
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is struggling to explain their big emotions or feels like the adults in their life don't quite understand their mental health journey. Iveliz is a seventh grader navigating anxiety, depression, and the frustration of being labeled a troublemaker. As she manages school life and her grandmother's move from Puerto Rico, she must learn to advocate for her own treatment and well-being. This verse novel is a powerful tool for parents of preteens who feel misunderstood. It offers a realistic look at how mental health affects friendships and family dynamics, ultimately providing a hopeful roadmap for seeking help and finding your voice. It is highly appropriate for ages 10 to 14, especially those in multigenerational or bilingual households.
References to school fights and outbursts of anger.
The book deals directly with clinical depression, anxiety, and Alzheimer's disease. It also addresses the trauma of natural disasters and grief. The approach is secular and highly realistic. The resolution is hopeful but grounded: Iveliz doesn't 'get cured,' but she gains the tools and support system to manage her health.
A 12-year-old who feels 'difficult' or 'too much,' or a child in a family where mental health is a taboo subject who needs to see their experiences validated.
Parents should be aware of scenes involving Mimi's memory loss and her negative comments about Iveliz's medication. The book includes a mental health resource supplement that is worth reading together. A parent might reach for this after their child has had an outburst at school, has been diagnosed with a mental health condition, or if there is conflict regarding a child's medication or therapy.
Younger readers will focus on the school drama and the frustration with the grandmother. Older readers will more deeply appreciate the nuances of the mental health struggle and the cultural clash regarding medical treatment.
Its unique strength is the way it portrays the realities of elder care (Alzheimer's) and the stigma surrounding psychiatric medication within a Puerto Rican family and community. """
Iveliz is a 12-year-old girl entering seventh grade with a history of behavioral struggles and a diagnosis of depression and anxiety. The story, told in diary entries and verse, follows her as she attempts to stay out of trouble while navigating a complex home life. Her grandmother, Mimi, has Alzheimer's and has recently moved in from Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria. Mimi frequently criticizes Iveliz's medication, creating a central conflict between traditional views on mental health and modern medical care. Iveliz eventually learns to use her voice to advocate for the professional support she needs.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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