Ab(Solutely) Normal:  Short Stories That Smash Mental Health Stereotypes
edited by Nora Shalaway Carpenter and Rocky Callen
Young Adult Fiction

A vampire learns that he alone can save his town from destruction, but is not sure he can do so, because this act would involve being “seen,” and he suffers from social anxiety.  A girl pours her heart out in letters to the...

Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson

Honestly, it was the cover of Jenny Jackson’s debut novel Pineapple Street that captured me initially. It had a Great Gatsby feel and, from the first couple of pages, I could tell it was a very character-driven story. The characters weren’t ones I expected though. In fact, they were kind of annoying. Why did you keep reading? Well, the characters were...

Evergreen by Matthew Cordell

This new picture book is sure to be a treasured favorite.  It is a story about Evergreen the squirrel who is afraid of pretty much everything.  When Granny Oak becomes sick Evergreen is tasked with delivering Mom’s special soup to help her feel better.  Just the thought of traveling across Buckthorn Forest all by herself deeply frightens Eve...