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5 fantastic farmyard books 14/03/25
Optimists Die First
Publisher: Andersen Press
Sixteen year-old Petula's life is ruled by extreme anxiety, fear and pessimism after her little sister died two years before, a death she feels responsible for. Her lovely parents are obviously deeply unhappy and coping in their own dysfunctional ways (her dad throws himself into his work and her mum into cats).
Then Petula meets Jacob at her art therapy group. Jacob (who has a prosthetic arm following a car accident) is seemingly a ray of sun-shiney optimism, and an unconventional and tender love story unfolds. However, like Petula, Jacob is in fact battling feelings of intense guilt about the past, which cannot be buried. This story is about families, friendship, coping with grief and OCD - and generally dealing with the problems life may throw at us at any age but particularly when growing up.
As is usual with Susin Nielsen's books, the prose flows effortlessly and the most serious of subjects are tackled with the lightest of touches. Optimists Die First sweeps you into Petula's life and mind so tenderly and vibrantly, one feels almost bereft on finishing the last page. Susin Nielsen always leaves you wanting more - and at the end of Optimists Die First she delivers a little extra nugget for fans of Word Nerd (we meet an old friend in the epilogue).
This is another five star read from Susin Nielsen, one of the most talented teen writers working today. There are sexual references, but most 12 year olds will be comfortable with them or can easily skip past if they need to.
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Book to support mental health awareness for ages 8 and over
Books that acknowledge or explore mental health issues can help to increase awareness, encourage dialogue, reduce stigma and develop real understanding. The following suggestions offer a spectrum of different perspectives and are well worth seeking out.
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A matter of life and death
It can often be difficult to discuss death and bereavement with teenagers, or even for teenagers to do so with parents/carers.
What you thought...
Average rating:
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Jemima, 17 November 2021
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I absolutely loved this book. I read it within one day, I plan on reading it again, I am truly happy with the way it ended.
Danae, 06 January 2021
I honestly don't know how many times I have read this book but i love it more and more each time. Definitely one of my favorite books and i would highly recommed it to anyone