#booked2022 ~set in a Canadian Province A middle grades graphic novel about a Chinese-Canadian girl who suffers from anxiety and is trying to make friends in a new school.
pickThis was an insightful #middlegrade #graphicnovel about mental illness (anxiety and panic disorder). It was handled so well by the author and was semi autobiographical. I remember feeling the same way at 11! Will resonate with readers of all ages. Like the author, I‘m STILL a big fan of plushies and other “toys.”
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https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LRC8xNy-HeI
pickA well written middle grades graphic novel that touches upon two important issues. Cultures and the importance of inclusion and learning from those that are not the same as you AND anxiety and depression. This story let‘s the reader know that it‘s ok to feel this way, you‘re not alone and talking about your feelings and what you‘re going through with parents, doctors and friends can be helpful.
pickA charming graphic novel inspired by the author‘s experiences as a Canadian child of Cantonese immigrants. Rosena Fung had panic attacks & often felt nervous & sad like Olivia in this story. I love the way Fung depicted the voice in Olivia‘s head as a double self, someone she called Viola, using shades of blue in the art. I especially love how Olivia asked for help & learned coping skills to support her mental wellbeing. #Canadian #kidlit #comics
Olivia‘s aunts are aghast at her assertion regarding her future job preference. (What? No med school?)
This homeroom teacher and her corny jokes are a lovely constant through this middle grade graphic novel.
pick4 ⭐Being a kid is no easy task. Being a kid with anxiety is even worse. In this genera defining look at children‘s mental health, Livy sees her anxiety as her shadow or her other self with its own name and personality: Viola. Viola is loud and mean, and really hard to ignore. But Livy gives it her best. Livy‘s family are immigrants in Canada and things are not as easy as they thought, and the extended family is
pickA thoughtful and emotionally resonant story of middle grader Olivia, a middle grader who lives with Viola (her mental health issues). Graphic Novel is an ideal format for this concept and I loved the contrast between the warm colours of Olivia‘s life and the coolness of Viola‘s trying to undermine it.
Living with Viola | 
