This Is Not The Diary Of Izzy Dobson

This Is Not The Diary Of Izzy Dobson by Abigail Balfe is a funny, big-hearted illustrated middle grade novel about a neurodivergent girl trying to survive school—and keep a huge secret safe. Izzy Dobson has three immediate challenges: school feels like a daily obstacle course, making friends doesn’t come naturally, and her top-secret, deeply embarrassing diary has vanished.

Determined to get it back before anyone reads a single page, Izzy starts documenting her investigation in a “very normal” notebook. What follows is a lively mix of cat doodles, sharp observations, and slightly chaotic detective work as she retraces her steps through classrooms, social rules, and the anxiety of being misunderstood.

Perfect for readers who love humorous school stories, mystery with heart, and relatable neurodiversity themes—especially fans of illustrated fiction and diary-style books.

Follow Izzy’s trail and see where the notebook leads.