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We Are All So Good at Smiling
We Are All So Good at Smiling | Amber McBride
105 posts | 31 read | 18 to read
They Both Die at the End meets The Bell Jar in this haunting, beautiful young adult novel-in-verse about clinical depression and healing from trauma, from National Book Award Finalist Amber McBride. Whimsy is back in the hospital for treatment of clinical depression. When she meets a boy named Faerry, she recognizes they both have magic in the marrow of their bones. And when Faerry and his family move to the same street, the two start to realize that their lifelines may have twined and untwined many times before. They are both terrified of the forest at the end of Marsh Creek Lane. The Forest whispers to Whimsy. The Forest might hold the answers to the part of Faerry he feels is missing. They discover the Forest holds monsters, fairy tales, and pain that they have both been running from for 11 years.
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review
Makyah
Mehso-so

I appreciate the authors unique take on showcasing depression, grief, and trauma and the back sliding that people can face when trying to overcome that. Especially as people of color and the weight of having to deal with racial discrimination on top of that. I recognize the points the author is trying to convey but the way it was delivered through this grim fairytale style didn‘t hit for me the way I wanted it too.

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Makyah

This book would be a great tool for students to use in order to practice reading comprehension skills and practice the skill of understanding the author‘s deeper meaning with this story as well as recognizing the authors purpose. This would also be a good diverse read for people to understand the harsh realities of the way black families view/ deal with mental health.

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Makyah
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So far I am interested in the story in regards to mental health among black teens. The whole whimsical aspect that the author is going for to symbolize what Whimsy is going through feels almost dream like. However sometimes I‘m finding myself being a little lost within the story due to the excessive symbolism and it being too abstract.

annagsears Makyah, this is the same struggle I had! I feel like, additionally, this work would be a little more challenging to teach in the classroom, and not just because of its content dealing with depression and other sensitive topics. It almost reminds me of “The Faerie Queene“ in a way, as the poetics confused me from the plot. I feel like if my students wanted a challenge and were able to handle the “trigger warnings,“ I would recommend it to them. 3d
1 comment
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tatumlanders
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My favorite part of this book was the three perspectives on the death of Faerry and Whimsy‘s siblings. Not only was this a crucial turning point in the narrative, but an important statement in guilt, forgiveness, and atonement. I was left wondering if their parents felt the same guilt Faerry and Whimsy did, and if they were able to finally forgive themselves (or at least remember) when the younger children returned home.

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tatumlanders
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I was very impressed by the writing in this book, and the creativity the author brought to symbolizing the character‘s depression. However, I think it was a little too abstract for me to truly enjoy reading it. After finishing the book, I had to look up multiple summaries and analyses to make sense of it. I also just didn‘t connect with the characters at all, and I think I could have if there was more intentional character development.

Makyah I felt the same way honestly. I am glad I wasn‘t the only one thinking this. I loved the deeper meaning that that author was trying to convey but it was just done up in a way that was too indirect that I had a hard time connecting with the story and the characters. 4d
1 like1 comment
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tatumlanders
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With recommending any book, it‘s important for us to know our students so that we suggest the right book for them. Personally, I don‘t think I would ever recommend this book to a student. This is not because it isn‘t a beautifully written book, but because it addresses topics that can be very triggering for students. For some students, this could be just the book they need to feel understood. For others, it could be just a little too real.

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annagsears
This post contains spoilers
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This may be the literature nerd in me, but I was so excited to see Dante's “Inferno“ playing a prominent role throughout this piece. The narrative of the novel mirrors Dante's in several ways. For instance, they must traverse multiple environments where their wills are tested to escape “hell,“ which in Whimsy's case, is the forest. Furthermore, they have guides that assist them through this process, such as Beatrice for Dante, and Cole for Whimsy.

Makyah Wow I did not realize this story drew a lot of inspo from Dante‘s inferno. I think if I‘d read that book before this one I would‘ve understood and appreciated it more but I‘m glad you explained this connection in your post! 4d
1 like1 comment
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annagsears
This post contains spoilers
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“The only way out is through.“ (McBride 134)
In my review post, I mentioned how I appreciated the metaphor of prevailing over depression and its association with magical realism. In this book, Whimsy and Faerry, depression becomes tangible in the form of Sorrow and her garden, where they must communicate with and support each other to survive. For students, this aspect can demonstrate how to help others in their mental health struggles.

review
annagsears
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Mehso-so

I will admit that I initially attempted to read this book in audio format, but upon realizing it was in verse, I picked up the hard copy so I could focus on the text more. I initially found the verse intertwined with magical realism to be a little confusing, but I appreciate the metaphor that the book provides regarding Whimsy and Faerry's experience with depression.

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peanutnine
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Pickpick

Read last month for #riseupreads @Catsandbooks
I really liked the lyricism of this story and how the folklore tales were used as metaphors for dealing with mental health struggles. Just a beautiful book!
This was also my #doublespin for April @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Great progress!!! 1mo
Catsandbooks Wonderful! ✊🏼💜 4w
33 likes2 comments
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Bookwormjillk
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Pickpick

Wow, this book was something. The teenage experiences of two Black children living with depression, trauma, and being different all told in verse. Through it all fairy tales were woven in. I loved it. #RiseUpReads @Catsandbooks

TheBookHippie One of my top reads last year! 1mo
Bookwormjillk @TheBookHippie amazing. I don‘t know what took me so long. 1mo
Catsandbooks Wonderful! ✊🏼❤️ 4w
64 likes1 stack add4 comments
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Singout
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“Black boys don‘t get to be sad and feel their feelings.”
#RiseupReads

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DebinHawaii
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Pickpick

#Read2025

OK, I think this is my last book to review for April. This one was for #RiseUpReads & I loved the lyrical verse it was written in. Using fairytale & folklore room around the world to talk about clinical depression is such a creative way to talk about a difficult subject, especially for young adults. I enjoyed reading it & might listen to the audiobooks as I think that would be a powerful way to experience the prose. 💜💜💜

TheBookHippie I loved this read last year and the reread was just as good! 2mo
DieAReader 🎉🎉🎉 2mo
Catsandbooks Glad you enjoyed it! ✊🏼❤️🔥 2mo
58 likes3 comments
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ElizaMarie
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#AprilReCap -- I LOVE ❤️ 💕 💗 💖 💘 #Audiobooks - They have been instrumental in my #AudioCommute #AudioReSet #AudioChores

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Kristy_K
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Pickpick

A truly unique look at mental health and depression. I think the way Sorrow was depicted was especially affecting and pictorial.

#riseupreads

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Catsandbooks
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Mental health matters

“The only way out is through…”

My dad committed suicide when I was 10. I've had depression and anxiety my whole life. I take antidepressants. I've done therapy multiple times in my life. I believe it's important to discuss mental health and reduce the stigma around mental illnesses. If anyone is ever struggling I am always here to talk. Please reach out!

Resources below

#riseupreads

Catsandbooks Call or text 988 in the US for immediate help. 988lifeline.org 2mo
See All 14 Comments
Catsandbooks https://afsp.org/get-help/ I've walked with this organization 💙 2mo
AmyG You are so kind to post this. 2mo
AllDebooks That's such a harsh start in life for you. Thank you for sharing your story, positive messages and support links. X 2mo
Susanita Thank you for sharing your story. My mother dealt with bipolar disorder all her life, and we had limited discussions if any as a family. 2mo
Melismatic Echoing what‘s being said here - so many mental health struggles in my family as well. It‘s so much more common than some people wish to believe. So important to walk this road of life with empathy. You never know what someone is going through. 2mo
JenReadsAlot Thank you for sharing. My best friends mom did at the same age so I have seen her struggles. I'm also a therapist ❤️ 2mo
ElizaMarie Thank you for feeling comfortable enough to share this story. I find it very empowering that you can so. By being raw, honest, and candid, you have provided help/hope to those around you. It helps normalize mental health struggles and allows others to feel confident in telling their own stories. I believe stories (like yours, and this book) help in so many ways. 2mo
lil1inblue Thank you for sharing! It can be so helpful and empowering for people to hear that they are not alone in their mental health struggles. One of the worst things about depression is how isolating it can be. ❤ I, too, have had anxiety and depression for most of my life, and I experienced trauma during my childhood. It really helped my healing once I knew I wasn't alone in my experiences. 2mo
peanutnine ❤️❤️❤️ I hope that the stigma surrounding mental health continues to be fought against. I think it's better to be open about things so others don't feel alone 2mo
Catsandbooks @AmyG @alldebooks @susanita @melismatic @JenReadsAlot @ElizaMarie @lil1inblue @peanutnine Thank you all for the support and sharing your own experiences ❤️ 2mo
45 likes14 comments
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Catsandbooks
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Folklore and fairytale references
Sorrow‘s garden
Whimsy and Faerry‘s journey through the forest

#riseupreads

AllDebooks I LOVED this book so very much. 2mo
See All 6 Comments
ElizaMarie Fairytales and folklore were ways to teach important lessons in life. I love how this author used these references in that way as well. It made for such beautiful storytelling. 2mo
lil1inblue I really liked how she used fairytales and folklore from different cultures. I feel like it made the book more universal and relatable, despite your background. 2mo
peanutnine Loved the fairytale aspect!! Definitely made it relatable and I liked how it felt like the characters were on a quest, with different riddles to solve and problems to overcome 2mo
43 likes1 stack add6 comments
review
Catsandbooks
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this fantasy told in verse about depression, trauma, and the journey to heal.

For me I noticed that they finally could heal when the truth was revealed and everyone started communicating with each other. While the truth isn't always accessible, communication and talking through things instead ignoring or trying to forget about them is necessary to work through issues.

#riseupreads

Melismatic I enjoyed this - I definitely think it‘s the type to lend itself to a reread to spot all of the hidden metaphors at play. 2mo
See All 6 Comments
ElizaMarie I agree - I think the fact that they weren't able to heal initially is because they are hiding the truth from themselves. Pain/grief/emotional turmoil doesn't go away when we ignore it, and I think this book does a great job at reminding its readers that they must go “through“ it in order to heal. I loved this narrative. I listened to this one (which was read beautifully), but I feel like re-reading at a slower pace may be in order soon. 2mo
lil1inblue Totally agree re: revealing the truth to heal. That part really hit home for me. The parts about the forgetting spells were really powerful for me. 2mo
peanutnine I waited til the last minute to read this one and then devoured it in like two days. I really loved it! I thought it stressed beautifully how memory plays a big role in grief, and how trauma can warp your understanding of what really happened. Confronting the truth can be difficult but ultimately promotes healing 2mo
41 likes6 comments
review
lil1inblue
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Pickpick

Every so often, accidental themes start emerging with the books I'm reading. Lately, it is "books that I wish were in existence during my adolescence." What a unique, yet painfully accurate, approach to discussing depression and trauma. This one is going to stick with me for a while.

#riseupreads @catsandbooks

TheBookHippie I adored this book I read it last year from the library and promptly bought a copy. I agree with your sentiment. I wish books like this existed when I was a teen. 2mo
lil1inblue @TheBookHippie 🩵🩵🩵 2mo
Catsandbooks Glad you enjoyed it! ✊🏼❤️ 2mo
See All 6 Comments
ElizaMarie I think this book definitely falls into that theme for me too - “books I wish were in existence during my adolescence“ ❤️❤️❤️❤️ 2mo
lil1inblue @Catsandbooks 💓 💓 💓 2mo
lil1inblue @ElizaMarie 💙 💙 💙 2mo
36 likes1 stack add6 comments
review
Melismatic
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Pickpick

Soft pick. Layered with metaphor. The type of poetry you‘ll need to sit with a bit.
#RiseUpReads

Catsandbooks ✊🏼🔥❤️ 2mo
21 likes1 comment
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Melismatic
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Snagged this from the library today - looking forward to it! #RiseUpReads

Catsandbooks 🔥❤️ 2mo
28 likes1 comment
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AllDebooks
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Oh my, this book really is something special. I'm reading slowly to savour every verse.😍 I can't understand why this author is not stocked in the UK.

#RiseUpReads @Catsandbooks

lil1inblue That brought a tear to my eye. 💙 2mo
AllDebooks @lil1inblue me too x 2mo
AnnCrystal 💝💝💝. 2mo
MeganAnn Loved this book so much! ❤️ 2mo
Catsandbooks It's lovely! 2mo
38 likes5 comments
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AllDebooks
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Blankets ✔️
Earl Grey tea ✔️
Snacks - walnuts and dark chocolate ✔️
New book arrived from USA this week. ✔️ I decided to wait for #HyggeHour as it looks like a very mindful read.
Happy me ✔️

#RiseUpReads @Catsandbooks
@Chrissyreadit @TheBookHippie

TheBookHippie I adored this book. 2mo
Karisa Pretty cover 😍 2mo
Catsandbooks Enjoy! 💖 2mo
AllDebooks @TheBookHippie it's beautiful 😍 2mo
49 likes4 comments
review
Laughterhp
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Pickpick

#riseupreads

This was an interesting book and really good on audio. I‘m glad it was picked for this month. This book is about clinical depression and trauma, with fairytale whimsy swirled in.

Melismatic I have this on hold at the library - I‘m excited for it. 💖 2mo
Catsandbooks Yay! ✊🏼🔥💖 2mo
50 likes2 comments
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DebinHawaii
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At the airport, heading to Hilo for the day. Breakfast & a few chapters of this one for #RiseUpReads

Glad it‘s Friday! 😵‍💫😴🥱

Catsandbooks Yay! ❤️ 2mo
51 likes1 comment
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ElizaMarie
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Pickpick

I enjoyed listening to this one. The author read it, and I found it quite beautiful. @CatsAndBooks I am excited for the discussion at the end of the month :) ❤️❤️❤️❤️ #RiseUpReads

Conor looking uncharacteristically sweet :)

BookmarkTavern What a charming face! 💖 2mo
Ruthiella ❤️🐶❤️🐶❤️ 2mo
TheSpineView Cuteness overload! ❤️🐾🐕 2mo
See All 6 Comments
dabbe #cutieconor 🖤🐾🖤 2mo
Leftcoastzen Awwww! 2mo
Catsandbooks Glad you enjoyed it! Adorable pup! ❤️ 2mo
22 likes6 comments
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peanutnine
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My April #bookspin and #doublespin picks!
Any of my #roll100 picks and the buddy read for #riseupreads 🦋
@TheAromaofBooks @PuddleJumper @Catsandbooks

TheAromaofBooks Yay!! Enjoy!! 3mo
43 likes1 comment
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LitsyEvents
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Repost for @Catsandbooks

Reminder for #riseupreads April

Read at your own pace. There will be a discussion posted on Litsy at the end of the month.

Please tag @Catsandbooks in your posts & use #riseupreads If you are not currently tagged & would like to be let @Catsandbooks know.

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Catsandbooks
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Reminder for #riseupreads April

Read at your own pace. There will be a discussion posted on Litsy at the end of the month.

Please tag me in your posts & use #riseupreads
If you're not currently tagged & would like to be, let me know.

TheBookHippie It‘s so so good! 3mo
See All 12 Comments
Librarybelle My copy is waiting for me at the library! 3mo
peanutnine Excited for this one! 3mo
AllDebooks This looks so good, struggling to get my hands on a copy, though 3mo
mhillis Looking forward to reading this one too! 3mo
Kristy_K This has been on my tbr for a while. I‘d love to be tagged! 3mo
Catsandbooks @Kristy_K Would you like to be tagged for future months too or just this month? 3mo
Kristy_K @Catsandbooks Future months too please! 3mo
Catsandbooks @Kristy_K awesome! Added you! ❤️ 3mo
Kristy_K @Catsandbooks Thank you! 3mo
47 likes12 comments
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DebinHawaii
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#MentalHealthMonday

1. Tired & a bit overwhelmed work-wise. Having a little extra time off was helpful in some ways but put me behind in others.

2. I‘m excited to read this mental health fiction book with #RiseUpReads next month. Including the post from @Catsandbooks in case anyone wants to join in.
Catsandbooks's post on Litsy https://litsy.com/p/YUV3NTJOeWw4

Kerrbearlib I hope you‘re able to catch up on some rest. I loved this book - great choice! Thanks for sharing! (edited) 4mo
Catsandbooks Looking forward to it! 💖 3mo
TheBookHippie I loved this book!! 3mo
50 likes3 comments
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LitsyEvents
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Repost for @Catsandbooks

#RiseUpReads April 2025

We Are All So Good At Smiling by Amber McBride

Read at your own pace. There will be a discussion posted on Litsy at the end of the month.

Please tag @Catsandbooks in your posts and use #riseupreads If you‘re not tagged and would like to be let @Catsandbooks know

Content warnings: mental illness, suicide, grief, panic attack, bullying, racism, death, self harm

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Catsandbooks
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#RiseUpReads April 2025

We are all so good at smiling by Amber Mcbride

Read at your own pace. There will be a discussion posted on Litsy at the end of the month.

Please tag me in your posts & use #riseupreads
If you're not currently tagged & would like to be, let me know.

Content warnings: mental illness, suicide, grief, panic attacked, bullying, racism, death, self harm

50 likes2 stack adds7 comments
review
Zuhkeeyah
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Pickpick

An emotional roller-coaster highlighting the struggles of clinical depression through poetry. Whimsy sees her world through a magical lens of fairy tales. Her story mirrors that of the original Grimm tales where the world was full of danger and small glimmers of hope.
 @MeganAnn I finished this book a couple of weeks ago, but I found myself immediately diving back in. McBride incorporates so much into her poems and I wanted to catch it all.

Zuhkeeyah #auldlangspine book 3 was another great one @monalyisha 5mo
TheBookHippie I loved this read last year! 5mo
MeganAnn Yes! I‘m so happy you liked this one! I do not read a lot of novels in verse but this was so brilliantly done I couldn‘t put it down. I too had to reread sections after finishing to dive deeper and savor her words. And I thought about this one for months afterward. 💙 5mo
monalyisha Interesting! 5mo
29 likes3 stack adds4 comments
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AroundTheBookWorld
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ms.gabourel
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This passage depicts Whimsy's attitude towards group therapy and the desire to escape from reality. Instead of being there in the moment (which is far too painful, Whimsy chooses to escape to a far more comfortable land of fairy tales instead. I think this is a great depiction of coping mechanisms. This could spark some great discussion in the classroom and help foster SEL.

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ms.gabourel

“You know, Frankenstein thought himself a god saying, I‘ll make a human. God blistered & bothered in the stars saying, How about a mind plague for humankind? We could call it Clinical Depression.

Then they handed it out, like spoiled candy.”

ms.gabourel I feel that this excerpt touches on so many large ideas. While it has the potential to be overwhelming for students, it could also be a very poetic way for them to consider the concept of depression and creation. 12mo
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ms.gabourel
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I love two things about this passage. First, I appreciate how it's an interlude. Personally, my only experience with the term “interlude“ is when it's in an albumI appreciate it in writing, however, because I feel that it can be helpful to introduce students to different styles of writing. We can discuss how interludes are used in musical and theatrical context. The 2nd reason is the breaking of the 4th wall. This also displays different styles.

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ms.gabourel
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This excerpt from “Anansi Cries“ really stood out to me as I read the book. This passage would pair very well with a unit on narratives. We could also focus on narratives that are missing from the media, or falsely portrayed in the media. This covers both diversity and media literacy. My one concern with this unit plan would be requiring all students to read this book. The nature of the book makes me hesitate to assign it as a whole class text.

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becky_lalaian

I liked how the mystery of what happened to Whimsy and Faerry's siblings was revealed to them. Because this took up a part of their lives and caused the depression and sorrow that they are having to face, they couldn't find closure in order to fully heal. I think this also represents the amount of times many people end up going back tot he hospital, like Whimsy does. It's hard to heal when something deep rooted remains with no explanation.

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becky_lalaian

one thing I especially liked about this novel was the representation of friendship that is there through hardships and difficult times. Whimsy and Faerry take on a lot together, the forest at the edge of Marsh Creek Lane included. I think that the “monsters“ within the forest can also be seen as things that are hard to deal with for the friends. In a way, we all have “monsters“ in that forest, and sometimes it's nice to not deal with them alone.

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becky_lalaian

I really enjoyed reading this book. I also liked the writing style. Reading something in verse is definitely different from what i'm used to, but I found it to be a good change of pace. I also thought the thematic material in this book
(such as clinical depression, etc...) is something that we need to talk about more, and i'm glad McBride doesn't shy away from it. I think that this is a good book for high school age readers to take on.

ms.gabourel I agree that this book could be great for students to read and reflect on. Especially in middle and high school, when students could possibly be facing similar struggles themselves. Reading a book like this can remind them that they are not alone. 12mo
1 comment
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CassidyCheatwood

So far, this has been my least favorite book to read because it was difficult to follow. However, I think the story is very important for younger audiences to relate to. I feel as if that‘s what the whole purpose of reading is—-and I know there are so many kids out there who need to hear this to feel seen in their own circumstances like this. I felt like this story, in its telling, came to life and allows for ambiguous/personal interpretation.

CassidyCheatwood I also wanted to add, it feels really important also in a world where we should encourage students to take charge of their mental health and not be ashamed of what they go through. Feeling heard and NOT ALONE is so so important, and I think that‘s why this is a great book for younger audiences 12mo
2 likes1 comment
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CassidyCheatwood

“Leaves don‘t think but they know things….And when the leaf decays into the soil so much and it no longer looks like a leaf, even then, even then, it is a leaf.” This quote by Whimsy was a favorite. To me, it‘s a way of saying that no matter what someone has gone through or done, at the end of the day, they‘re still a person. She says “a brain is still a brain, with or without serotonin,” and I take that as there are no limits to define humanity.

review
DanyYnad
Pickpick

I was mixed up with this book both because of my appreciation for an audience of younger readers and also for my own taste as a reader. I think this is a wonderful book to introduce to older middle school or younger high schoolers with even certain sections being perfect to introduce for poetry units. This will definitely stay in my own library to see how I would put this to use.

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DanyYnad

Very honestly I was lost throughout a lot of this book. I felt like I understood and then felt lost and the cycle continued as Whimsy also encountered her own confusing emotions and feelings and memories. It was such a cool moment getting that realization that the confusion was so purposeful to represent what it must be like. I think it‘s something that younger audiences would love to see and have an even more interesting aspect to the story.

Alexa_Cussans I also found this book to be really confusing at times, but I think that younger audiences might like that aspect 12mo
ms.gabourel I agree, Dany! I think this would also be a great book to work through with young readers. It really demonstrates author's choice in writing, which may be unfamiliar to our students. This book could be a great learning moment for them as they explore untraditional narratives. 12mo
1 like2 comments
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abbytayloryalit

While this moment isn't super relevant to the grand scheme of the book, I keep coming back to it. I just cannot get over the teacher's reaction to Whimsy's ex-boyfriend making a joke about her killing herself shortly after she was hospitalized. Obviously, she shouldn't have threatened to shove a book down his throat, but I don't understand the teacher's response. Kevin was targeting a vulnerable student and somehow Whimsy was sent to the office.

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abbytayloryalit

The first moment in this book that I would describe as jaw-dropping is on page 22 when she says, “I get why Mom & Dad brought me here for the 11th time in 10 years“. Up until this point, the readers would have gathered that it was not Whimsy's first time in the hospital, but this moment confirms just how badly Whimsy is doing mentally and how she is not getting better.

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abbytayloryalit

I found the note from the author at the beginning of the book to be extremely special. I think in a world of book banning this message was extremely strategic. McBride gives an overview of the topics that she will be covering but also explains her intent with the book. I think it's awesome how she not only created a book that is validating for many students but also has an author's note where readers can feel her empathy.

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abbytayloryalit

At first, I found this book's structure extremely annoying. As soon as I saw that the book was in verse, I preemptively decided I wouldn't like it. However, the more I read the more I saw how McBride was extremely intentional in her decision-making and realized the structure didn't inhibit my understanding of the story. I was enjoying the book by the second chapter.

ms.gabourel This was exactly how I felt when I first started reading “Poet X“! I feel like I now have a new appreciation for books in verse and this can be a really great introduction to more approachable poetry for students. 12mo
CassidyCheatwood I had a very similar experience!!! Books written in verse are not usually something I love, but the meaning makes it all worth it and more important to students who don‘t like verse either. 11mo
2 comments