Book Review:

 

Bibliography-

Jensen, K. (2018). Don't call me crazy: 33 voices start the conversation about mental health.

            Algonquin Young Readers Publishers. 

ISBN 9781616207816

 

Plot Summary-

To understand mental health, we need to talk openly about it. Because there’s no single definition of crazy, there’s no single experience that embodies it, and the word itself means different things—wild? extreme? disturbed? passionate?—to different people.
In (Don’t) Call Me Crazy, thirty-three actors, athletes, writers, and artists offer essays, lists, comics, and illustrations that explore a wide range of topics: their personal experiences with mental illness, how we do and don’t talk about mental health, help for better understanding how every person’s brain is wired differently, and what, exactly, might make someone crazy. If you’ve ever struggled with your mental health, or know someone who has, come on in, turn the pages . . . and let’s get talking.

 

Critical Analysis-

This book encourages readers to consider therapy as a tool when things start to feel too out of your control. Seeking professional help can often be a step towards getting better. It encouraged me to be more mindful and aware when it comes to mental illnesses. It explored many aspects of being mentally ill that I had never given thought to before. Reading the personal essays throughout the book made me want to do better. Many of the stories about mental struggles cater to a young adult audience. The authors of this book are from many different backgrounds, queer, trans, bi/multiracial, Latinx, and Native, to name a few. This enables the book to present different viewpoints on healing and coping, such as therapy and meditation. There are also many different important diagnoses and topics discussed, such as sexual assault, abusive family members, eating disorders, self-harm, transphobia, racism, sexism and attempted suicide.

 

Review Excerpts-

Washington Post Best Children’s Book of 2018

“With this diverse array of contributors offering a stunning wealth of perspectives on mental health, teens looking for solidarity, comfort, or information will certainly be able to find something that speaks to them. Resources and further reading make this inviting, much-needed resource even richer.”— Booklist review, Sarah Hunter

“Empowering . . . deeply resonant . . . With this diverse array of contributors offering a stunning wealth of perspectives on mental health, teens looking for solidarity, comfort, or information will certainly be able to find something that speaks to them. Resources and further reading make this inviting, much-needed resource even richer.”—Booklist review

Connections-

-Students can create a Book Snap, using Buncee or PicCollage, in order make connections and think more deeply about the book.

-Students can brainstorm, in their reading response journal, different ideas to help them through stressful, chaotic times in their life. If they feel comfortable, they can share with the class, others might hear ideas they haven’t heard before.

 

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