Welcome to Litsy!

Stories keep the world intact. Storytelling predates the written word by about 3000 years. Fairytales specifically have always protested against societal constraints and commented on the human condition. Fairytales offer whimsy and truth. The whimsy makes us brave, and the truth points us in the right direction. I use fairytales from around the world because they remind me of hope and they show that no one is immune to sorrow.

Did you know that trees talk? Scientifically, another tree can send love to a sad one or a sick one. Baby trees hardly get any light, which means that a baby tree should die, but the roots of the vast trees feed it. Some forests are just fine. They are roots and joy and babbling brooks. Did you know if there‘s something that poisons one tree, the forest can suffer? That‘s how I think this happened. That‘s why it‘s all my fault.

McBride resonates with many students through its relatable characters. It addresses mental health challenges & the prejudice faced by Black youth in a way that is honest but still appropriate. The story doesn‘t shy away from these difficult topics, yet it presents them in a way that‘s accessible to YA readers. By exploring these issues, young readers are empowered to engage with real-world problems & find the confidence to speak up for change.

Seeing formations like this always makes me think about my high school English teacher who had us write a poem in the shape of a thing relating to the theme (shape poems). Even if this isn‘t necessarily a shape I think the scattered-ness of it brings about a theme of scattered thoughts. Shapes are all about bringing an experience of reading the poem, or in this case the novel and I think McBride executed this in a cool way when you notice

This description and personification of sorrow was super interesting to me. I had not thought about people being so engulfed with sorrow and pain that they felt like it was holding them in a grip so tight they couldn‘t move. It seems like McBride personifies sorrow throughout this novel to show the hold it has on this person, on page 172-3 “sorrow chuckles…taps its fingers…smiles.” It was neat to me to read this and acknowledge what others feel

Round of applause for McBride tackling these issues that most people (and authors) just breeze over. She was able to bring awareness using their inner thoughts. That said I am not a fan of this style of book, I don‘t like the novel in verse writing or fantasy reads. Absolutely nothing against McBride taking on these topics and themes is super important I will absolutely keep this on my bookshelf to recommend to students it‘s just not my cup of tea

“Sometimes your own mind will unroot you.“
McBride doesn't just write about mental health, she teaches it. Through poetic metaphor, students explore how depression distorts daily life. People cast spells to hide pain. Brains “think too much,“ even when endorphines are gone. Students examine performance, masking, and the quiet toll of overthinking, all within a lyrical and accessible framework.

At the beginning of the narrative, it is unclear what reality is. The narrator exists somewhere between recovery, therapy, and fairy tales. This mix of the whimsical and reality makes you ask: Is magic a metaphor, a coping strategy, or both? This blending of fantasy and mental illness feels honest. Real pain can feel unreal, unbearable, and unrelatable.

“We can only go forward. Remember?“
This line is small on the page, but it lands with the force of a thunderclap.
We have touched pain and are no longer running from the past. Sometimes moving forward isn't brave or glamorous, it's simply what's next. And in that way, it becomes one of the most powerful lines in the book.

The last page of the novel stuck out to me the most. At the conclusion of Whimsy and Faeries adventures, when the author speaks directly to the audience. It was enough for me to grab my phone and take a picture. I think it makes the entire novel worth it, especially for younger audiences who may need to hear this, or even found themselves relating to the characters hardships throughout the novel. 10/10

When I first started this book, I was unsure of how I felt about it. The utilization of prose to tell the story was unique and encouraged me to keep reading, and by the end I was in love with the story. Its mystical elements made it feel like a more elaborate Alice in Wonderland, with important elements and themes not getting lost in the lines.

I think this book covers some heavy topics and includes language that might make some students uncomfortable, so I probably wouldn‘t use it as a whole-class read. That said, it could be a great option for students who are dealing with mental health struggles and ask for recommendations. I‘d definitely give a heads-up about the content, but it‘s still a thoughtful and creative resource for the right reader.

“We need to remember that the mind is still a mind, floating like a newborn cloud or bird wings drowning in hardened chocolate. My point is that a leaf knows it‘s important, at all moments of its life even when it is broken.  People always forget that a rough day, a bad year— doesn‘t equal a bad life.”
While this book is not my cup of tea, it is undeniable that it harbors many beautiful, important quotes, that would be helpful to one struggling.

The book deserves credit for tackling important, often taboo topics like mental illness and generational trauma, particularly within the Black community. That said, its execution falls short. The fantasy elements are vague, the worldbuilding lacks depth, and key terms are poorly explained. With so many competing themes, none are given the depth they deserve.

McBride illustrates Whimsy‘s depression through bold language, shifting structure, and layout. Parentheses echo intrusive thoughts, while her right-aligned dialogue visually sets her apart, showing her sense of isolation. Sudden changes in structure reflect the confusion and unpredictability of recovery. I have never read a book formatted in such a way before.

McBride weaves a beautiful story about perseverance. The fantastical elements were not my cup of tea; however, I could see many YA readers enjoying this book. My favorite part of McBride's novel is the final message that one is never alone. Mental illness is often a struggle behind closed doors, but there is always someone rooting for you. I would love to include this novel in my classroom library and recommend it to my whimsy-loving students.

McBride's novel appeals to so many students with her characters. Mental health conditions and prejudice against black kids are at the forefront of the novel, but are not overwhelming for adolescent minds. These issues are not sugarcoated, yet they are not made too graphic for YA readers. McBride's novel encourages adolescents to learn about issues which, in turn, encourages them to use their voices for change.

I have been captivated by the structure. Much like my students, when I open a book, I expect lines upon lines of words thrown onto the page. However, McBride's structure provides an air of whimsy, making the book itself seem like a journey. I think it would be cool to take excerpts from this book and pair them with other texts to highlight different styles of writing while bringing awareness to mental health.

McBride did a good job at positioning mental health in a digestible way that is easily understandable for younger readers. Depression was not tip-toed around nor glorified. McBride also weaved in racial identity with mental health in a powerful way that deserves recognition. Combined with the fantastical setting, this book is a classic young adult literature novel that holds moral value and entertainment for younger audiences.

I'm going to be honest- I did not connect with this book. It was well-written but it is not a book I would particularly choose to read in my own time. It was interesting considering it was written in verse and a good example at that. I think that listening to the audiobook did shape my overall experience. At some points the audiobook worked well and others I was wishing I had a physical copy. Although the book was not my speed I see the appeal.

I loveeed this book. I think the connection between Whimsy's magical world and her emotional reality was beautifully done. The way McBride uses fantasy elements like fairies, forests, and spells to explore topics like mental health, trauma, and healing made the story feel both whimsical and authentic. Whimsy‘s journey felt both very personal and poetic, and her bond with Faerry was one of the most touching parts of the book.

A beautifully written book! I went in blind so I wasn't expecting a novel in verse at first, but I LOVED it and think it was a great medium to highlight all of the symbols, metaphors, and emotions of Whimsy and Faerry's story. I also appreciate McBride bringing in many diverse cultural allusions and practices to Whimsy's life and her healing journey that help make her HER and teach her valuable lessons. “The only way out is through.“ ❤️

One thing I loved about this book was the attention it brought to Black mental health. Unfortunately, people of color are not as widely recognized for their mental health issues because of past (and ongoing) racial prejudice, but this book highlights their struggles and journeys navigating this complex topic. The fantastical garden allegory and inclusion of Black spirituality made this discussion unique but also digestable for younger audiences!

I noted an activity idea inspired by something from one of my classes that could work with this book too! Just like Whimsy calls upon fairy tale/myth/folklore characters with their own lessons that help her, students could research their own character, find a lesson they could teach or advice they could give for their IRL lives, and then write a letter or advice column “from“ that character. Maybe Whimsy's reflection strategy could help them too!

“The only way out is through.“

What a line! In dealing with difficult emotions and anxiety, the only (true) way to escape them and be free is to face them head on. I think this line works well with the magical realism elements too, and the ominous forest is a cool thing to relate mental health issues too. When one finds themselves in the woods, the only way to get out is to go through the woods; the same applies to mental health issues.

I think this book is why young adult literature shines. It takes a serious topic like mental health and presents it in an appropriate and manageable way for young adults. This generation is the most anxious generation (because of the “darn phones“), and so I feel like, to some extent at least, most students can relate to the events in the book. When thinking about engagement, having characters or situations that students can relate to matters.

McBride makes it clear throughout the novel (in her author's note and acknowledgments as well!) that we are never alone, no matter the struggles we face. The two owls (later revealed to be Whimsy and Faerry's siblings) follow the characters throughout the story, providing aid and protection. They are never questioned, never thanked, and never absent. This representation of support translates to a less magical world: someone always has our back.

Truly a beautiful book. The free verse style, layered motifs, and deep conversations held within the words created such a wonderful and heartfelt story. Mental health includes a lot of things (and can be a struggle for our students and ourselves). I loved the incorporation of fairy tales as a manifestation of Whimsy's internal struggles, built from her interests and demonstrating a sort of comfort even amongst the sorrow.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

“Black boys don‘t get to be sad and feel their feelings.”
#RiseupReads

#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. 💜💜💜

#AprilReCap -- I LOVE ❤️ 💕 💗 💖 💘 #Audiobooks - They have been instrumental in my #AudioCommute #AudioReSet #AudioChores

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

#riseupreads

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

Folklore and fairytale references
Sorrow‘s garden
Whimsy and Faerry‘s journey through the forest

#riseupreads