Allie's Adventure on the Wonder (2025)

Fourteen-year-old Allie Little lives in a perpetual Wonderland--with all the confusion and none of the wonder. Diagnosed with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), she is continually forced into rabbit holes of misunderstanding and anxiety. Whatever she reads, sees, or hears often turns into nonsense, and the time to be “curiouser and curiouser” about her surroundings is a luxury she can't afford from the impatient people around her.

But one day, during a field trip on a ferry named the Wonder, Allie meets an odd character named Charlie and sees the creative genius and unadulterated joy that madness can bring.
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A semi-autobiography of the author's personal experiences growing up with APD, reimagined through the lens of Lewis Carroll's timeless nonsensical classic Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, here is a contemporary fairy tale about learning--and accepting--the methods in once's madness to navigate the real world.

​​AWARDS
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​​REVIEWS

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"A clever and creative take on Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, reconfigured to tell the story of a girl struggling with neurodivergence. The frustration of being a teen whose brain functions differently - and all the misunderstandings and social responses this can cause - feels realistic. I would urge anyone who has ever felt an awkward sense of connection to others to read this book."  - Cheryl Champion, psychologist, clinical social worker, and mental health therapist


​"Through her creative and engaging allegory, Adams teaches us about APD, a largely invisible yet serious communication disorder which is often disregarded. Adams's nimble and gritty authorship makes her personal lifelong journey with APD relatable and real."  - Thomas Wayne King, ED.D. (CCC-SLP/L RET.), University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire professor emeritus of communications sciences and disorders, retired clinical speech-language pathologist, and author
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​"[Allie] beautifully explores themes of resilience, self-doubt, identity, bullying, social challenges, support systems, relationships, empathy, personal growth, and transformation. Erika Lynn Adams highlights the world’s imperfections and shows that being true to oneself, free from the fear of judgment, is where the real magic lies."  ​- Adanna Ora, Readers' Favorite


 "[Allie] is an ideal read for young adults and teenagers who have ever felt misunderstood or isolated. It offers a powerful message of resilience, determination, and the importance of embracing one's unique identity. It provides understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with Auditory Processing Disorder, fostering empathy and insight. This novel is a brave and captivating exploration of finding clarity in chaos and the wonder of self-discovery."  - Printed Word Reviews  
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"Over the course of this novel, Adams weaves an intriguing, character-driven tale . . . A compelling story of a neurodivergent protagonist."  - Kirkus Reviews


"[Allie] feels like a strange mix of fairy tale, diary, and survival story. I'd recommend it to readers who like reimagined classics but want something deeper, especially teens (or adults) who've ever felt out of step with the world. It’s not always an easy read, emotionally, but it’s the kind of book that sticks with you, because it makes you sit with discomfort and then find beauty in it."  ​- Literary Titan


​"[​Allie] is a book that does a great job at presenting APD tactfully and in an understandable way, all while giving us great characters who are sure to make you feel a certain way."  ​- outstandingcreator.com


"I adored getting to know Allie in Allie’s Adventure on the Wonder by Erika Lynn Adams, and anyone who reads this novel will, too. It is also an appreciation for the imagination and the encouragement to embrace the things that make us different."  - Kassia Scotti, Reader Views
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​Read the original short story/college project that inspired the novel!