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Screenwise Verdict
This is the book you hand a kid who's been complaining of mystery stomachaches before school, or who's suddenly afraid of throwing up, or who seems anxious but can't explain why. Telgemeier doesn't sugarcoat—she shows the messy, uncomfortable reality of anxiety and how it can take over your life if you don't face it.
The graphic novel format is clutch here. Kids who might shut down a 'feelings' conversation will absorb this story through pictures and dialogue bubbles, seeing themselves in Raina's spiraling thoughts and gradual progress. It's not a cure, but it's a mirror and a map.
Parents love this book because it does the heavy lifting of explaining that therapy isn't scary, that anxiety is real, and that getting help is brave. Kids love it because Raina feels like a real person, not a lesson plan. If your tween is struggling, this belongs on their shelf.
Age Fit
Best for ages 8-14, especially kids navigating anxiety, friend drama, or the confusing tween years. Younger sensitive readers might find the illness themes intense; older teens will likely have moved past the middle-grade concerns, though the mental health themes remain relevant.
WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
88
Telgemeier's memoir tackles anxiety and stomach issues with remarkable emotional honesty while modeling healthy coping mechanisms. The book shows Raina working through fears with therapy, parental support, and gradual courage-building. Friend dynamics are realistic—some drift apart, some stick around—without melodrama. The tone is gentle and validating for kids experiencing similar worries, never minimizing real struggles or offering false platitudes.
Imaginative
72
As a memoir, this is grounded in real-world experience rather than fantastical world-building, but Telgemeier's visual storytelling is expressive and engaging. The graphic novel format invites readers to connect emotionally through illustrations that capture internal anxiety states in creative ways. It's less about sparking outward creativity and more about helping kids recognize and name their own internal experiences—a different kind of imaginative work, but valuable.
Safe
82
The book directly addresses vomiting, stomach illness, and anxiety—which is the entire point—but handles it with care and purpose. Some sensitive kids might find the emetophobia themes triggering (the opening stomach bug scene is vivid), but there's no violence, no scary surprises, no inappropriate content. It's designed to help kids process these exact fears, though parents should preview if their child has severe anxiety around illness. Appropriately rated for middle-grade readers who can handle the subject matter.
Enriching
91
This is exactly the kind of book that helps kids understand that anxiety is real, manageable, and doesn't make you weird. Telgemeier normalizes therapy, shows that mental health struggles can manifest physically, and demonstrates that facing fears is a gradual process. For kids dealing with anxiety, stomach issues, or feeling 'different,' this is genuinely therapeutic. The 4.8 Amazon rating and widespread parent praise reflect its impact—it opens conversations about mental health that many families desperately need.
Parent Info
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Why It Might Be Great
Normalizes anxiety and therapy in a way that feels validating, not preachy—kids who feel 'different' will see themselves here
The graphic novel format makes mental health accessible for reluctant readers or kids who can't yet articulate their own worries
Telgemeier is brutally honest about how anxiety manifests physically, which helps kids (and parents) understand the mind-body connection
Opens the door to conversations about mental health that many families struggle to start on their own
Widely praised by parents, therapists, and kids alike—this one genuinely helps
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What to Watch For
The opening stomach bug scene is vivid—if your kid has severe emetophobia or health anxiety, preview first or read together
Some kids might recognize their own anxiety here and feel relieved; others might feel more worried—know your child
Friend dynamics include typical tween drift and exclusion, which could sting if your kid is currently navigating similar territory
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever had a stomachache that you think was connected to feeling worried or nervous?"
"Raina goes to therapy to work through her fears. What do you think about talking to someone outside the family when you're struggling?"
"Which of Raina's friends would you want to be friends with? Why do you think some friendships changed as she got older?"
"What's something that makes you feel anxious? Do you think it helps to talk about it or does it feel better to keep it private?"
