The short review: Enjoyable, easy read for young and old. Ellie is struggling with anxiety, and she can’t find words to explain. Her friends and parents really do want to help. I liked the ending being left up to the reader to decide what comes next for Ellie.
The longer review: What a wonderful, and really accessible book on so many levels. This story is enjoyable. It is easy to enter into and share Ellie’s life and feelings. The artwork is perfectly matched to the story, and aids accessibility. I see so many pupils in school who should be able to understand and relate to Ellie.
A good book is a good book! Lower reading age brings accessibility for more readers, it is not an indicator of how much we will enjoy the book. As I’ve already said, this is an enjoyable read.
The story raises a number of issues which can be a problem in a young person’s life. But doesn’t try to deal with too many as far as Ellie is concerned. These issues may lead to anxiety, which can be so debilitating for children.
This book may provide opportunities for children, parents, teachers and support staff/agencies to start needed conversations. It provides some possible positive ways to move forwards. Especially since CAHMS is in such high demand, yet its resources are very limited and stretched Country wide.
Well done to Barrington Stoke for their efforts to publish books which have a wider reading age but a context which older children should enjoy because it is part of their own experience. Thank you to Barrington Stoke and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

A short accessible text dealing with inexplicable anxiety and mental health. This will resonate with so many school pupils who are experiencing anxiety. Responsibly, it doesn't offer concrete answers or miracle cures but talks through the importance of talking and exploring feelings through art/creativity.

This book was amazing. I spent almost a year out of school due to similar reasons when i was 13 and it felt like I was going crazy because I had no idea how to verbalize why i was struggling so much. This book hit you right in the heart but it also shows how Ellie worked through these intense feelings she has. I am widely impressed with the message this books sends and how it gets it across. This was extremely enjoyable to read and I felt myself relating to a lot of her emotions.

This is such a good book especially for young minds to feel less alone and feel like they have an outlet to connect with their feelings and thoughts about anxiety. Very informative and well written.