Sarah and the search for normal by @WesleyTKing @simonschuster @redmaple #forestofreading #ireadcanadian

Sarah and the Search for Normal
Wesley King
Simon and Schuster

Wesley King's latest novel is a prequel to his book OCDaniel. Both books address mental health issues and help to reduce the stigma of anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and OCD. Not only does Sarah, the protagonist, struggles with mental health and she also faces the fear of not fitting in.  Readers will relate to this common elementary school fear.

Sarah gives her insight into what it's like for her to be in a special education class. This is a unique perspective that we don't see often in middle grade. The novel is a great read-aloud for grades 6+ as it will generate great discussion around mental health issues and feelings of belonging.

When Wesley describes Sarah's feelings it builds empathy in the reader. Wesley King manages to write a serious novel in a humorous and relatable way. He shows the spark and intelligence in Sarah even though she must overcome many obstacles to get through the day. Sarah is a likeable character and you are rooting for her throughout the book.

No Fixed Address by @susinnielsen @TundraBooks

No Fixed Address
Susin Nielsen
Tundra Books

This realistic fiction would be a great read aloud for grades 6+ to assist with and to help develop conversation around social justice and mental health issues.  It is set in Vancouver and Felix is a high school student that must hide his homelessness and deal with his mother's mental health concerns. I think this novel reminds us all that everyone struggles in life and that it is okay to ask for help. I feel that this is another great example of how a fictional novel can develop empathy for others.  This book will be a "window" and a "mirror" for your students.  The characters are well-developed and relatable; a strength of Susin Nielsen's writing.  I couldn't help to make a text-to-text connection to Ann Braden's book The Benefits of Being an Octopus.  I feel that both authors address the struggles with poverty in a realistic and empathetic manner.  These two books would work very well together to support the inquiry around social justices issue such as poverty in our wealthy countries of Canada and the United States.