Book Review:

 

 

Bibliography:

Telgemeier, R. (2019). GUTS. Graphix Publishing.

 

 Plot Summary:

Raina wakes up one night with a terrible upset stomach. Her mom has one, too, so it's probably just a bug. Raina eventually returns to school, where she's dealing with the usual highs and lows, friends, not-friends, and classmates who think the school year is just one long gross out session. It soon becomes clear that Raina's tummy trouble isn't going away, and it coincides with her worries about food, school, and changing friendships. What's going on? Raina Telgemeier wrote a thoughtful, charming, and funny true story about growing up and gathering the courage to face and conquer her fears.

 

 Critical Analysis:

The storytelling is relatable and absorbing, an excellent portrayal of anxiety and how therapy can benefit kids with anxiety. The scenes with her therapist were insightful and can ease any fears kids may have about seeing a therapist. Raina’s friends and family are also central to the book’s plot, they provide enough drama to keep the reader entertained. Many relatable topics are covered in this book, from dealing with the squabbles of living in a small house and sharing spaces, to a mean girl at school, having a friend of a different culture, and even the fun of trying new foods! In today’s stressful world, more and more kids are struggling with anxiety over a variety of issues. As an adult now, looking back, I recognize that a lot of fear and worry I felt as a child was actually anxiety. This is what GUTS explores throughout its amazing graphic pages. It represents an honest portrayal of what anxiety feels like for others. It also shows them they’re not alone as well as what options are available. There is also a note from the author at the end of the novel that discusses her struggles during her primary school years and how they inspired the novel. 

 

Review Excerpts:

Eisner Award-winner

School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

School Library Journal Best Graphic Novel of the Year

Publishers Weekly Starred Review: “The story both normalizes therapy and shows a child developing useful coping mechanisms for anxiety in a way that will reassure, even inspire, readers."

Booklist Starred Review: "Telgemeier is prodigiously talented at telling cheerful stories with realistic portrayals of middle-school characters."

 

 Connections:

-Have students use a graphic organizer to sequence main events throughout the story.

-Students can journal privately about any fears they have and brainstorm ways to overcome them.

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