We Are All So Good at Smiling | 
“The only way out is through.“
What a line! In dealing with difficult emotions and anxiety, the only (true) way to escape them and be free is to face them head on. I think this line works well with the magical realism elements too, and the ominous forest is a cool thing to relate mental health issues too. When one finds themselves in the woods, the only way to get out is to go through the woods; the same applies to mental health issues.
I think this book is why young adult literature shines. It takes a serious topic like mental health and presents it in an appropriate and manageable way for young adults. This generation is the most anxious generation (because of the “darn phones“), and so I feel like, to some extent at least, most students can relate to the events in the book. When thinking about engagement, having characters or situations that students can relate to matters.
McBride makes it clear throughout the novel (in her author's note and acknowledgments as well!) that we are never alone, no matter the struggles we face. The two owls (later revealed to be Whimsy and Faerry's siblings) follow the characters throughout the story, providing aid and protection. They are never questioned, never thanked, and never absent. This representation of support translates to a less magical world: someone always has our back.
pickTruly a beautiful book. The free verse style, layered motifs, and deep conversations held within the words created such a wonderful and heartfelt story. Mental health includes a lot of things (and can be a struggle for our students and ourselves). I loved the incorporation of fairy tales as a manifestation of Whimsy's internal struggles, built from her interests and demonstrating a sort of comfort even amongst the sorrow.
so-soI appreciate the authors unique take on showcasing depression, grief, and trauma and the back sliding that people can face when trying to overcome that. Especially as people of color and the weight of having to deal with racial discrimination on top of that. I recognize the points the author is trying to convey but the way it was delivered through this grim fairytale style didn‘t hit for me the way I wanted it too.
This book would be a great tool for students to use in order to practice reading comprehension skills and practice the skill of understanding the author‘s deeper meaning with this story as well as recognizing the authors purpose. This would also be a good diverse read for people to understand the harsh realities of the way black families view/ deal with mental health.
So far I am interested in the story in regards to mental health among black teens. The whole whimsical aspect that the author is going for to symbolize what Whimsy is going through feels almost dream like. However sometimes I‘m finding myself being a little lost within the story due to the excessive symbolism and it being too abstract.
My favorite part of this book was the three perspectives on the death of Faerry and Whimsy‘s siblings. Not only was this a crucial turning point in the narrative, but an important statement in guilt, forgiveness, and atonement. I was left wondering if their parents felt the same guilt Faerry and Whimsy did, and if they were able to finally forgive themselves (or at least remember) when the younger children returned home.
I was very impressed by the writing in this book, and the creativity the author brought to symbolizing the character‘s depression. However, I think it was a little too abstract for me to truly enjoy reading it. After finishing the book, I had to look up multiple summaries and analyses to make sense of it. I also just didn‘t connect with the characters at all, and I think I could have if there was more intentional character development.
With recommending any book, it‘s important for us to know our students so that we suggest the right book for them. Personally, I don‘t think I would ever recommend this book to a student. This is not because it isn‘t a beautifully written book, but because it addresses topics that can be very triggering for students. For some students, this could be just the book they need to feel understood. For others, it could be just a little too real.
This may be the literature nerd in me, but I was so excited to see Dante's “Inferno“ playing a prominent role throughout this piece. The narrative of the novel mirrors Dante's in several ways. For instance, they must traverse multiple environments where their wills are tested to escape “hell,“ which in Whimsy's case, is the forest. Furthermore, they have guides that assist them through this process, such as Beatrice for Dante, and Cole for Whimsy.
“The only way out is through.“ (McBride 134)
In my review post, I mentioned how I appreciated the metaphor of prevailing over depression and its association with magical realism. In this book, Whimsy and Faerry, depression becomes tangible in the form of Sorrow and her garden, where they must communicate with and support each other to survive. For students, this aspect can demonstrate how to help others in their mental health struggles.
so-soI will admit that I initially attempted to read this book in audio format, but upon realizing it was in verse, I picked up the hard copy so I could focus on the text more. I initially found the verse intertwined with magical realism to be a little confusing, but I appreciate the metaphor that the book provides regarding Whimsy and Faerry's experience with depression.
pickRead last month for #riseupreads @Catsandbooks
I really liked the lyricism of this story and how the folklore tales were used as metaphors for dealing with mental health struggles. Just a beautiful book!
This was also my #doublespin for April @TheAromaofBooks
pickWow, this book was something. The teenage experiences of two Black children living with depression, trauma, and being different all told in verse. Through it all fairy tales were woven in. I loved it. #RiseUpReads @Catsandbooks
“Black boys don‘t get to be sad and feel their feelings.”
#RiseupReads
pick#Read2025
OK, I think this is my last book to review for April. This one was for #RiseUpReads & I loved the lyrical verse it was written in. Using fairytale & folklore room around the world to talk about clinical depression is such a creative way to talk about a difficult subject, especially for young adults. I enjoyed reading it & might listen to the audiobooks as I think that would be a powerful way to experience the prose. 💜💜💜
#AprilReCap -- I LOVE ❤️ 💕 💗 💖 💘 #Audiobooks - They have been instrumental in my #AudioCommute #AudioReSet #AudioChores
pickA truly unique look at mental health and depression. I think the way Sorrow was depicted was especially affecting and pictorial.
#riseupreads
Mental health matters
“The only way out is through…”
My dad committed suicide when I was 10. I've had depression and anxiety my whole life. I take antidepressants. I've done therapy multiple times in my life. I believe it's important to discuss mental health and reduce the stigma around mental illnesses. If anyone is ever struggling I am always here to talk. Please reach out!
Resources below
#riseupreads
Folklore and fairytale references
Sorrow‘s garden
Whimsy and Faerry‘s journey through the forest
#riseupreads
pickI really enjoyed this fantasy told in verse about depression, trauma, and the journey to heal.
For me I noticed that they finally could heal when the truth was revealed and everyone started communicating with each other. While the truth isn't always accessible, communication and talking through things instead ignoring or trying to forget about them is necessary to work through issues.
#riseupreads
pickEvery so often, accidental themes start emerging with the books I'm reading. Lately, it is "books that I wish were in existence during my adolescence." What a unique, yet painfully accurate, approach to discussing depression and trauma. This one is going to stick with me for a while.
#riseupreads @catsandbooks
Oh my, this book really is something special. I'm reading slowly to savour every verse.😍 I can't understand why this author is not stocked in the UK.
#RiseUpReads @Catsandbooks
Blankets ✔️
Earl Grey tea ✔️
Snacks - walnuts and dark chocolate ✔️
New book arrived from USA this week. ✔️ I decided to wait for #HyggeHour as it looks like a very mindful read.
Happy me ✔️
#RiseUpReads @Catsandbooks
@Chrissyreadit @TheBookHippie
pick#riseupreads
This was an interesting book and really good on audio. I‘m glad it was picked for this month. This book is about clinical depression and trauma, with fairytale whimsy swirled in.
At the airport, heading to Hilo for the day. Breakfast & a few chapters of this one for #RiseUpReads
Glad it‘s Friday! 😵💫😴🥱
pickI enjoyed listening to this one. The author read it, and I found it quite beautiful. @CatsAndBooks I am excited for the discussion at the end of the month :) ❤️❤️❤️❤️ #RiseUpReads
Conor looking uncharacteristically sweet :)
My April #bookspin and #doublespin picks!
Any of my #roll100 picks and the buddy read for #riseupreads 🦋
@TheAromaofBooks @PuddleJumper @Catsandbooks
Repost for @Catsandbooks
Reminder for #riseupreads April
Read at your own pace. There will be a discussion posted on Litsy at the end of the month.
Please tag @Catsandbooks in your posts & use #riseupreads If you are not currently tagged & would like to be let @Catsandbooks know.
Reminder for #riseupreads April
Read at your own pace. There will be a discussion posted on Litsy at the end of the month.
Please tag me in your posts & use #riseupreads
If you're not currently tagged & would like to be, let me know.
#MentalHealthMonday
1. Tired & a bit overwhelmed work-wise. Having a little extra time off was helpful in some ways but put me behind in others.
2. I‘m excited to read this mental health fiction book with #RiseUpReads next month. Including the post from @Catsandbooks in case anyone wants to join in.
Catsandbooks's post on Litsy https://litsy.com/p/YUV3NTJOeWw4
Repost for @Catsandbooks
#RiseUpReads April 2025
We Are All So Good At Smiling by Amber McBride
Read at your own pace. There will be a discussion posted on Litsy at the end of the month.
Please tag @Catsandbooks in your posts and use #riseupreads If you‘re not tagged and would like to be let @Catsandbooks know
Content warnings: mental illness, suicide, grief, panic attack, bullying, racism, death, self harm
#RiseUpReads April 2025
We are all so good at smiling by Amber Mcbride
Read at your own pace. There will be a discussion posted on Litsy at the end of the month.
Please tag me in your posts & use #riseupreads
If you're not currently tagged & would like to be, let me know.
Content warnings: mental illness, suicide, grief, panic attacked, bullying, racism, death, self harm
pickAn emotional roller-coaster highlighting the struggles of clinical depression through poetry. Whimsy sees her world through a magical lens of fairy tales. Her story mirrors that of the original Grimm tales where the world was full of danger and small glimmers of hope.
@MeganAnn I finished this book a couple of weeks ago, but I found myself immediately diving back in. McBride incorporates so much into her poems and I wanted to catch it all.
This passage depicts Whimsy's attitude towards group therapy and the desire to escape from reality. Instead of being there in the moment (which is far too painful, Whimsy chooses to escape to a far more comfortable land of fairy tales instead. I think this is a great depiction of coping mechanisms. This could spark some great discussion in the classroom and help foster SEL.
“You know, Frankenstein thought himself a god saying, I‘ll make a human. God blistered & bothered in the stars saying, How about a mind plague for humankind? We could call it Clinical Depression.
Then they handed it out, like spoiled candy.”
I love two things about this passage. First, I appreciate how it's an interlude. Personally, my only experience with the term “interlude“ is when it's in an albumI appreciate it in writing, however, because I feel that it can be helpful to introduce students to different styles of writing. We can discuss how interludes are used in musical and theatrical context. The 2nd reason is the breaking of the 4th wall. This also displays different styles.
This excerpt from “Anansi Cries“ really stood out to me as I read the book. This passage would pair very well with a unit on narratives. We could also focus on narratives that are missing from the media, or falsely portrayed in the media. This covers both diversity and media literacy. My one concern with this unit plan would be requiring all students to read this book. The nature of the book makes me hesitate to assign it as a whole class text.
I liked how the mystery of what happened to Whimsy and Faerry's siblings was revealed to them. Because this took up a part of their lives and caused the depression and sorrow that they are having to face, they couldn't find closure in order to fully heal. I think this also represents the amount of times many people end up going back tot he hospital, like Whimsy does. It's hard to heal when something deep rooted remains with no explanation.
one thing I especially liked about this novel was the representation of friendship that is there through hardships and difficult times. Whimsy and Faerry take on a lot together, the forest at the edge of Marsh Creek Lane included. I think that the “monsters“ within the forest can also be seen as things that are hard to deal with for the friends. In a way, we all have “monsters“ in that forest, and sometimes it's nice to not deal with them alone.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I also liked the writing style. Reading something in verse is definitely different from what i'm used to, but I found it to be a good change of pace. I also thought the thematic material in this book
(such as clinical depression, etc...) is something that we need to talk about more, and i'm glad McBride doesn't shy away from it. I think that this is a good book for high school age readers to take on.
So far, this has been my least favorite book to read because it was difficult to follow. However, I think the story is very important for younger audiences to relate to. I feel as if that‘s what the whole purpose of reading is—-and I know there are so many kids out there who need to hear this to feel seen in their own circumstances like this. I felt like this story, in its telling, came to life and allows for ambiguous/personal interpretation.
“Leaves don‘t think but they know things….And when the leaf decays into the soil so much and it no longer looks like a leaf, even then, even then, it is a leaf.” This quote by Whimsy was a favorite. To me, it‘s a way of saying that no matter what someone has gone through or done, at the end of the day, they‘re still a person. She says “a brain is still a brain, with or without serotonin,” and I take that as there are no limits to define humanity.
pickI was mixed up with this book both because of my appreciation for an audience of younger readers and also for my own taste as a reader. I think this is a wonderful book to introduce to older middle school or younger high schoolers with even certain sections being perfect to introduce for poetry units. This will definitely stay in my own library to see how I would put this to use.
