You may have seen on social media or even heard someone say out loud, “Adulting is hard.” While most adults will agree with that statement, it’s also important for us to acknowledge that being a kid is hard. Being a teenager is incredibly hard too! Factor in any kind of neurodivergence or chronic illness, and life is that much more difficult. Luckily for readers, authors are coming out with more relatable books to show younger readers that while life can be hard, it’s not impossible.
ADHD is not an easy condition to describe. But in the picture book “Lost Inside My Head,” Vigg uses metaphor to try and help showcase what it looks like for the main character Vincent. After struggling with a presentation in his class, Vincent becomes frustrated with himself. He then describes to the reader how his mind is set up like a house with many spaces and aspects: Each part has a specific purpose, like the space room is a good place for him to go when he feels overwhelmed. This picture book has a lot of layers to it, but it’s a great resource for someone trying to understand ADHD.
Some chronic illnesses, like Crohn’s disease, are invisible. Kids can appear to be “normal” or “healthy” until symptoms arise or new medications have side effects. In the middle grade book “Will On The Inside” by Andrew Eliopulos, main character Will has to learn how to navigate life with Crohn’s disease. On top of trying to manage this new crucial aspect of his life, Will also has to handle middle school relationships and his own sense of identity.
On a different (music) note, “The Color of Sound” by Emily Barth Isler features musical prodigy Rosie. She has synesthesia, meaning she sees colors when listening to music. Her mother’s expectations prompt 12-year-old Rosie to take a break from her musical gift and spend time visiting her grandparents. On this trip, Rosie learns all about her family, her music, and herself. This middle grade book explores intergenerational relationships alongside a unique sensory experience.
For our young adult readers, the book “Ellie Haycock is Totally Normal” by Gretchen Schreiber explores another angle. Schreiber starts the book with an important author’s note: “This is one story and it cannot be all things to everyone. I know what it is to hunt for yourself on the shelves and the betrayal and frustration that comes from a story being close but just slightly off.” No matter your own health background, main character Ellie is relatable. Her “home” life includes shining on the speech and debate team with her friends. But her “hospital” life includes a lot of frustration and uncertainty. While Ellie wants to separate those lives and simply choose the first, she’s not given that choice.
Books can provide validation for our own lived experiences. But they can also teach us so much about the people around us that we love. Whatever kind of reading experience you’re looking for, we can help you find it at the library.
— Rachel Clark is children’s librarian at Litchfield Public Library.
