Rosena Fung’s new #OwnVoices graphic novel deals with real struggles for elementary and early middle school readers. Olivia is the new girl in school. Her parents immigrated to Canada, and she is dealing with the struggle of fitting in with new classmates while also being accepted and supported by her very vocal extended family. To top it off, she is also dealing with some anxiety issues and panic attacks.
(Amazon affiliate link) Living with Viola, available October 2021) in all its full color illustrations, does an excellent job of portraying the internal struggles Olivia faces with her internal voice, aka Viola. While the majority of the book focuses on her struggles, the end does show her asking for and receiving help. She utilizes some of the techniques she learns to help deal with her anxiety.
Overall, this may be a good book for children personally experiencing anxiety themselves.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was provided by Annick Press Ltd.
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