This week’s focus is on SCARY books and Bibliotherapy! While it seems like a random pairing at first (sorry, Barb!), I realized that people derive comfort AND strength from characters who are undergoing the same hardships as them (mental health challenges) and from characters who are overcoming incredible and unrealistic situations (zombies, ghosts) with bravery and resilience.
Below are my selections for this week. I dabbled in mental health, a modern day horror story, and a throwback that has probably entertained four generations by now!
Below are my selections for this week. I dabbled in mental health, a modern day horror story, and a throwback that has probably entertained four generations by now!
Matters of Mental Health
Chisholm, Holly. (2019.) Just Peachy: Comics About Depression, Anxiety, Love, and Finding the Humor in Being Sad. New York City, New York: Skyhorse Publishing.
Plot summary: Author and illustrator Holly Chisholm bares her soul in this comic collection that explains and explores her life grappling (and making peace) with depression and anxiety. The pocket-sized book is broken into four parts: depression, anxiety, love and relationships, and growth.
Why I chose it: I recently became enamored with graphic novels, so I was checking out the library’s collection. Upon opening the book, I realized that it’s a collection of individual comics, which is also exciting. I think that most people grapple with depression and anxiety at different times of their lives - I am no exception - and, like the author, I have used humor to cope with my feelings.
Where I found it: I found this in the Teen Room at the Thayer Public Library, on the end cap with new graphic novels. I was perusing the covers for a good read and I spotted it!
Jensen, Kelly. (2018.) (Don’t) Call Me Crazy: 33 Voices to Start the Conversation About Mental Health. New York City, New York: Algonquin Young Readers.
Plot summary: This book, which includes contributions from 33 people, is edited by Kelly Jensen. The contributors include famous actors, authors, and athletes, along with “regular” people. The chapters are organized by topic, and Jensen includes an introduction to each chapter that asks thought-provoking questions. Each submission is heartfelt, honest, and impactful.
Why I chose it: I love the idea of people, both famous and non-famous, telling their true stories. The stories act as inspiration for those who are struggling, and provides an education for people who haven’t gone through mental struggles.
Where I found it: This book was on a YA Mental Health Flyer at the Thayer Public Library in Braintree, which was compiled by the YA librarian.
Priemaza, Anna. (2017.) Kat and Meg Conquer the World. New York City, New York: HarperTeen.
Plot summary: Kat, who has anxiety, and Meg, who has ADHD, are paired together on a school project. They realize they have a shared passion for the same online gaming star, and that builds a bridge for a friendship they never dreamed possible.
Why I chose it: The tagline on the cover is “Separately, they’re a mess. Together, they just might be awesome.” Don’t we all wish for that in a friendship!
Where I found it: I found this book reviewed by the SLJ , with the tags of “anxiety,” “adhd,” and “panic attacks.”
HORROR
Kurtagich, Dawn. (2015.) The Dead House. New York City, New York: Little, Brown and Company.
Plot summary: During one devastating night 20 years ago, a fire swept through a female dormitory, killing three girls and causing the disappearance of Kaitlyn. But who is Kaitlyn? And who is Carly? And how are they connected to the murders?
Why I chose it: The format is clever, engaging, and one-of-a-kind. The chapters are formatted as news articles, diary entries, camera footage, therapy notes, criminal investigation notes, and doodles. I only wish that it had been published as a large-format, full-color hardcover book!
Where I found it: I found this via Christina Dufour, the teen librarian at Thayer Public Library. She is friends with the author and highly recommended it.
THROWBACK PICK
Du Maurier, Daphne. (1938.) Rebecca. New York City, New York: Doubleday.
Plot summary: A young woman becomes the second wife of the rich Maximilian de Winter. While living on the lonely estate, she is haunted relentlessly and tortured psychologically by the housekeeper. Will the narrator survive living among those who worshiped the past…?
Why I chose it: I remember reading this book in high school and it was my kind of horror: no goblins, demons, or zombies - just good ole’ fashioned ghosts and psychological tricks.
Where I found it: I was reminded of Rebecca when perusing Anita Silvey’s 500 Great Books for Teens (2006).
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