About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is feeling like an outsider at school or is navigating the quiet, heavy atmosphere of a household affected by long-term illness. Set in 1914, it follows twelve-year-old Helen, who earns the nickname the Funny Guy not for being a comedian, but for being odd and socially awkward. While her mother is away in the hospital, Helen struggles with loneliness, a difficult houseguest, and the pressures of fitting in with her peers. This story is a poignant choice for children aged 8 to 12 who are experiencing a sense of being different or misunderstood. It offers a realistic look at how family stress can impact a child's social life and self-esteem. By following Helen's journey toward self-acceptance and finding her own voice through writing, parents can help their children validate their own complex feelings of sadness and the desire for belonging.
