Blueloon
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Summary:
Blueloon is about a lumpy blue withered balloon who is sad and depressed and has lost most of his air due to depression.
Evaluation:
Blueloon, compels a telling story of a deflated balloon who goes to see a rock doctor in order to heal from his depression. This book is well written for children who struggle with feeling sad or uninterested in their daily and normal activities. It helps the reader realize that depression is a condition that affects how you feel and can even affect your physical characteristics. The diction in this book is written in a manner that is up lifting and light. For example the medication the doctor prescribes to Blue is a prescription of fresh air. By writing in this tone the author writes in a manner that children understand and can relate to. Along with this book there is an activity and idea book that corresponds with Blueloon. There are also several other companion books such as, Baditude.
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Can I Catch it Like a Cold?
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Summary:
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This book is about a young boy who does not understand why his father is so uninterested in normal activities, until he meets a new friend.
Evaluation:He cannot figure out what is wrong with his dad. What could he have possibly done wrong? His dad is always laying around or sleeping the day away. It is starting to take a toll on him, until he finds someone he can relate to. Can I catch it Like a Cold, is a story told from a young boy about his father’s depression. The author uses real life examples to portray the grueling side effects of this mental illness. Knowing someone with a mental illness can make you feel like you have done something wrong, however, the author of this books emphasizes the importance that it is never anyone’s fault.
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Is a Worry Worrying You?
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Summary:
This book is filled with humorous examples of worries that help the reader understand that their worries are not to be worried about.
Evaluation:“Suppose, just suppose, one hundred elephants come to tea and you discover you don’t have any tea bags. What will you do with a herd of thirsty elephants? Now, that’s a worry”! Is a Worry Worrying You, is a book filled with wild worries that will help any reader reassure themselves that their personal worries are not important. The author writes to the audience explaining that a worry is “not polite, does not have manners, and does not even ask to come in”.
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Sad Days, Glad Days
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Summary:
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Sad Days, Glad Days, is about a young girl who tries to understand why her mother sometimes has happy days, sad days, and in-between days.
Evaluation:
Amanda Martha’s mother has a lot of sad days. However, some days are glad days, and most days are in-between days. This is a story of Amanda Martha and her family’ journey dealing with depression. The author writes this story in more of a dark and gloomy tone rather than light, airy, and encouraging children who suffer with depression.
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The Bipolar Bear Family
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Summary:
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The Bipolar Bear Family is about a cub whose mother is constantly losing her temper, until is she able to find out what is causing her mood swings.
Evaluation:
Baby polar bear is used to getting yelled at by Mama Bear. He does not understand his mother’s recent behavior. However, he soon realizes that Mama Bear is not doing this out of hatred, but because she has been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. By telling the story through the eyes of polar bears, the author connects to the intended audience. Children who struggle with a parent with this condition, can see how the Bear family struggled to begin with, but then found healing in the end. The author incorporates questions and answers throughout the book that any child my think when dealing with a family member with this disorder.
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The Princess and the Fog
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Summary:
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The Princess and the Fog, is about a princess who enjoys regular activities until the mysterious fog comes around.
Evaluation:
“Once upon a time there was a Princess,” who enjoyed playing outside with her friends, reading, riding horses, and even going to school. All until the fog arrived. Although the book never clearly stats what the fog is, the reader is able to understand that the fog is her depression. The author writes the story from s personal viewpoint, because he himself suffered from depression. The author’s diction and detail empowers the reader to learn more about the Princess and how she handles her depression. Throughout the book the author writes, “As time went on it got worse and worse… she started to feel completely alone, even when she wasn’t." Students of all ages can relate to these words in some shape or form.
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The Way I Feel
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Summary:
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The Way I Feel, is a book full of catchy rhymes that express different emotional states.
Evaluation:
The Way I Feel, is a book filled with poems that display different feelings and emotions that a child might encounter on a daily bases. The illustrations and structure of this book is geared toward the targeted audience of children ages three to eight years old. Children in elementary school can find this book useful to help them understand what emotion or feeling they are experiencing. They can also read The Way I Act, a companion book to help them classify their actions.
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Wemberly Worried
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Summary:
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Wemberly Worried, is about a mouse who is constantly worrying about unnecessary things.
Evaluation:
Wemberly worried. She worried about everything, all the time. She worried that she would not like school, and that no one would like her. However, everything changes when Wemberly finds someone just like herself. This is a great book for student’s ages four to eight years old. Especially if they struggle with excessive thoughts and worry a lot. The author uses great graphics and supporting descriptions so the reader can relate and realize that they are not the only student out there who struggles with anxiety. There are several other books that are a part of this series such as, Chrysanthemum, Julius, Shelia Rea the Brave, Chester’s Way, and many more.
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What Do You Do With A Problem?
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Summary:
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What do you do with a Problem, is a book about a boy who fears that his problems follow him around and do not go away.
Evaluation:
What do you do with a Problem, is a motivational book that inspires young readers from the ages of four to eight years old to think and view their problems differently. When faced with a problem we tend to close our self-off and become meek and tired. However, the author and illustrator use supporting graphics and diction to encourage the readers to understand that, “Every problem has an opportunity for something good, you just have to look for it.” Students are also able to read What do you do with an Idea, a book for anyone who has ever had an idea that seemed too big.
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Why Is Mommy Sad?
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Summary:
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Why is Mommy Sad, is an informational book containing important definitions and examples of what depression looks like.
Evaluation:
Why is Mommy Sad, is a great resource for children who have been diagnosed with depression, or children who have a family member with depression. This book is filled with important questions that may arouse as children see the side effects of depression and the burden it can have on friends and families.
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