This is a prequel to OCDaniel--I have not read it, but I just ordered it because I have to know more about Sara and Daniel. I have been a teacher for many years and have dealt with students suffering from anxiety disorders, depression, trichotillomania, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and more. Wesley King explores several of these adversities through Sara’s perspective. The story is thoughtful and authentic as Sara tries to manage her thoughts and to achieve “normalcy.”
Unfortunately, there are not many middle grade books that deal with mental illness. I am so pleased to be able to share this book with my students. As a seventh grader, Sara attends public school, but is not mainstreamed due to her many issues. Most of the students refer to her as “Psycho Sara.” Sara wants nothing more than to be “normal.” She is medicated, attends weekly sessions with her psychiatrist, has supportive parents, and keeps a list of rules for being “normal.” She joins a weekly group therapy and makes a friend, Erin. Erin also suffers from anxiety disorders along with trichotillomania. While their friendship progresses, Sara gets to experience many life events including going to a birthday party, going to the movies with a friend, etc. Erin has a secret and Sara has to decide whether to risk their friendship by disclosing it and saving Erin…This book will resonate with many of my students and help them to understand and empathize with themselves and others.
5 Stars
No comments:
Post a Comment