My grandfather was also diagnosed with Alzheimer’s when I was young and I remember being confused as to which “Pa” would greet me from day to day. Why was it important for you to write about that situation and how it affects Ellie? Her grandfather is struggling with Alzheimer’s. Ellie and her mother make a solid team, but the love she has for both her grandparents shines through. He is so much more than that and I knew if I were to tell a story from someone like his or Ellie’s perspective, I would want to share all sides.

As his mother, I’ve fought his entire life for him to be seen beyond his wheelchair and his extra needs. Thank you for loving Ellie! I wrote this novel for my son, Charlie, who also has cerebral palsy. It’s a pleasure to get to talk with you about ROLL WITH IT. What inspired you to write about a child with a disability who is obviously much more than that one part? Your protagonist, Ellie is so close to my heart. Hi Jamie, thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview! As you know, I absolutely adored your debut middle-grade novel, Roll with It. We also talked about how others can show more consideration to people with a disability. In this interview, Jamie and I discuss her choice to write about a child with cerebral palsy, the inclusion of a grandparent with Alzhiemer’s, baking, and how she makes time for writing despite a busy schedule. But the first thing that grabbed my attention was something that’s rare on middle-grade book covers - a character in a wheelchair! Then, of course, when I read the synopsis, I knew I had to get my hands on this one. She’ll make the money and keep her mom sober-there’s no other choice.I read and LOVED Jamie Sumner’s debut middle-grade novel, Roll with It last month. Franny can’t forget what happened the last time her mom was hurt: the pills that were supposed to help became an addiction, until rehab brought them to Mimi’s laundromat and the support group she hosts.įranny will not let addiction win again, even if she has to blackmail a school rival to help her clean houses. There’s no way her mom can keep her job cleaning houses, which means she can’t pay the bills. But when Franny’s mom gets injured in a car accident, their fragile life begins to crumble. Now that Franny and her newly sober mom have moved to a cozy apartment above a laundromat, Franny’s looking forward to a life where her biggest excitement is getting top grades in math class. From the acclaimed author of Roll with It comes a relatable and deeply moving middle grade novel about a girl who, in a desperate bid to keep her family afloat, takes over her mom’s cleaning jobs after an injury prevents her from working.

Jamie sumner roll with it