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8YO: “Momma, did you pick this to read with me because the girl in it is a lot like me?”
Me: “Well, that MAY have been a factor…”
Definitely a factor, in fact. Alma Fullerton has some very nice picture books and one fantastic verse novel brought to my attention by my 2nd girlie; The Journal of Anxious Izzy Parker is her newest book, and it’s an excellent one if you have an elementary schooler struggling with anxiety. It IS short–79 pages with more than one full page illustration–but watching Izzy learn to cope with and grow because of her anxiety is a beautiful thing. I’d actually recommend this one to elementary schoolers in general, because even if they don’t see themselves in Izzy, it’s just as helpful for them to see themselves in her classmates. Its length and illustrations make it accessible for reluctant readers, and yet there’s enough emotional depth that all ages and abilities can appreciate it. In short? A perfect read to start off the new school year!*
*In our case, somewhat more literally perfect as well. I finished reading it to my new 3rd grader (who’s completely capable of reading it by herself if I hadn’t chosen it for a read-aloud) yesterday morning at the breakfast table, because getting her to eat enough that she won’t be hangry is still a monumental chore.