Wish there was a character more like me

Comment:

Like so many others, the Alice books were a great source of comfort for me in middle school and high school. I felt like Alice was a close friend, and to be honest I often forgot she isn’t real.

It did not escape my notice, however, that the character of Amy was the only character with a disability. I’m in a wheelchair myself. I graduated in the top fifteen at my prep school and attended a highly-regarded liberal arts college. But there is still such a stigma around having a disability. I’d say I identify more with Alice than Amy. In high school I had similar issues with friends and guys, and I remember feeling a kinship because I lost my virginity at the same age as Alice. Amy often felt like a means of teaching Alice a lesson. I kind of wish a character could have been introduced that does have unique struggles but is just like any other girl.

Phyllis replied:

Good point!  There was Molly, of course, who had cancer and an uncertain future.  Elizabeth, who had been molested.  The two girls who identified as lesbian…  There are so many different definitions of disability, and an author simply has to go with a character that appeals to her for a number of different reasons.  I’ve had girls criticize me for not having a diabetic in the series.  Not having Alice stutter.  Not being more politically active, etc.  I do understand.  We always look for someone we can identify with more, but the author simply has to pick and choose.  I’m glad, though, that you did feel a kinship with Alice.  Thanks for writing to me.