Book details
Living With Viola
Description
#ownvoices title: author's parents were both born in Hong Kong, and #ownvoices title on mental health. Rosena was diagnosed with an anxiety and panic disorder when she was a teenager. While this book is not strictly a memoir, it is deeply based in Rosena's life and experiences
The intersection of asian identity and mental health is rarely explored territory for middle grade, an even less so with the sense of joy and optimism that Livy has
It's funny! Rosena has a background in strip comics, and the book is full of clever sight gags.
Themes: mental health, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, first generation asian, love for chinese food, friendships, specifically standing up for yourself, empathy for others
Imagine Guts and Ghosts colliding--with an Asian main character
Debut author
Age
9-12
Text complexity
beginner
Length
272 pages
Why to read
- Insight into Mental Health: 'Living With Viola' delves into the complexities of anxiety and depression through the lens of a young protagonist, offering readers a nuanced and empathetic perspective on mental health challenges that many face.
- Relatable Coming-of-Age Story: The book captures the essence of growing up and the struggles of fitting in, making it a relatable read for young adults and those who remember the trials of adolescence.
- Unique Visual Storytelling: As a graphic novel, 'Living With Viola' combines engaging artwork with storytelling, providing a visual experience that can make the narrative more accessible and impactful for visual learners or those less inclined to traditional text-heavy books.
- Cultural Representation: The story includes diverse cultural elements that can resonate with readers from similar backgrounds and educate others, promoting inclusivity and understanding of different heritages and experiences.