BOOK REVIEW: SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH

​If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction issues and are in need of a children’s book that addresses the topic in a heartfelt, honest, and approachable way, I highly recommend:

​TITLE: PLEASE BE OK: A STORY ABOUT ADDICTION
AUTHOR: Diane O’Neill
ILLUSTRATOR: Anastasiya Kanavaliuk
PUBLISHER: Albert Whitman
OPENING LINES:
“Come on, Dylan! Let’s go!”
Fiona couldn’t wait to get to the museum. She loved dinosaurs. But event more, she loved going places with her big brother.
Dylan peeked out from his dark bedroom. “I’m not going,” he said.
“Are you sick?” Fiona asked. “You said—”
He shut the door in her face.

This heartfelt story of addiction is told from the point of view of a young girl, Fiona, as she notices changes in her older brother, Dylan. Changes she struggles to understand. Changes she doesn’t like. Changes that make it difficult to be around the brother who was once her hero. Diane O’Neill’s text tackles a difficult subject with honesty, emotion, and in an approachable way for children to understand a very complex topic. Her author’s note to the reader provides more explanation about addiction and mental illness as well as a number to contact for help. Further, she reassures the reader that if they have a family member with an addiction, they are not alone, and it is not their fault. Anastasiya Kanavaliuk’s expressive illustrations convey all the emotions Fiona faces throughout the book, from disappointment, fear, uncertainty, sadness, guilt, and hopefulness. With so many families dealing with addiction and mental illness, this book is a valuable resource to help explain and open the door for further discussion.
 
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