Content Warning: This section discusses domestic abuse.

In The Perfect Score, Buyea brings together five very different children, and while it first seems that the characters are too different to find common ground, the narrative arc soon makes it clear that their differences are an asset, not a hindrance. In Chapter 9, after the children make collages on the first day of school, Mrs. Woods says that the children are talented individually, but “when we bring our individual strengths together, we have the potential to achieve something truly special” (24). This sentiment encourages the children to recognize their individual strength, even if it’s something that the world tells them is a weakness. From the beginning, Buyea brings these strengths into the light, showing Gavin’s understanding of football and being a team player, Randi’s ability to push herself and achieve greatness, Trevor’s emotional sensitivity, Scott’s capacity to care, and Natalie’s logical way of viewing the world.

One significant strength that the children initially view as a weakness is each other: At first, they are suspicious of most of the other students in their class and don’t want their help or friendship. While

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