05/01/2023
Gr 8 Up—Using mental health as the unifying theme of these short stories is a strong fit as reading for teens, their trusted adults, and community. The 16 short stories, while fictional, were all carefully chosen based on the contributing authors' own experiences related to mental health challenges either as a lived experience or similar experience that is noted in the introduction by the editors. Authors in this collection were given the autonomy to write the stories in their preferred format, whether it be verse or graphic, with results such as Nikki Grimes's verse approach to "Avalanche" that are worthy of celebration. In addition, each author wrote a note that appears after their story to share their personal connection. That personal touch gives each story extra weight and strengthens the collection. The recognition of a range of mental health needs from OCD and PTSD are as present as anxiety and rarely discussed premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Viewed as a whole, the stories are paced well, and all give credit to an empathetic reader as the writers share their experiences through fiction. Readers who related to [Don't] Call Me Crazy, edited by Kelly Jensen, will pick up this title as well. VERDICT The range of writing styles and techniques employed by notable authors about mental health makes this a strong addition to the shelves.—Alicia Abdul
2023-01-12
In this anthology examining living with mental illness, authors tackle the subject through short stories, verse, graphic narrative, and a play script, all of which reflect their lived experiences.
The collection’s greatest strength is its impressive diversity in contributors and subject matter, from well-known names like Nikki Grimes and Francisco X. Stork to the newer voices. A Jewish girl with premenstrual dysphoric disorder orchestrates her second-chance romance in “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by Anna Drury. Rocky Callen’s “They Call Me Hurricane” is about Aida, a determined Ecuadorian American boxer battling depression. In Alechia Dow’s “We Are Stardust,” a fallen star grappling with negative thoughts becomes a brown-skinned human teenager. The book’s main lessons include the messages that you are not alone and should reach out for help and follow a treatment plan. Stories that vary in tone are particular standouts, such as Jonathan Lenore Kastin’s “Peculiar Falls,” in which a vampire with social anxiety finds saving the world from a monster cheerleader easier than talking to his classmates, and “River Boy” by James Bird (Ojibwe), which tackles bullying and grief while following the sweet friendship between the school tough girl and a boy who constantly cries. Some entries would have benefited from more space to explore their interesting concepts more fully. Each contribution is followed by a brief autobiographical statement by the author.
Message-heavy but necessary. (about the contributors, source notes, resources) (Anthology. 14-18)
In this anthology examining living with mental illness, authors tackle the subject through short stories, verse, graphic narrative, and a play script, all of which reflect their lived experiences. The collection’s greatest strength is its impressive diversity in contributors and subject matter. . . The book’s main lessons include the messages that you are not alone and should reach out for help. . . necessary.
—Kirkus Reviews
In this uniquely informed collection, sixteen authors with personal experiences with mental health conditions and struggles offer short fiction that challenges stereotypes of what it means to be “normal” in an unforgiving world that still stigmatizes people. . . There is remarkable diversity within and beyond that shared theme: gender identity, sexuality, race, cultural identity, diagnoses and treatment, and varying access to support and resources . . . Vulnerable, personal author notes after each story, a compelling and urgent introduction, and a sturdy list of mental health resources provide context and support.
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
A timely fiction anthology about teens living with mental health challenges. . . Covering topics such as anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and PMDD, this sensitive work authentically portrays its teen characters as complex beings whose positive relationships—with friends and family, and with their own mental health—exude hope.
—Publishers Weekly
All of the contributors have lived experiences with mental health, and a short blurb from each writer discusses these experiences. This collection will appeal to readers who are struggling with or interested in mental health, and prefer fiction that is written by someone who has been there.
—Booklist
The range of writing styles and techniques employed by notable authors about mental health makes this a strong addition to the shelves.
—School Library Journal
Through short stories, poetry, a graphic novel, and even a one-act play, the diverse characters demonstrate that life can still be lived beyond the struggles imposed by mental health conditions. . . characters address their situations in honest ways that will be relatable to readers.
—School Library Connection
Ab(solutely) Normal is a beautiful, funny, honest, heart-aching, heart-affirming read, one I know I’ll go back to again and again. Sixteen extraordinary authors with one powerful message: you are enough, you are seen, you are not alone. Dear readers everywhere, you need this book!
—Jennifer Niven, #1 New York Times best-selling author of All the Bright Places
Ab(solutley) Normal is a vital resource for young people and their caregivers. This book opens the conversation and crushes the stigma—a compassionate and beautiful exploration of the reality of our country’s mental health. I highly recommend it.
—A.S. King, author of the Michael L. Printz Award winner Dig
Ab(solutely) Normal does exactly what it promises: it smashes mental health stereotypes. Not only that—it smashes stereotypes with a thoughtfully curated selection of stories that will make readers laugh, cry, and, most importantly, think. This book should be required reading for all teens and their parents and teachers. Teens with mental health issues will feel seen, while those without them will learn empathy and kindness. Oh, how I wish this book had been around when I was in high school!
—Tanya Guerrero, award-winning author of How to Make Friends with the Sea, All You Knead Is Love, and Adrift
The sixteen fierce and radiant stories in Ab(solutely) Normal provide powerful affirmation for young people everywhere seeking to overcome stereotypes of what it means to live—and thrive—with a mental health condition. Editors Carpenter and Callen have pulled off the miraculous here, exploding taboos about mental health while assembling an anthology that’s as entertaining to read as it is poignant and life-affirming. By turns cathartic, inspiring, authentic, and deeply felt, this is easily the most essential book of the year for teen readers. Don’t miss it!
—Rob Costello, author of The Dancing Bears: Queer Fables for the End Times and contributing editor of Queer Beasties: 15 Weird & Wondrous Monster Tales
Ab(solutely) Normal is absolutely extraordinary and necessary. We need these stories.
—Rita Williams-Garcia, award-winning author of A Sitting in St. James
