinking it probably be one that I would skim through pretty quickly to get the general gist!
However, it definitely deserves more than a quick skim.
SJ has moved to a new town and she wants to reinvent herself. She suffers from chronic eczema and allergies and spends a lot of time in doctor's surgeries trying to find the magical cure.
The descriptions of SJ's itchiness and discomfort really made me feel for her... and then when I read that this story is semi autobiographical it hit the message home even more.
The struggles and mental torment that SJ suffers is beyond anything I could ever imagine, as she attempts to navigate her teenage years. Luckily she makes a beautiful friend in Livvy... and a surprising one in Livvy's morbidly obese mum. These friendships start her on a journey towards a more positive mental outlook... However, as the author states in the Author's Note, she didn't want it to all end up Happily Ever After as that would be unrealistic. There has been no cure for her condition and she has had to learn to live with it. A great book to help you to see something from another point of view.
However, it definitely deserves more than a quick skim.
SJ has moved to a new town and she wants to reinvent herself. She suffers from chronic eczema and allergies and spends a lot of time in doctor's surgeries trying to find the magical cure.
The descriptions of SJ's itchiness and discomfort really made me feel for her... and then when I read that this story is semi autobiographical it hit the message home even more.
The struggles and mental torment that SJ suffers is beyond anything I could ever imagine, as she attempts to navigate her teenage years. Luckily she makes a beautiful friend in Livvy... and a surprising one in Livvy's morbidly obese mum. These friendships start her on a journey towards a more positive mental outlook... However, as the author states in the Author's Note, she didn't want it to all end up Happily Ever After as that would be unrealistic. There has been no cure for her condition and she has had to learn to live with it. A great book to help you to see something from another point of view.
July 2, 2019
This is a fabulous read for readers particularly in years 6-9 but will also appeal to anyone who has had to live with a chronic condition or disability. Allayne Webster wrote this book from her own lived experience as a sufferer of chronic atopic eczema and the authenticity of her experience shines through this book. While the book outlines in great depth the lengths and treatments that SJ experiences it is a book that shows these conditions, while not curable, are manageable. Webster doesn’t shy away from presenting the pain and suffering that SJ goes through, all the while wanting to live a “normal� teenage life away from doctors� appointments, tests and the attention of caring but controlling parents. Ultimately this is a book about friendship, compassion, kindness, courage, caring and looking out for one another and helping our friends face difficult times.
Suitable for 10+
Teacher’s notes:
Suitable for 10+
Teacher’s notes:
October 4, 2019
Stories can help us to be kinder. This book is for everyone!
August 23, 2019
I loved this book, it was raw, sassy and funny, and also eye opening and a little bit heartbreaking. I definitely recommend!!
September 15, 2019
strong, authentic and moving.
February 7, 2023
Such a heartbreaking story and frustrating because of all the wrongheaded attitudes that persist in both adult and kid for so long. I kept yelling in my head "Take her to a fucken dermatologist, what is wrong with you?!"
Mind you, it took six months of irrigating, syringing, ointments, and antiobiotics from various doctors at my general practice until one I hadn't seen before took a single look at the chronic eczema covering my entire left ear and inside it too and said "No way, we're not doing any of that, I'm writing you a referral to a dermatologist right now." And the dermatologist took a look into both ears, asked me some questions, wrote a prescription for a highly synthesised liquid thing, and boom, eczema gone and hasn't yet come back. That was so much less than SJ with none of the actual allergy angle but the same awful lack of understanding in the profession even.
I loved the refusal to sugarcoat any of the emotions in this novel. I didn't even need to get to the authors note at the end to know this was totally real life own experience put on the page in unvarnished unapologetic detail. So even though it was hard to read at times and so uncomfortable to be immersed in all that pain and self-loathing and such wrongheaded lack of coping mechanisms, it felt necessay to stay on that journey.
And it was a quietly beautiful journey, of that miserable self-immersion and so much lying that opened gradually up to other people's experiences and attitudes, of shifting perceptions and boundaries, of compassion extending to one's self and other people. That was really lovely to see and not done in any grand or melodramatic fashion but small moments and small realisations. I loved the mundanity of that.
What puzzled me was the general temporality. The setting and language and contemporary details felt way way older than this decade. Spotify was literally the only thing of here and now. Curious decision to not set it in the time period when Allayne was growing up but I suppose real life was more complicated than that. Mise en scene was not the point, anyway.
I love the honest way Allayne Webster writes. And I'm so fucken annoyed that Stresshead isn't available on Kindle here in Australia cos I really really really want to read that. Might have to hunt down an actual paperback, good lord.
Mind you, it took six months of irrigating, syringing, ointments, and antiobiotics from various doctors at my general practice until one I hadn't seen before took a single look at the chronic eczema covering my entire left ear and inside it too and said "No way, we're not doing any of that, I'm writing you a referral to a dermatologist right now." And the dermatologist took a look into both ears, asked me some questions, wrote a prescription for a highly synthesised liquid thing, and boom, eczema gone and hasn't yet come back. That was so much less than SJ with none of the actual allergy angle but the same awful lack of understanding in the profession even.
I loved the refusal to sugarcoat any of the emotions in this novel. I didn't even need to get to the authors note at the end to know this was totally real life own experience put on the page in unvarnished unapologetic detail. So even though it was hard to read at times and so uncomfortable to be immersed in all that pain and self-loathing and such wrongheaded lack of coping mechanisms, it felt necessay to stay on that journey.
And it was a quietly beautiful journey, of that miserable self-immersion and so much lying that opened gradually up to other people's experiences and attitudes, of shifting perceptions and boundaries, of compassion extending to one's self and other people. That was really lovely to see and not done in any grand or melodramatic fashion but small moments and small realisations. I loved the mundanity of that.
What puzzled me was the general temporality. The setting and language and contemporary details felt way way older than this decade. Spotify was literally the only thing of here and now. Curious decision to not set it in the time period when Allayne was growing up but I suppose real life was more complicated than that. Mise en scene was not the point, anyway.
I love the honest way Allayne Webster writes. And I'm so fucken annoyed that Stresshead isn't available on Kindle here in Australia cos I really really really want to read that. Might have to hunt down an actual paperback, good lord.
September 12, 2019
This is 13 yo SJ's story of coping with a chronic and debilitating form of eczema (and allergies). Her family has moved to a new town and she is hoping to start afresh and "hide" her eczema so she can have the normal sort of life she wishes for. The story includes a faithful friend, a love interest, an over bearing mother an understanding and patient father and a whole lot of minor character. The author does a very good job of conveying SJ's feelings; self loathing, desperation to fit in, self pity, fear etc. The reader can certainly empathise with SJ even if if they have not had to deal with a similar problem. Over all I think the story is very worthwhile. We need novels that represent a wide range of people and their problems, not only to ensure people do not feel alone in facing their difficulties but to allow others the chance to understand the difficulties faced. It is a very readable book for the target age group which I assume would be mostly upper primary through to mid secondary school students. I think the author has tried to cram a lot into this little book and it does suffer a bit from some things not being developed/explained enough. It's 3 and a half stars from me.
June 30, 2019
Review copy provided by UQP in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t read a lot of MG books (as I generally like a slightly older MC) but I really quite enjoyed Sensitive - and with Allayne being a local author how could one say no!?
The book starts with Samantha, SJ, moving to a new town where she has decided to reinvent herself to be the ‘cool chick� that everyone wants to be friends with that has no skin condition at all.
I think my favourite aspect of the book was the growth of SJ and the portrayal of her relationship with her mum. I think it’s something a lot of young teenagers go through.
I had a cousin that grew up with a medical condition that would be devastating to any young person but I watched her take every day for what it was and pushed through with a smile to make friends and grab every opportunity she could.
So I guess it was just really nice to read about it from the point of view of the person living with the medical condition. Life will always have ups and downs and I think they were handled and written really well in this book. I also found it a bit informative as well which was great. I think there are a lot of young teenagers who would benefit from reading this book.
I don’t read a lot of MG books (as I generally like a slightly older MC) but I really quite enjoyed Sensitive - and with Allayne being a local author how could one say no!?
The book starts with Samantha, SJ, moving to a new town where she has decided to reinvent herself to be the ‘cool chick� that everyone wants to be friends with that has no skin condition at all.
I think my favourite aspect of the book was the growth of SJ and the portrayal of her relationship with her mum. I think it’s something a lot of young teenagers go through.
I had a cousin that grew up with a medical condition that would be devastating to any young person but I watched her take every day for what it was and pushed through with a smile to make friends and grab every opportunity she could.
So I guess it was just really nice to read about it from the point of view of the person living with the medical condition. Life will always have ups and downs and I think they were handled and written really well in this book. I also found it a bit informative as well which was great. I think there are a lot of young teenagers who would benefit from reading this book.
March 31, 2024
Samantha is a thirteen year old girl who suffers from chronic eczema and allergies. It's hard enough being thirteen and in high school without having a big red rash all over your body thats itchy and bleeding most of the time.
Samantha (SJ) just wants to be someone new, one of the 'beautiful' girls in her class she's had enough of doctors and flaky skin.
As we follow Samantha she navigates her way through highschool, boys and BFFs struggling with her eczema and allergies.
Her voice is so funny! I love her one liners and observations. I'm so happy for her when the medication works and so sad when it doesn't. You just want the best for her.
Make sure you read right to the end for some notes from Allayne.
Such a fabulous book, should be in every highschool.
Five stars.
Samantha (SJ) just wants to be someone new, one of the 'beautiful' girls in her class she's had enough of doctors and flaky skin.
As we follow Samantha she navigates her way through highschool, boys and BFFs struggling with her eczema and allergies.
Her voice is so funny! I love her one liners and observations. I'm so happy for her when the medication works and so sad when it doesn't. You just want the best for her.
Make sure you read right to the end for some notes from Allayne.
Such a fabulous book, should be in every highschool.
Five stars.
April 13, 2020
Had this book on my list to read since I saw a preview for it and I wasn’t disappointed. perfectly described what it’s like trying to fit in as a 13 year old when you think everyone cares about how you look. Her description of SJ’s suffering almost made me want to cry (and weirdly start itching in sympathy). I’m looking forward to tracking down more of her books. I purchased this for our high school library and I can see it will become a popular read.
July 22, 2020
this book was pretty good. some of the writing was a bit too ~inspo~ but i loved to see rep for chronic illnesses, particularly in a book targeted for younger people.
the main character was nice enough, but she felt a bit hypocritical at some points (but i think that's sort of the point? like to show her growth across the story idk). loved to see her relationship with her parents and thought their dynamic was interesting
webster has an anuthor note where she talks about her own experienced with eczema and the authenticity shows in the writing.
the main character was nice enough, but she felt a bit hypocritical at some points (but i think that's sort of the point? like to show her growth across the story idk). loved to see her relationship with her parents and thought their dynamic was interesting
webster has an anuthor note where she talks about her own experienced with eczema and the authenticity shows in the writing.
November 16, 2019
A beautiful story about self-acceptance and friendship. It’s hard to find great stories that bridge the gap between middle grade and young adult, and this fits the bill perfectly; a gorgeous story of teenage angst, but with appropriate content and language for primary school students. I particularly loved SJ’s strength and integrity as well as the beautiful, developing relationship between SJ and Sam. A heartwarming read.
January 17, 2020
This book gave me a glimpse of a world I’d never been in. From the eyes of Sam (also known as SJ), a thirteen year old girl, we as the readers see her life as she sees it; tests, treatments, ugliness, eczema.
Starting at a new school can be challenging for anyone, but for SJ it’s a different story. Her skin is covered in rashes, blisters and irritated patches.
She tries her hardest to cover it up, but will she be able to conceal her illness in front of new friend Livvy, and cute boy Sam?
Filled with love, heart-ache, anger and passion, ‘Sensitive� is a book for the ages that will stick with me long after the final page has been read.
Starting at a new school can be challenging for anyone, but for SJ it’s a different story. Her skin is covered in rashes, blisters and irritated patches.
She tries her hardest to cover it up, but will she be able to conceal her illness in front of new friend Livvy, and cute boy Sam?
Filled with love, heart-ache, anger and passion, ‘Sensitive� is a book for the ages that will stick with me long after the final page has been read.
March 2, 2020
This book was nice. It delved into issues rarely spoken about in books. Living with a chronic illness. It's also set in my hometown which is nice and never happens. I think I am just old now and don't relate to 13 year olds.
Its a good story and if you are 13 you should read it.
Moral of the story is just be nice!
Its a good story and if you are 13 you should read it.
Moral of the story is just be nice!
June 22, 2019
A couple of train trips meant I've been able to do some decent reading.
This book is told from the point of view of a teen girl with eczema and the issues surrounding that, and moving to a new town.
This book is told from the point of view of a teen girl with eczema and the issues surrounding that, and moving to a new town.
September 20, 2023
SJ alternately behaved like a five year old and a wise grandma. It was weird.
The insights into chronic atopic eczema were cool though.
I’m too old for MG now sadly.
I don’t get the characters anymore.
The insights into chronic atopic eczema were cool though.
I’m too old for MG now sadly.
I don’t get the characters anymore.
December 1, 2019
This book is a real page turner. I finished it in 2 days!
March 8, 2020
An excellent read. Highly recommend, gives a true insight into diseases and the lives of people.
March 13, 2020
A very touching novel, I really enjoy books like this and was excited to read this one!
May 12, 2020
I can see some teenagers relating to this topic of trying to fit in and suffering from an illness which is all encompassing. Unfortunately this book was not for me, maybe I am too far from being 13.
August 31, 2020
This book was so heartwarming about how you are beautiful just the way you are and no one can change that not even you
Read
July 9, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings
Chronic eczema & allergies
Chronic eczema & allergies
November 22, 2022
Sensitive is a great book full of heartfelt moments. Full of friendship, family and acceptance.
December 31, 2022
Book with lots of opportunities for discussion
April 18, 2024
an easy but heart warming read. allayne webster embodies the thoughts and feelings of a teenage girl so well
May 20, 2023
Favourite Quote: “New Me wants to say, So do you have verbal diarrhoea or are you just unbelievably rude? But the force is strong in Old Me. A lifetime of habit is hard to break. I hide behind my hair.�
Sensitive by Allayne L. Webster covers the highs and lows of being a teen different from the norm. A teen who doesn’t quite fit the mould of a popular or pretty girl.
After relocating to a South Australian country town, SJ wants to reinvent herself. She’s determined to make new friends without her eczema joining the conversation.
“For once, I’m going to know how it feels to be beautiful � just like normal girls.� Allayne L. Webster
Much of SJ’s emotional journey was relatable to me.
There is common ground that many people who are disabled/chronically ill share. This common ground includes the internal dialogue: a desire to fit in and be ‘normal�, rebellion against the medicine regime and medical professionals, and questions over fairness.
Another section of common ground is external: shaped by the expectations and behaviour of society � taunts and comments along with questions and well-meaning but utterly unhelpful advice � not to mention the questions that arise if your behaviour pattern doesn’t fit with how others perceive disability/chronic illness.
“New Me wants to say, So do you have verbal diarrhea or are you just unbelievably rude? But the force is strong in Old Me. A lifetime of habit is hard to break. I hide behind my hair.�
Sensitive is not an authentic read by chance. Allayne drew upon her own experiences with chronic atopic eczema and life-threatening allergies. Not only are the emotions that SJ shares with the reader authentic, Sensitive contains medical accuracy based on experience.
It’s an authenticity that speaks volumes on the importance of #ownvoices
Sensitive by Allayne L. Webster covers the highs and lows of being a teen different from the norm. A teen who doesn’t quite fit the mould of a popular or pretty girl.
After relocating to a South Australian country town, SJ wants to reinvent herself. She’s determined to make new friends without her eczema joining the conversation.
“For once, I’m going to know how it feels to be beautiful � just like normal girls.� Allayne L. Webster
Much of SJ’s emotional journey was relatable to me.
There is common ground that many people who are disabled/chronically ill share. This common ground includes the internal dialogue: a desire to fit in and be ‘normal�, rebellion against the medicine regime and medical professionals, and questions over fairness.
Another section of common ground is external: shaped by the expectations and behaviour of society � taunts and comments along with questions and well-meaning but utterly unhelpful advice � not to mention the questions that arise if your behaviour pattern doesn’t fit with how others perceive disability/chronic illness.
“New Me wants to say, So do you have verbal diarrhea or are you just unbelievably rude? But the force is strong in Old Me. A lifetime of habit is hard to break. I hide behind my hair.�
Sensitive is not an authentic read by chance. Allayne drew upon her own experiences with chronic atopic eczema and life-threatening allergies. Not only are the emotions that SJ shares with the reader authentic, Sensitive contains medical accuracy based on experience.
It’s an authenticity that speaks volumes on the importance of #ownvoices
February 3, 2022
Great book for anyone who suffers from skin conditions like eczema and allergies, and even more importantly for those who do not. Greater empathy would improve the lives of many.
As someone who suffers from bad hayfever and allergies, and whose brother had severe eczema as a child (being hospitalised) I absolutely loved this book and read it in one sitting. It is a middle-grade/YA book but also a good read for adults. It made me laugh and cry.
As someone who suffers from bad hayfever and allergies, and whose brother had severe eczema as a child (being hospitalised) I absolutely loved this book and read it in one sitting. It is a middle-grade/YA book but also a good read for adults. It made me laugh and cry.
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